4. ^ « Class JU.5L2il Book.. •'^^ CIQESRIGHT DEPOSm ^!&-: i •W^W ^ Kfc- *.&... ^,t i^i^ RB^rXV^rCiCac- Scale i/so ooo ><>■'•»/« Hf/tj r. J ■1090 V« »* A] V- ' «-■ y ^ \ '^-■' - ^ '"!'•'■ "■'-''-'''^^^v -^^ \ ^':\:. ^^^ "'^---^^^o-^,^^^ ziJVJ p-t i:->i. vii/ ujnn 5 \/ Tfjv/ / UiMuaa. — g «f:2 History of ni\e 353rcl Infantry Triis Volume is Dedicated to Axe Honor Roll of TTie 353rd Infantr9 "And oftimes cometh our vJise Lord God, Master of e-Oerj) trade, And tells tKem tales of His dail^' toil, of Edens nev^l^) made, And the)) rise to tKeir feet as He passes bj), gen- tlemen unafraid." ' / have no pity for the dead, They have gone out, gone out with flame and song, A sudden shining glory round them spread; Their drooping hands raised up again and strong; Only I sorrow that a man must die To find the unending beauty of the sky." History) of niie 353ra Infantr}? Regiment 894i DIVISION NATIONAL ARMY SEPTEMBER, 1917 JUNE, 1919 By CAPT. CHARLES F. DIENST Historian 353rd Infantry FIRST LIEUT. CLIFFORD CHALMER Historian First Battalion FIRST LIEUT. FRANCIS M. MORGAN Historian Second Battalion FIRST LIEUT. CHARLES 0. GALLENKAMP Historian Third Battalion FIRST LIEUT. LLOYD H. RENNING Historian Headquarters Company FIRST LIEUT. HAROLD F. RROWN Historian Supply Company FIRST LIEUT. MORTON S. RAILEY SECOND LIEUT. WILLIAM J. LEE Historians Machine Gun Company Published By THE 353rd INFANTRY SOCIETY Copyright Regimental Society?, The 353rd Infantrj) 1921 JAN 23 1921 PRINTED AND BOUND BY THE EAGLE PRESS WICHITA. KANSAS 0)C!.A608180 AO^ / Pref r erace This history is dedicated to the men on the honor roll of the 353rd Infantry. Its purpose is to put into concrete and abiding record the service of the entire regiment, which required of these men on the honor roll the supreme sacrifice. Space allows for a general presentation of experience only. Those who were "there" will recall similar incidents for their own home circles. The original plan was to have battalion and special company tell its own story, but the material collected showed too much over- lapping and at the same time too little comprehension of the regi- ment's service. For example : it appeared that almost every man, certainly every outfit, had a drink on the Germans in Xammes, but just how the 353rd Infantry co-operated as a unit in gaining and holding that difficult portion of the line did not appear in any of the accounts. It was necessary, therefore, to bring the accounts of the different historians together into a continuous story. To do this, paragraphs had to be shifted from one statement to another, and then these statements tied together with a connecting thread to make of all a regimental history. The suggestion and inspiration for the history belongs to Colonel Reeves. The regimental historian gladly accords the battalion and company historians full credit for the material of the campaign chapters. No quotation marks were used because, as these chapters now stand, they are the result of the efforts of all contributors. Special acknowledgment is due to Capt. Carl G. Eades for the pic- tures. Mr. Connelly, secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, and his staff lent invaluable co-operation in the initial stages of its preparation. Finally, the men of the regiment must thank Miss Florence Shoemaker and Miss Ruth Flesher for their help as stenog- raphers, and the regimental historian wishes to share with his wife, whatever credit may be due him for his part. Charles F. Dienst. Col. James H. Reeves commanded the 353rd Infantry, with the exception of two brief periods when he commanded the 177th Brig- ade, from the time of its orgaization until demobilization. He lead the regiment in all of its campaigns, on the march into Germany, and remained with it throughout the entire period of service in the Army of Occupation. The 353rd Infantry was the Colonel's Own Regiment. Colonel Reeves was born in Center, Cherokee County, Alabama, on September 20, 1870. At the approximate age of 18 years he en- tered West Point Military Academy on September 1, 1888. His rec- ord as an officer of the United States Army dates from his gradu- ation as follows : Second Lieutenant, 4th Cavalry, June 11, 1892. Second Lieutenant, 6th Cavalry, June 24, 1897. First Lieutenant, Second Cavalry, November 10, 1898. Captain, 14th Cavalry, February 2, 1901. Captain, Unassigned, March 11, 1911. Captain, 12th Cavalry, May 14, 1912. Captain, 3rd Cavalry, September 9, 1912. Major, 3rd Cavalry, June 9, 1916. Lieutenant Colonel, 3rd Cavalry, May 15, 1917. Colonel, National Army, August 5, 1917. Prior to his service in the World War Colonel Reeves had had large military experience. A resume of his experience follow^s : 1895-1897 Infantry and Cavalry School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 1898 During the months of May to November, Aide de Camp to General Joseph Wheeler. Spanish-American War. 1899 February to July, 1900, Cuban Army of Occupation. 1900 July, to December, 1900, Boxer Campaign in China. Aide de Camp to General James H. Wilson, April to November. 1900-1902 Military Attache, American Legation, Peking, China. 1903 Commanded Troop, 14th Cavalry, Fort Grant, Arizona. 1903-1905 Commanded Troop, 14th Cavalry, in the Philippine Islands. 1905-1907 Civil Government Service, Philippine Islands. 1907-1912 Military Attache, Peking, China. 1913 Joined 3rd Cavalry February 7, serving at Fort Sam Houston and Mexican border to August 20, 1917. 1915 Service at the Mounted Service School, Fort Riley, Kansas, during months from March to June. 1915-1916 Adjutant 3rd Cavalry to June, 1916. The account of achievements set forth in the following pages at- test to the further record of the man who was known throughout his regiment as " Our Colonel." ix C al end ar Organized at Camp Funston, Kansas, September 5, 1917. Left Camp Funston, May 26, 1918. Sailed from Hoboken (111 officers, 3401 enlisted men) June 4, 1918. Reynal Training Area, France, June 24-August 4, 1918. Occupation Lucey Sector, August 5-September 12, 1918. St. Mihiel Offensive, September 12-16. Euvezin Sector, September 16-October 7. Reserve Fifth Corps, October 9-19. Meuse-Argonne Offensive-Bantheville Woods, October 19-November 1. Final drive Meuse-Argonne Offensive, November 1. Barricourt Woods-Tailly and Army Line, November 2. Stenay, November 11. Army of Occupation November 24-May 6, 1919. U. S. S. Leviathan (105 officers, 2533 enlisted men) Port of Brest, France, May 14. U. S. A. May 22, 1919. Table of Contents PAGE Chapter I. Personnel of the 353rd Infantry 1 Chapter II. Training, Organization, and Equipment in Camp Funston 7 Chapter III, Comradeship and Recreation 15 Chapter IV. Getting "Over There" 19 Chapter V. With Regimental Headquarters and the First Rattalion in Manois 27 Chapter VI. With the Second Battalion in St. Blin ... 32 Chapter VII. With the Third Battalion in Rimoucourt . . 38 Chapter VIII. The 353rd Infantry Moves to the Front- First Battalion "Takes Over" 44 Chapter IX. The Second Battalion Moves Up to Support the First 48 Chapter X. The Third Battalion Moves Up in Reserve and Later Relieves the Second as the Second Relieves the First on the Out- guard Line 53 Chapter XI. The Third Battalion Draws First Blood on the Enemy 59 Chapter XII. The First Battalion Again on the Outguard Line — A Raid Frustrated 64 Chapter XIII. The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in the St. Mihiel Offensive. The Second Battalion Makes the Assault 69 Chapter XIV. The First Battalion Mops Up Mort Mare Woods on the Left Flank of the Regi- mental Sector and Forms Liason With the Second Division on the Right Flank 76 Chapter XV. The 353rd Infantrv Lands on the Army Objective. The Third Battalion Takes the Lead on the Fourth Objective ... 83 Chapter XVI. The 353rd Infantry Helps Develop the Army Line in the Euvezin Sector — Xammes 89 Chapter XVII. Back to the Line in the Beney Subsector — "Suicide Woods." The Second Battal- ion on the Outguard 94 Chapter XVIII. Another Shift to the Left St. Benoit Sub- sector 100 Chapter XIX. On the Way to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive 104 Chapter XX. The 353rd Infantry Takes Part in the Meuse- Argonne Offensive. The First Battalion Mops Up Bantheville Woods 112 xi Chapter XXI. The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in the Final Phase of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The Third Battalion Takes the Lead 121 Chapter XXII. The 353rd Infantry Carries On to the Army Objective. The Second Battalion in the Lead 129 Chapter XXIII. On to Stenay 139 Chapter XXIV. Stenay 148 Chapter XXV. The March to Germany 152 Chapter XXVI. The 353rd Infantry Area and Relations With Its People 163 Chapter XXVII. Service in the Array of Occupation . . . . 172 Chapter XXVIII. Return and Demobilization 188 Chapter XXIX. The Story of Headquarters Company . . . 199 The Adjutant's Office 201 The Band 203 Bombers 205 Intelligence Section and Some Informa- tion 208 The Pioneers — Knights of the Pick and Shovel 221 One-Pounder Platoon 224 The Signal Platoon and a Few of Its Ob- servations 227 Chapter XXX. Storv of the Machine Gun Company of the 353rd Infantry 239 Chapter XXXI. Story of the Supply Company 247 Chapter XXXII. Medical Detachment 253 Official Report on St. Mihiel Offensive 257 Official Report on Meuse-Argonne Offensive ....... 263 Rosters 269 Honor Roll of The 353rcl Infantr}) Company A NAIIE Andrews, Ivan E. Boug-her. Georg-e A. Drake, Frank G. Elliott, Illiff L. Hall, William A. Johnson, Leonard Kirsclibaum, John McCloskey, Purley MeDaniel, Lee B. Monk, Martin J. Mooney, Fred Plov, John LAST KNOW'N RANK Leon, Kan. Denver, Colo. Corp. Minneapolis, Minn., 4648 Col. Ave. Co. Runner Hutchinson, Kan. Co. Runner Winfield, Kan. Corp. Dnluth, Minn., 1045 48th St. Downs, Kan. Corp. Ag-ra, Kan. Sgrt. Columbus, Kan. Corp. North Kaukana, Wis. Eluemound, Kan. Florence, Wis. Company B NAME LAST KNOWN RANK ADDRESS Ahec, Emil Corp. Chicago, 111. Bamiele, Elias S. St. Louis, Mo. Burns, William E. Corp. Tongonoxie, Kan. Clendening', Foster J. Fulton, Kan. Devine, Daniel P. Cherry vale, Kan. Duvall, Oland H. Co. Rvmner Colwich, Kan. Elwick, Harry C. N. R. Fulton, Charles J. Cuba, Kan. Fox, Chester Co. Runner Sterling:, Kan. Griffith, Elmer C. Winfield, Kan. Groth, Joseph Sterling, Kan. Hag'erman, Chester R. Co. Runner Medicine, Lodge, Kan Himil, Lester D. Sg-t. Tongonoxie, Kan. Hardtke, Otto C. Chicago. 111. Hicks, Frank B. Corp. Linwood, Kan. Hooper, Wilbert G. Cook Inavale, Neb. Kierski, Walter Leavenworth, Kan. Lindhorst, Henry J. Mukwango, Wis. Mack, Joseph A. Kansas City, Kan. Mitchell, James O. Corp. Chicago, 111. Nelson, Delbert N. R. Patterson, Duncan J. Co. Rvuiner Miami, Ariz. Preston, Percy R. 1st Lieut. Denver, Colo. Remick, Earl F. Osborne, Kan. Sharp, Frank W. Corp. Sterling. Kan. Stevenson, Wilbur A. Richmond, Kan. Titolski, Joe Co. Runner Leavenworth, Kan. Turner, Lawrence W. Corp. Newton, Kan. Ware, Hugh H. Sgt. Chuaska, Okla. Wood, Jasper M. Hiattville, Kan. Wymore, Verne Kingman, Kan. Company C NAIIE Defrees, Albert C. Foster, Horace K. Grubs, Lee A. Hadlick, Charles F. Hutton, Eugene Hutchens, Lawrence Hurlbert, Dexter Heidle, Ted Joyce, Harry F. Jennings, Lewis Jones, Everett Kelsey, Floyd J. Kmgsbury, La Rue S. Knapp, Nicholas P. Lemanski, Peter Lonthowsky, Frank Mattison, Milton A. New, Roy O. Nutz, Theodore E. Reeves, Jessie C. Swiderski, Victor Wellmitz, Frank Williams, David R. Zukaitis, Charles LAST KNOWN R.4NK Corp. Corp. Co. Runner Corp. Corp, ADDRESS MoCloutl, Kan. Wichita, Kan. Emporia, Kan. Blue Earth, Minn. Wichita, Kan. Lawrence, Kan. Wayco, Mo. Junction City, Kan. Leavenworth, Kan. Smith Center, Kan. Ethel, Mo. Leavenworth, Kan. Smith Center, Kan. Harmon, 111. N. R. Pittsburg, Kan. Spring Valley, Wis. Mound City, Kan. Fort Scott, Kan. Medicine Lodge, Kan. Atchison, Kan. Emporia, Kan. Tonganoxie, Kan. Chicago, 111. Company D NAME Gug'g'isberg', Edward Hanlin. Charles H. Hartshorn, Clyde Holberg-, Albert L. Hurd, Conrad Jackson, William H. Keeney, Clyde Levy, Joseph Meirs, Clarence F. Miller, Charles Mosher, Arthur D. Olson, Edward L. Owen, Henry H. Reyelts. Charles P. Rice, Homer Sanstrom, Carl E. Smart, William H. Spragrue, James M. Tucker, Fred Walker, John A. Toung, Robert LAST KNOWN BANK Corp. Meeh. Corp. Corp. Co. Runner ADDRESS Bums, Kan. Osawatomie. Kan. Pueblo. Colo. Topeka. Kan. Paradise, Kan. Hutchinson, Kan. OnaiTO, Kan. Chicago, HI. Wichita, Kan. Ellsworth, Kan. Pardeeville, Wis. Deforest, Wis. Fulton, Kan. Chicago, 111. Louisburg, Kan. Chicago, 111. Mulvane, Kan. Lena, Stephenson Co., 111. Eaglewood, Kan. Waukesha, Wis. Rodley, Kan. Company E NAME Christiancy, H. E. Shaw, Charles A. Adolph, Harvey Bartell. Elmer E. Basine, John E. Beach, Alfred T. Beam an. Roy Blair, Tracy S. Brogden, Joseph Burghardt, Edwin L. Clement, Claude E. Farrel, Joseph Haerl, Melvin E. Harless, Nain R. Henrich, Samuel C. Hubbard, Samuel S. Hudspeth, Oney M. Hutchison, Frederick Keller, Ignatz Mueller, Paul Gus McDonald, Ralph O'Conner, Frank J. Olm, Albert Raymond, Jesse V. Schroeder, Ernest E. Sparling, Clare F. Stinson, Harold M. Tafoya, Juan B. Weaver, Herman Weaver, Taylor B. Wilson, Glenn R. .AST KNOWTV RANK ADDRESS 1st Lieut. Warren, Ohio 1st Lieut. Pattonsburg, Mo. Corp. Eskridge, Kan. Sgt. Waubansee, Kan. Denver. Colo. Corp. Manchester, Kan. Oakley, Kan. Corp. Protection, Kan. Corp. Topeka, Kan. Bn. Runner Protection, Kan. Kansas City, Kan. Home City, Kan. Moorhead, Wis. Louisburg. W. "Va. Natoma, Kan. At wood, Kan. Crona, N. M. Corp. Mulberiy, Kan. N. R. St. Louis, Mo. Logan, Kan. Corp. Chicago, 111. N. R. Sgt. Hutchmson. Kan. Reg. Runner Wichita, Kan. Corp. Oneida, Kan. Eldorado, Kan. Corp. Rio Amba. N. M. Eldorado, Kan. Sumner Co., Kan. Corp. Oberlm, Kan. Company F NAME Anderson, Ralph P. Bates, Henry J. Clark, Wray Dotson, Clay Duffy, Albert Erickson, Albin Femiter, John J. Grannan, Joseph W. Heffron, Walter R. Kessler, Edward M. Krause, Reginald A. Lantis, Leo Laschinger, Fred W. Meyer, Frank W. Moore. Davis M. Neilson, Lauritz Nuce, Joe Albert Romick, James E. Rowe, Edward Sandman, Leo L. Seymour, Qunicey R. Simmons, Frank L. Snyder, Harr N. Sipes, Walker O. H. Stamm, Boyd Wenski, Constantine M. LAST KNOWN RANK Corp. Sgt. Corp. Corp. Sgt. Corp. ADDRESS Scranton, Kan. Ellensbergh, Wash. Pittsburg, Kan. Neodesha, Kan. Wathena, Kan. WajTie, Kan. Chicago, 111. Chicago, 111. Tookiba, Okla. Cheney, Kan. Milwaukee, Wis. Ottawa, Kan. Sheboygan, Wis. Belpre. Kan. Stromberg, Nebr. Omaha, Nebr. Dodge City, Kan. Mescotah, Kan. Scranton, Kan. Barrington, 111. Rantoul. Kan. Kansas City, Kan. Memphis, Mo. Pittsburg, Kan. Severance, Kan. Kansas City, Kan. XIV Company G NAME Benidt, Alvin C. Brullman, I^ester G Burt, William R. Elliott, Gilbert R. Ford, Richmond "V. Harrington, Parmer Heald, Arlington A. Heime, Aloysius Henderson, Orel T. Holmes, Oliver W. Kahn, Norman Kasha, Henry H. Kelley, Joseph Martin, Leroy McCarren, Andrew J. MeDaniel, Guy F. Moore, Walter E. Murphey, Joseph M. Ramsey, Earl E. Romaek, Francis R. Sester, Albert P. Smith, Jacob L. Stumps, Michael Thurlow, Clifford M. Westltng. John R. Wright, Roy E. Wray, Harry C. LAST KNOWN RANK ADDRESS Oak Grov.e, Wis. Bugler Paola, Kan. Cornwall, England Pooli, Ind. Topeka, Kan. Phoenix, Ariz. Goff, Kan. St. Marys, Kan. Cottonwood, Ariz. Seaver Crossing, Neb. Corp. Minneapolis, Minn. Cuba. Kan. Peoria, Kan. Sgt. Atlanta, Kan. Leavenworth, Kan. Sabetha, Kan. Corp. Akron, Kan. Corp. New York, N. Y. Sgt. Cedarvale, Kan. Corp. Katy, Texas. Wamego, Kan. Bugler Cawker City, Kan. Clafin, Kan. Winfield, Kan. Corp. Clay Center, Kan. Sgt. Manhattan, Kan. 1st Lieut. Colorado Springs, Colo, Company H NAME Lewis, Gilbert H. Wickersham, J. H. Ackerman, Carl W, Bodner, Albert E. Bearhardt, Henry Carter, Sidney D. Gray, Harry E. Holman, Earl L. Hunt, Charles L. King, Howard Scott Knozvich, Fred McCollough, Floyd L. Schwandt, Carl Schultz, Fred J. Shimmin, Thomas A. Spohnhauer, Harr F. Tomow, Martin F. Tuttle, Louis F. West, James W. West. Olin J. Wright, William E. Yore, Louis A. LAST KNOVra R.'iNK 1st Lieut. 3nd Lieut. Sgt. ADDRESS Kinsley, Kan. Denver, Colo. Marion, Kan. Russell, Kan. Chippewa Falls, Wis. Tuseon, Ariz. Pittsburg, Kan. Weir City, Kan. Salina, Kan. Clay Center. Kan. Miamie, Ariz. Bunker Hill, Kan. Leavenworth, Kan. Winona, Minn. Council Grove, Kan. Cherryvale, Kan. Walnut, ni. Anthony, Kan. Kansas City, Mo. Mildred. Kan. Leavenworth, Kan. '^hicago. 111. Company I NAME Carr, Roy E. Finlayson, Allan Davis, Eli Eccher. Richard Fish, Charles R. Hewitt, Henry L. Hogan, Thomas J. Ingerham, Clarence Johnson, Harold M. Kren, Walter R. Kolb, Frederick J. McKenna, Edward A. Nixon, Willie A. Parsons, William F. Slaughter, John H. Smith, Lehigh L. Speer, Joe R. Steward, Herbert S. Theobald, Jacob K. Wendorf, Emil A. Wuest, Henry LAST KNOWN RANK 1st. Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Corp. Corp. Corp. Co. Rmmer Sgt. ADDRESS Lockwood, Mo. Skull "Valley, Ariz. Liberal. Mo. Atchison, Kan. Mound City, Kan. Natoma, Kan. Gamett, Kan. Wamego, Kan. 2205 S. 10th St., St. Louis. Mo. La Crosse, Wis. Chicago, 111. Medicine Lodge, Kan. Florence, Ariz. Springerville, Ariz. Snowflake, Ariz. Atchison, Kan. Council Grove, Kan. Prescott, Ariz. Milwaukee, Wis. Anoka, Minn. Company K NAME Buehworth, Earl E. Eckhart, John P. Grant, Zaehary A. Healy, f'raneis L. Kleman, Oscar Kline, Wilson R. Kopangr, Arthur C. Lovelady, Grant Nixon, James G. Ride:e, Edward L. Rice, Otis W. Rush, Ralph G. Rader, Valentine S. Spayer, Edward S. Wakeman. Arthur Watson, Walter W. Weinberg-, Louis B. NAME Allen, Forrest Baxter, William C. Berg-ner, William C. Grass, Wilfred W. Hig-g-ins, Edward L. Hobson, James A. Holmes, Ira G. Isaacson, Clyde James, Morris Johnson, William M. Kiely, Patrick L. Kronlokken, John Lambert, Le Roy P. Lewis, Howard M. Lysle, Samuel V. Love, Cramer C. McNeeley, Theodore L. Metzker, William H. Miller, Gerald L. Paustian. Otto H. Plamenaz, Blatz Raible, Joseph R. Siebenthaler, George H. Thompson, George W. Verliulst, Comelious R. WagTier, Harold R. NAME Jackson, Jared F. Seith, Alvin N. Abney, George C. Anderson, Harold Black, Benjamin H. Block, Herbert M. Bosseck, Lorane Brewer, John L. Clemons, David E. Coppus, Jacob J. Crosley, William G. Crouch. Joseph H. Dickey, James H. Hansen, Arvid L. Hansen, Elmer C. Harvey, Charles Keck, Harry L. Keis, Albert King, Clarence Lane, Donald C. Lindstrom, Walter R. Lockwood, Emery C. Lyons, Earl C. Mullenbach, Joseph J. Norris, Claude A. Perkins, Oscar Peterson, Nels J. Pippert. Herman W. Riley, William J. Rostetter, Frank L. Rubino, Joe Schneikart, Rudolph Solomon, Frank Sturm, Jacob M. Trapp, Peter C. Verlioeff, Lenord C, Viekroy, Lawrence P. Wilson, Irving F. Zenk, Leo L. LAST KNOWN RANK Corp. 1st Lieut. Corp. Corp. Corp. Corp. Company L LAST KNOWN RANK Corp. Corp. Co. Runner Corp. Company LAST KNOVW RANK 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Co. Runner Corp. Corp. Co. Runner Bn. Runner Corp. ADDRESS Rowersville, Mo. Norton, Kan. Burlington, Kan. Lincohi Center, Kan. Bamber, Wis. Abilene, Kan. Deerfield, Wis. Grant, Kan. Plattsville. Pa. Phoenix, Wis. Hutchinson, Kan. Kansas City, Kan. Howard, Kan. La Salle, 111. Wathena, Kan. Plattsville, Wis. Troy, Kan. ADDRESS Earlton, Kan. Powhattan, Kan. Sheboygan, Wis. Chetopa, Kan. Stella, Nebr. Bartlett, Kan. Madison, Kan. Hiawatha, Kan. Madison, Kan. N. R. Chicago, 111. Renville, Minn. Montana, Kan. Denver, Colo. Bowe, Tex. Somerton. Kan. Topeka. Kan. Coldwater, Kan. Wichita, Kan. Enterprise, Kan. Bisbee, Ariz. Overbrook, Kan. Merriam, Kan. Liberal, Kan. Comwell, Wis. Fruita, Colo. M Corp. ADDRESS Atchison, Kan. Cleveland, Ohio Rockford, 111. Solway, Minn. Marion, Kan. Lyons, Kan. La Fontain, Kan. Montrose, Colo. Otego, Kan. Little Chute, Wis. Denver, Colo. Odessa, Mo. Denver, Colo. McPherson, Kan. East Moline, 111. Quinter, Kan. St. Joseph, Mo. N. R. Manhattan, Kan. Emporia, Kan. N. R. Du Quoin. Kan. Lincoln, Kan. Calvary, Wis. South Haven, Kan. Casey, 111. Omaha, Nebr. Denver, Colo. Bennington, Kan, Altoona, Kan. Chicago, 111. Kansas City, Kan. Hiawatha, Kan. Norton, Kan. Herington. Kan. Grinimel. Kan. Aurora. 111. Oshkosh, Wis. Winona, Minn. Headquarters Corxipany NAME Bayley, Harry E. Berry, Oscar R. Dillon, Cecil E. Feiister, Charles Goff, Ira B. Hawkins, Clay H. Kemp, Floyd W. London, Marcus L. Marshall. Earl G. McDonald, Chester Redd, Charles E. Ryan, John Severin, Alvin Slomski, Martin Thompson, John I. West, James W. LAST KNOWN RANK Corp. 1st Sg-t. ADDRESS Tar River, Okla. Parsons, Kan. Hig-hland, Kan. New York, N. Y. Horsehranch, K.v. Grenola, Kan. Topeka, Kan. Bansas City. Kan. Arkansas City, Kan. Howard, Kan. Denver, Colo. N. R. Colorado Spring's, Colo. Basel! ar, Kan. Eag'lewood, Kan. N. R. Machine Gun Company NAME LAST KNOW'N RANK ADDRESS Mitchell, Edward A. 1st Lieut. Denver, Colo. Berquist, Arthur C. Corp. Stockton, Kan. Bowden. James Kansas City, Kan. Cosg-riff. Earl J. Dover. Ky. Costello, Albert L. Topeka, Kan. Davidson, Frank J. Sgt. Olathe, Kan. Deitseh, Louis F. Denver, Colo. Lindstrom, Walter R. Oswego, Kan. McCarley, Hallie Ellington, Kan. Mnnson, Louis Spencer, Wis. Reid, Randall Ogallah, Kan. Strasser, William E. Hiattville, Kan. Shannon, Edward Sgt. Mapleton, Kan. Sanchez, Solomon Raton, N. Mex. Szylobrit, Alex A. Wisconsin Swart, Irvin M. Long Island, Kan. Thieme, Eitel P. Corp. Goff, Kan. Tidball, Thomas B. Collyer, Kan. Verdier, Martin H. N. R. Wiedmar, Chris. Madison, Kan. NAME Knudsen, Elmer A. Miekelson, Clarence Prosser, John Shafer, Francis W. Supply Company LAST KNOWN RANK Wagoner ADDRESS Salina, Kan. Blackearth, Wis. Ashland, Wis. Cherryvale. Kan. Regimental Infirmary NAME Focht, William J. Fraizer, Lloyd M. Nathan. James Tindall, Marvin L, LAST KNOWN RANK Sgt. ADDRESS Grinnell, Iowa Malvern, Iowa Memphis, Tenn. Tonganoxie, Kan. xvn Men of TKe 353rd Infantrj) WKo Received Decorations MEDAL OF HONOR First Lieut. Harold A. Furlong Second Lieut. J. Hunter Wickersham DISTINGUISHED First Sergt. Harry J. Adams Capt. Moses D. Atkins Capt. Fred C. Albright Capt. Albert F. Baxter Sergt. Harry E. Bayly Lieut.-Col. George W. Blackinton Corp. Tracy S. Blair Pvt. George W. Condit Corp. Francis L. Daniels Sergt. Otis V. Dozer Pvt. John I Dugan Corp. Lloyd Farber Capt. Charles M. Fox Sergt. George W. Gardner Pvt. Don Green Sergt. E. F. Guthrie Pvt. William A. Hall Pvt. Alva Kane Coi'p. E. M. Kessler Pvt. D. F. Lamson Sergt. Lee B. McDaniel Bugler Edward McGee SERVICE CROSS Corp. John W. McKay Sergt. Clayton Malone Sergt. Herbert H. Miller First Lieut. Francis Morgan Sergt. E. E. Ramsey First Lieut. George E. Rand Pvt. Cecil E. Reed Col. James H. Reeves Lieut.-Col. James L. Peatross Second Lieut. Harry W. Pine Pvt. L. L. Sanduran First Lieut. J. E. Scanlon Pvt. R. R. Seymour First Lieut. Charles A. Shaw Sergt. Ralph M. Shimfall Lieut.-Col. Burton A. Smead First Lieut. R. H. G. Smith Corp. Milton C. Sundin Pvt. J. A. Szcepanick Bugler Frank F. Tomanek Pvt. Richard Wahler Sergt. Walter S. Witt DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL Col. James H. Reeves CROIX DE GUERRE Lieut.-Col. Fred W. Boschen Lieut.-Col. F. W. O'Donnell Chap. Otis E. Gray Col. James H. Reeves Capt. J. W. Lockwood Corp. Milton C. Sundin Maj. C. J. Masseck Sergt. Ralph G. Taylor Capt. Moses D. Atkins BELGIAN CROSS Maj. Milton Portman CHAPTER I. Personnel of the 353rd Infantry September 5, 1917, has been set as the birthday of the 353rd Infantry, 89th Division. Colonel Reeves and many of the officers were on the ground several days earlier, but not until September 5 did the "first five per cent" of the Regiment's enlisted personnel arrive in the unit area at Camp Funston. Five months lacking one day since the declaration of war between the United States and Germany on April 6, 1917, had been spent in preparation for this mere beginning of the mobilization and organization of man power for the nation's part in the World War. The cantonment had been built, equipment supplied, officers trained. Now the Selective Service Law was in operation. And the " Rookies," veterans of the future, were actually born into the service. Only those who have left civil occupations and homes for the camp and field can ever appre- ciate the change which this transition brings into the lives of men. It is little wonder that the 5th of each succeeding month grew in significance for every man in the 353rd Infantry. The personnel of the Regiment, as of the entire National Army, came from three sources: the Regular Army, the Officers' Reserve Corps, and the citizenship of the country between the ages of twenty- one and thirty-one years. The initial personnel of the 353rd In- fantry follows: From the Regular Army: Col. James H. Reeves, Lieut. Col. Frank B. Hawkins, Maj. Jans E. Stedge, Maj. W. F. C. Jepson, and thirty-four non-commissioned officers. From the Of- ficers' Reserve Corps: eighty-four officers (from the 5th Company, 14th Provisional Training Regiment at Fort Riley). From the State of Kansas under the operation of the Selective Service Law: three hundred twenty-three enlisted men on September 5; one thousand seven hundred ninety-one on September 19; and six hun- dred eighty on October 5th — a total of two thousand nine hundred seventy-four Kansas men. From these initial increments of National Army men the Regiment received its name, "The All-Kansas Regi- ment." Like all National Army Regiments the 353rd Infantry was called upon to transfer men to other organizations and to receive replace- ments from later drafts. These transfers were made to the Engi- neers' Corps, to the Headquarters Battalion of the A. E. F., to the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps, and various other branches of the service where men were immediately needed. The largest de- tachments were sent to the 35th Division and to the 4th Division. A. E, F. officers, too, were transferred to various organizations and seventy-eight others from the 2nd Training Camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison began their service in the Regiment in December, 1917. These unsettled conditions in the personnel of the Regiment were trying to both officers and men. "Are we to be a depot outfit after all?" was a question of frequent recurrence. The final effect of the 2 Regimental History 353i'd Infantry transfers is seen in this announcement of the Regimental Bulletin of April 11, 1918: " Each company will turn out on Friday afternoon at the pa- rade for General Wood with six squads. Battalion Commanders will notify these Headquarters of the number of men needed in each company to make up this quota." Timely assurance from the War Department saved the morale of Ihe men. The Regimental Bulletin of February 19 had this an- nouncement : " From a letter received by the Division Commander from the War Department it is desired that all officers and men understand that there is no intention of breaking up National Army Divisions. All should co-operate most heartily for the benefit of the army as a whole." Further assurance came on February 25th in the requirement of "indispensable lists." "All non-commissioned officers plus 5% of the remaining enlisted strength " were to be retained in each com- pany. There were still enough when reduced to the lowest number to " carry on " and soon replacements began to appear. With new men came new hope of service over sea. These replacements were as follows: March 13, 1918, 350 men, Camp Grant, Illinois. 161st Depot Brigade. April 24, 1918, 300 men. Camp Funston, Kansas. 164th Depot Brigade. April 27, 1918, 143 men, Camp Funston, Kansas. 164th Depot Brigade. May 8, 1918, 2017 men. Camp Funston, Kansas. 164th Depot Brigade. The monthly return for May, 1918, made up at Camp Mills, N. Y., showed a total of three thousand five hundred two enlisted men and one hundred officers in the Regiment. The Medical Detachment, in addition, consisted of fifty-two men and eleven officers. The regi- ment was now practically up to war strength. But changes in personnel must continue and were now accepted as part of the game. In the place of " indispensables " all became " expendibles." Nineteen lieutenants came to the Regiment in The Reynel Training area, France, from the A. E. F. candidates school. While all were rejoicing in a more complete line-up of officers for early duty at the front, several of the old officers were recalled to the United States as instructors. These changes in personnel seemed at the time to be striking at the progress and efficiency of the organization. There's something in the association of men as " bunkies " that ties them together once Personnel of the 353rd Infantry 3 for all. "I'm ready to go," said the transferred man, "but I should like to go with my old outfit." And the man who was left behind answered, " We're going to be filled up with strangers. I don't like it either." But it remained for the experience of campaigns to re- veal the true value of replacements for renewed effectiveness. When the ranks had been thinned in the Lucey Sector, in the St. Mihiel Offensive, and in the Euvezin Sector, seven hundred eighty-one new men from the 86th Division found little difficulty in swinging into line with the veterans of previous campaigns. The new men were glad to give some of their extra shoes and equipment to the old men; and the old men free to give the new men the full benefit of their experience as fighters. These replacements from the 86th Division were from various middle-western states — Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota mainly. The enlisted personnel of the Regiment re- mained approximately sixty per cent Kansas men throughout the entire period of service. The officers, however, represented every state in the Union. And "The All Kansas Regiment" came to be the most typically middle-west regiment of the Middle-West Division. More important than the numbers and source of this personnel were its qualifications for the task and its qualities of character, which accounts for its high service as a part of the A. E. F. The four officers and thirty-four non-commissioned officers of the Regular Army were to form the framework of the new organization. These men, especially Colonel Reeves, gave to the Regiment its policies and standards of efficiency. For tw^enty-nine years Colonel Reeves had seen continuous mili- tary service. His service included duty with troops, staff work, special duty with the Ppilippine Government, and long experience as a military attache. This broad experience gave him a sympa- thetic understanding of men as well as military affairs, both essen- tial to the building of a National Army regiment. Lieutenant- Colonel Hawkins, second in command from the organization of the Regiment until the occupation of the Lucey Sector, had been in the service since the Spanish-American W^ar. His experience at the Fort Slocum and Fort Logan Recruit Depots was especially valu- able in the training of the new National Army men. Major Stedge enlisted as a private in 1894. He not only knew soldiering at first hand from the ranks to the commissioned grades, but even more im- portant. Major Stedge impressed the new^ men in unmistakable and picturesque terms with the gravity of military service. He "nailed them to the cross" and at the same time strengthened their confi- dence in themselves. Major Jepson was wath the Regiment only a few days when he was transferred to another organization. More immediate than the influence of the Regular Army officers was the service of the non-commissioned personnel of the Regular Army. They spoke not of years but of " hitches " in the service. They understood guard mount exactly and knew the technique of the duty roster to the fraction of a minute even though its tours were 4 Regimental History 353vd Infantry longer in the National Army than they had ever known with the Regulars. They surprised the new Reserve Officers with their ready use of the third person and taught its practical value to the rookies. They were soldiers by profession and played the game in a manner worthy of the best traditions of the old army. These officers and enlisted men of the Regular Army were a tried lot. Thorough training and actual experience gave them confidence in themselves and the record they had made, entitled them the con- fidence of the whole country. But there was a bit of apprehension about the future of the new officers and enlisted men who were to take part in the World War with so little training and even less ex- perience. This apprehension was greatest in the minds of the new officers and men themselves. True to American spirit, however, they balanced lack of confidence with determination and lack of ex- perience with intensity of effort. The Reserve Officers of the 353rd Infantry "were men who re- sponded to the call for volunteers under Section 54 of the National Defense Act, June, 1916. They were plain citizens who wished to serve their country to the fullest. Of the eighty-four who reported to Camp Funston for duty with the Regiment, fifteen had been en- gaged in business, eight had left study in colleges and universities, six resigned as teachers, and others came from such ocupations as law, journalism, engineering, and medicine. Of these same men, three had had training in military schools, nine had seen service in the National Guard, ten had been in the Regular Army, and the rest were wholly inexperienced in military matters. In respect to the variety of their previous occupations and their military experience these men were representative of the Reserve Officers of the National Army generally. These officers began their training at Fort Riley in May and re- ceived their commissions in August. Training Camp Bulletin No. 49 has some striking statements concerning the process. For example, " The schedule is based on a minimum day of ten hours." As a matter of fact, the day was not based on hours at all but upon the limit of human endurance. "All must forget rank," the bulletin con- tinued, " and live and work on equal terms." Training began with a "hike"; by the end of the week company drill was in progress. By the sixth week range work was on with drill between platoon turns at firing. In spite of dust and heat, inoculations and vaccina- tions, the men stuck to the schedule. Occasionally the surgeons ruled out a candidate on physical disability, but no one " fell out." It was understood from the first that commissions would be granted on the basis of the survival of the fittest. General Sherman's epithet came to be freely applied to training camps as well as to war. The men, however, recognized in these strenuous conditions the peril of their country and did their best to help redeem a bad situation. In this connection a word of recognition is due the officers of the Regular Army for the part they played in training the new officers. Capt. Levi G. Brown (Later Lieutenant-Colonel Brown) commanded Personnel of the 353rd Infantry 5 the 5th Company, 14th Provisional Training Regiment, in which the first officers assigned to tlie 353rd Infantry were trained. He appreciated fully the position of a candidate called from the ranks for the first time to take charge of a company. If a mix-up occurred because the commander forgot his command, or those commanded had no chance to execute automatically, the captain never scored until he saw the final solution of the situation. To avoid a bad situ- ation was commendable; to save a bad situation was creditable. Regular Army officers held to their standards of efficiency but al- most without exception they emphasized these standards as goals to be approached and not as ends immediately attainable. Under this instruction the candidates from civilian life had by the 15th of August, as summed up by Colonel Rivers, the Camp Com- mander in his final message to the successful candidates in the Rid- ing Hall at Fort Riley, "a slight knowledge of a good many things." His parting words were, ' Remember it's up to you to justify your commissions." In this statement he revealed the secret of success to the new officers. They took the cue without hesitation. In camp the new officers studied while their men rested on the drill ground, attended battalion schools at night, crammed for special examina- tions — all this under threat of summons before the " benzine " board. Not by the acquirements of three months in the training camp did they succeed but by ceaseless effort throughout their en- tire service. The third element in the personnel of the 353rd Infantry, the en- listed men, was, above all, typical of the population of the Middle West. A glance at any roster revealed almost every language. The following are specimens from Company "A" : McClowsky, Christen- sen, Armigo, Lopriore, Biskoe, Van Dusen, England, Plov, Kirsch- baum, Massier. While all nationalities w^ere represented, few were of foreign birth; ancestry of the men of the 353rd Infantry was usu- ally stated in the Service Record, "American." Even more striking than the sound of their names was the appearance of the men them- selves as they stood in line even for the first time. They were tall, broad-shouldered men with tan on their faces and blisters on their hands. They looked each other and their officers straight in the eyes with a guarantee of intelligence, sincerity, and loyalty that in- spired confidence immediately. They needed only the precision and discipline of military drill to make of them soldiers fit for the arduous duties of the World War. As the historian of Company "G" observed, " It was a cosmopolitan outfit that boarded the train at Camp Funston, May 26, 1918, and started on the ' Long, Long Trail.' They were Americans going to shatter the imperialistic aspira- tions of the Potsdam gang." The enlisted men of the Regiment, like the Reserve Officers, represented all lines of civilian occupation. One hundred men 6 Regimental History 353rd Infantry taken in alphabetical order from the roster of Headquarters Com- pany claimed thirty-nine different occupations. Twenty-seven of these were farmers, seven were miners; railroad men, salesmen, barbers, tailors, and others followed. This variety in experience fitted well into the needs of the new organizations. Company Com- manders lost no time in investigating the ability of their men and soon had each one working at his highest efficiency. Carpenters completed the barracks, cooks went to the kitchens, barbers and tail- ors established their shops. No matter what the task, (with the possi- ble exception of bugling) there could be found in the Regiment a man equal to the occasion, already trained in the school of civilian service. Very few had had any experience in military matters — and yet the list of non-commissioned officers picked from the new^ men num- bered two hundred sixteen by October 1st. It was made clear at the outset that merit was to be the basis of promotion in the National Army. The response of the men to this challenge of duty and oppor- tunity is seen in the fact that eighty-three enlisted men of the 353rd Infantry were sent to Officers' Training camps. The enlisted per- sonnel did not, however, accept military service as a profession. It w^as the end to be attained, not the process of attaining the end, that called forth their utmost efforts. On the night of the 31st of October, just preceding the advance in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the 353rd Infantry was commended because there was not a single straggler, but when the call was made for re-enlistment at the time of demobilization not a man volunteered. The end of the war had been attained. The soldier's interest returned irresistibly to home and civilian occupation. In brief, the personnel of the 353rd Infantry, both in its source and qualifications was typically American. Its elements were called together from peaceful pursuits, under pressure of one of the grav- est emergencies that had ever occurred in the life of the Nation. The representatives of the Regular Army realized fully the task of building an organization to contend with the disciplined veterans of Europe. They were steadied in their part by thorough training and actual service under fire. The new officers and men accepted without reserve the call to service. They brought to the task the vigor and determination of the Midle-West. Finally, through all ranks and elements ran, with ever increasing power, the conscious- ness of obligation to the principles recognized throughout the world as American. CHAPTER II. Training, Organization, and Equipment IN Camp Funston The scene that greeted the officers and men of the 353rd Infanti'y at Camp Funston in early Septemher, 1917, resembled a great Ameri- can factory more than a military garrison. Thousands of workmen were hurrying the buildings to completion. All day long hammers clicked and saws hummed. The frame work of a new structure would appear, and, as if by magic, the next view would present an- other building. Quite a number of the men entering military ser- vice had helped to build the camp; many others had watched the progress of its construction; all felt in this activity the thrill of the mighty movement that was claiming the attention of the country. But this scene of industrial activity was soon to change to a scene of military activity. General Wood had arrived in Fort Riley in the latter part of August, 1917. He began immediately to line up his Division. General Order Number One, August 27, 1917, announced " Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood, United States Army, hereby assumes com- mand of this Division." This order continued with the assignment of staff and commanding officers. General Order Number Two, August 31, 1917, which became and remained in all succeeding time number one in importance, provided for the sanitation and police of the camp. General Order Number Three, September 3, pro- claimed the list of calls — Reveille, 5:45 a. m., and Taps, 9:45 p. m. General Order Number Four, September 4, gave the enlistment pro- cedure and the initial training plan, " The training of the first five per cent of the new National Army men will be undertaken imme- diately upon their arrival, with the purpose of developing among them non-commissioned officers and instructors for the National Army men who will arrive later." Whatever the state of prepared- ness. General Wood knew^ the procedure and lost no time in putting it into effect. Colonel Reeves, too, w^as on the ground. With these Division orders and a roster of his officers in hand, and his Adjutant, Capt. George Blackinton (later Lieutenant-Colonel Blackinton), at his side, he began his Regiment. His first order dated September 4, 1917, dealt with the assignment of officers. While no record can be found of the activity of Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkins, it may be in- ferred from his later practice that he was busy making out the sched- ule required by the Division Training Plan. Major Stedge, fresh from campaigns on the border, looked after cots and Captain Piatt, the Regimental Supply Officer, requisitioned equipment from the Quartermaster. This Division Training Plan already referred to in Division Gen- eral Order Number Four, September 4, began: " (a) Military discipline and courtesy, (b) Personal hygiene, (c) Fitting adjustm.ent and care of clothing and equipment." 8 Regimental History 353rd Infantry These "fundamentals" continued through the alphabet to (j) which was, "A lecture on obligations and rights of a soldier." Fool notes contained, along with general instruction, a rainy day sched- ule and provision for Officers' Schools. And so while the hammers still clicked and the saws hummed, military forces began to take over the camp. On the morning of September 5, 1917, the first five per cent of the enlisted personnel began to arrive in the Regimental area, (the three rows of barracks and accompanying buildings at the northern end of the camp). As soon as the names of the men could be checked at Regimental Headquarters, all passed under the cold showers. When the surgeons had given each man a careful going-over from head to foot, he received his government clothing. Sizes were determined by the supply on hand, with a tendency to provide all garments plenty large. Occasionally a recruit would insist that the surplus in his denim overalls left no need for a jumper but that was not for him to decide. The supply sergeant checked ahead, " Two shirts 0. D., one trouser denim, one jumper, etc." This was no time for argu- ment. Civilian clothing was not allowed inside the barracks. It must either be sent home or turned over to the Belgian Relief Com- mission. True to the letter of the order commanding " immediate drill," men arriving in the morning were taken out to the drill field in the afternoon; and those arriving in the evening were in line the following morning. By September 19, when the forty per cent increment arrived (ap- proximately one hundred twenty-five additional men per company), the system of assigning new men to the different companies had been perfected. Each company now drew its own equipment allowance from the Supply Company and issued directly to its own men. The first uniform was blue denim overalls and jumper; non-commis- sioned officers wore the regulation uniform. With this exception every man, whatever his previous standing or condition of servitude, wore the same uniform and passed through the same military chan- nels. The new companies were now up to previous war-strength. Training began in earnest. Reports from foreign fields quickened interest and effort. German successes in Russia, the beginning of the great offensive against the Italians, fixed attention on the enemy. Reports of Americans at the Front appealed as S. O. S. signals to the National Army men. The question uppermost in the minds of all was, " How long will training last?" But more important at this time than the length of training period was the content of the program. Military authorities were agreed that new methods and organization must be devised to meet the con- ditions of modern warfare. Adaptation had already begun in the divisions over sea. But the results were still too new to warrant the formulation of a general plan for the entire American Army. Re- cruit drill, target practice and open warfare were problems unusual only in the time allowed for their completion. But just how training Training, Organization, and Equipment in Camp Fnnston 9 in the new arms of infantry service, trench warfare, and, above all, the organization of the larger units were to be accomplished re- mained for the experiences of the future to decide. The Division Plan, in conformity with War Department Instruc- tion, called for the completion of recruit training within six weeks. On this basis. Brig. Gen. Frank L. Winn formulated a program for the 177th Brigade, composed of the 353rd and 354th Regiments of the Infantry. This program allotted the total number of hours from week to week for each subject. Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkins set the periods of instruction for each day. When the Companies moved out over Sheridan Point to the Forsythe Canyon drill ground on October 4, 1917, Company Commanders carried the following sched- ule: 1st Period.— The Advance. (Pars. 212-220. I. D. R.) 2nd Period. — Setting Up Exercises. 3rd and 4th Periods. — Squad Drill. (Close Order.). 5th and 6th Periods. — English Bayonet Work. 7th Period. — Squad Drill, Close Order. 8th Period. — Practical Guard Duty. 9th and 10th Periods.— First Aid. 11th Period. — Duties of Messengers. 12th Period.— Squad Drill. 13th Period. — Recreation — Athletic. It is easy to understand the monotony involved in the steps of these Schedules for men who had no view of the plan in which the Schedules figured. Other conditions, too, were far from favorable to the most rapid progress. Equipment continued to be short. On October 14, 1917, the Regimental Bulletin contained this note: " The Brigade Commander directs that beginning October 15, 1917, every Company march out to drill equipped either with rifles (Krags) or wooden guns." On November 2nd, this notice was received in a Bulletin from Division Headquarters : " No information can be given as to how soon automatic pistols or revolvers will be available for issue. No requests should be made for same until notified that a supply has been received. The same applies to saddles and horse equipment." Barrack buildings planned for one hundred fifty men now were crowded with two hundred. As a result of this congestion various diseases made their appearance. But in spite of the inevitable mo- notony of drill, lack of equipment and disease, determined effort soon manifested itself in the military appearance of the new organi- zation. 10 Regimental History 353rd Infantry During the first six weeks, training was uniform throughout the entire Regiment. Every man was kept busy on Infantry Drill as per Infantry Drill Regulations. Divisional Plans, dated November 5, 1917, added several new objectives for the next period. Schools — Divisional, Regimental, Battalion and Company — were organized. Instruction was begun in the French language, bayonet fighting. Bayonet Training, Camp Funston. grenade throwing, field fortifications, automatic rifles, and scouting. Members of the French and British Missions had arrived in Camp. These Officers had all been in the war since " fourteen." They could see little value in close order drill; modern warfare demanded " specialists." Emphasis shifted from drill to instruction. Each group of specialists formed a school. Another objective of the Di- visional Plan was " the excavation of a Divisional Trench System on Carpenter Hill." Before the end of November a third objective in- cluded the construction of a detention camp for recruits on Pawnee Flats. Scheduled advance on a single objective had become monot- onous; detail advance on four objectives proved bewildering. In their efforts to supply details for all of these objectives, Com- pany Commanders found schedules impossible. The following list was ordered for November 19, 1917: 1. Twelve carpenters, twelve laborers and six plumbers will re- port to officer in charge of Detention Camp construction. Pawnee Flats. 2. The following with full complement of officers will report to engineer in charge at Carpenter Hill : Companies " D," " E," and one-half of " C." Training, Organization, and Equipment in Camp Fiinston 11 3. Fatigue details: eleven men to report to Truck Company; five men to report to Y. M. C. A. "When the guard and school details were added to this list, few w^ere left on the drill grounds. To the men advancing on these varied objectives the Division Plan seemed to violate the Field Ser- vice Regulation. "Avoid undue extension and dispersion." But this " extension and dispersion " of effort, like congestion in barracks and shortage of equipment, were problems which arose out of the national policy of " preparedness " rather than out of the intentions of the Divisional Plan. Meanwhile the range of one hundred targets had been completed in early December. All details were called in for target practice; organizations were reformed and the drive toward this new" objective began with enthusiasm. General Pershing had emphasized the im- portance of target practice in a cablegram from France : i " Longer experience and conditions in France confirms ray opinion highly important Infantry soldiers should be excellent shots. Our allies now fully realize this deficiency in rifle train- ing. Therefore, strongly renew my previous recommendation that all troops be given complete course in rifle practice before leaving United States." No part of military training appealed to the men so strongly as rifle shooting. The march to the range was full six miles over a hard macadamized road. Pit details had been sent ahead by truck and w^ere ready for action when the battalions arrived. All day long the firing continued in shifts, without a stop until the light grew too dim, when the return march was made. But interest in scores seemed to overcome hardships. Officers of the Foreign Mis- sions admitted that the soldiers of the Middle West were more expert at the beginning of practice than the average British or French sol- diers were at its close. The campaigns show even more tellingly the effectiveness of the American soldier with his favorite weapon. Target practice was completed early in the new year, 1918, and advance on the various objectives resumed. Digging on Carpenter Hill was hard work and slow progress. After the first foot or two the tough clay soil had to be picked loose. In some sectors rocks w^ere near the surface. Fortunately a number of the men in the 353rd Infantry were miners. Digging, for them, was a welcome variation in the schedule. Generally, the men had to wait for the inspiration of machine-gun rattle and the burst of H. E. to really " dig in " after the first foot. Simulated occupation of trenches added a bit of interest temporarily, but it was evident already that "position" warfare did not appeal to these men of the National Army. Schools flourished in even greater variety. Emphasis upon discipline, courtesy, and uniform were the orders of the day. The best results appeared in the improved physical condition of the men. 12 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Medical and dental surgeons worked over-time to sort out the " phy- sically unfit for rigorous over-sea service " and to keep down dis- ease in camp. Those who were scarcely able to survive the day's work three months before now finished with " pep." While the new soldiers were still a bit uncertain as to just how they would lick the German, they felt abundantly able to tackle the proposition without further delay. Continued transfers seemed to indicate that the hope of Ameri- can soldiers to remain in their own outfits was all in vain. Both of- ficers and men grasped eagerly the instruction of the foreign repre- sentatives. American officers lined up to do the bidding of foreign non-commissioned officers. Anything to learn the game — but they were heart and soul with General Pershing in his insistence upon an American Army and an American sector for American troops. How- ever, when General Pershing placed all of the American forces at the disposal of Marshal Foch in the critical days of the great German Offensive, the American soldiers were strong in their approval. The Divisional Plan for February contained provision for or- ganizations in training. Instruction in the various schools had been up until this time of an individual nature. Companies and battalions were now detailed in their entirety. General Orders Number 16, 89th Division announced: " (1) Commencing Monday, February 11th, one Company of Infantry in each battalion will be detailed for instruction in infantry specialties under the general supervision of the Direc- tor of Divisional Schools. (2) This company, complete with its officers and effective enlisted personnel will report at such hours and at such places as ordered by the Director of Division- al Schools, for w^ork under allied specialists assisted by the graduates of the Divisional Schools." In compliance with this order Companies " C," " D," and " G " of the 353rd Infantry were designated for the first turn at intensive training on Smoky Hill Flats. In at least two respects this training fulfilled its purpose — in- tensity and organization. The Companies were lined up at the west gate of the Camp before sun-up and marched to Smoky Hill Flats, a distance of approximately five miles. At 8:45 a. m. the work began — bayonet training, grenade throwing, automatic rifle practice, trench and combat formations in unbroken succession. Here the men threw live grenades and did their first firing with the Chauchat Rifle. Kitchen forces, too, had their first experience in cooking on a field range. Company officers observed at "Attention." At four- thirty the return march was begun and entrance to camp was made under cover of darkness. When incfuiry was made of the men about the new work, they replied, " You'll be glad to see Camp Funston be- fore the week is over." Training, Organization, and Equipment in Camp Fanston 13 Perhaps the most important part of the work was the effort toward platoon and company organization. Men were picked for special training according to their fitness. Each group of specialists was marked with brassards and arranged in platoons. An attempt was then made to deploy in depth as well as interval. When Captain Bloc of the French Mission directed, "Advance in leetle columns at twenty paces side by each," he was asked, " What's the command and how do you execute?" It seemed too indefinite for a corporal to command, '' Follow me " and move out with his men. And the opinion was prevalent that, in this particular, the Americans would do well to keep their own battle formation. As a matter of fact, formal drill was in conflict with modern, battle-field tactics. These exercises revealed the need of emphasis upon more prac- tical organization. Increase in the number of men in the different units and modern equipment demanded new formations and new methods of control. Instead of one hundred fifty men and three officers per company, there were now two hundred fifty men and six officers. In addition to rifles the infantrymen carried hand and rifle grenades, automatic rifles, bolos, and trench knives. Coordina- tion and control of this increased personnel and these various arms of the Infantry Service appeared now as the problem of the future. The solution of the problem came with the gradual development of leadership and team-work. Lack of experience on the part of non-commissioned officers at the beginning of training centered full responsibility upon officers. Officers had been occupied with de- tails of instruction, police, and paper work. They had been forced to command rather than direct. Frequent transfers of personnel had contributed to this result. But now the " old men," those marked " indispensibles," began to shoulder the burdens. Repetition taught these men the game thoroughly and close association with the of- ficers brought about full understanding. Bulletin Number 97, Head- quarters, 89th Division, May 19, 1918, came as an inspiration in this direction : " The Commanding General, A. E. F., has recommended that more stress be laid upon the responsibility of the non-commis- sioned officers. They will be imbued with the habit of com- mand; they will be given schooling and prestige to enable them to replace at once casualities among commissioned officers." And when the Regiment was finally brought up to war strength in May, 1918, the basis of the organization and its morale was laid in the loyalty and mutual understanding of the officers and non- commissioned officers. Fortunately, too, the replacements came into the hands of the non-commissioned officers in the detention camps before they met their future officers in the Companies. This experience fixed for all time and conditions the confidence of the officers and non-commissioned officers in themselves and each other. 14 Regimental History 353rd Infantry When the 353rd Infantry boarded trains at Camp Funston on May 26th, its equipment was still incomplete; its training was still unfinished; and its organization untried. Every opportunity on the drill ground, in the schools, at the target range, in the trenches on Carpenter Hill, and on the training field of Smoky Hill Flats had been improved. Both officers and men realized the inadequacy of their preparation. But the call was accepted with enthusiasm in spite of the fact that these were the darkest days in the World War for the Allied cause. CHAPTER III. Comradeship and Recreation The campaign record of the 353rd Infantry testifies to the efforts made by the Regiment to-reach the objectives of the Division Train- ing Plans. Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkins specified in his Training Schedules the beginning and ending of each instruction period and checked its execution on the drill field. He had no sympathy with variations from Infantry Drill Regulations. " Letter perfect " was the requirement in explanation; "cheerful and immediate" in exe- cution. Any uncertainty or tendency to simply " get there " was halted on the spot. In Squads Right the right flank man in the front rank mast "face to the right in marching and mark time"; the other front rank men must " oblique to the right, place themselves abreast The Kansas Ruilding, Camp Funston. of the pivot and mark time; men of the new line must glance tow^ard the marching flank while marking time and as the last man arrives on the line, execute, FORWARD, MARCH without command." The movement was diagrammed and demonstrated and repeated again and again until habit allowed no error in execution. Exercises in minor tactics made up in aggressiveness where they lacked in accuracy. Roth sides claimed the victory in many blood- less campaigns around Morris Hill. " You're a prisoner " was an- swered by " I killed you half an hour ago." In victory or defeat the intelligent thing consistent with the aggressive execution of the gen- eral plan w^as expected of every officer and man in the Regiment. Rut the preparation of the 353rd Infantry for service included more than was -written in Training Plans and Field Orders. Colonel 16 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Reeves knew the value of recreation and comradeship. He insisted that soldiers must be broad, loyal men before they could be good fighters and that provision for the development of these qualities was as necessary as the manual of arms. This broad policy was made effective in the Regiment through the co-operation of the entire personnel. Officers' Conference fol- lowed the close of each day's work. A Non-commissioned Officers' Committee composed of representatives of each company met at least once a week for council along co-operative lines. These meet- ings were open and every valuable suggestion received encourage- ment. From these conferences and committee meetings the officers and non-commissioned officers carried the plans back to the en- listed men in the barracks. And whatever concerned the welfare of the 353rd Infantry came to be the personal responsibility of every man in the Regiment. The end of the first month saw the institution of the monthly dinner for officers. This dinner was held on October 5th in the mess hall of Company "C" barracks. General Wood and General Winn were the guests of honor. General Wood was the speaker of the evening. This was the first opportunity that the officers of the 353rd Infantry had to get into touch with the Division Commander. The General spoke plainly and frankly. " You men," he said, '" need to get together. You are going to have to live under conditions that will make you absolutely dependent upon one another. Some of you are going to be called upon to make the supreme sacrifice and others must go on sacrificing." Thus he brought to the officers of the Regiment a vision of the task ahead. These occasions grew in favor as the 5th of each suc- ceeding month saw the assembly of the officers together. In order to extend these benefits to the entire Regiment and to provide a meeting place for the men with their relatives and friends, the " Kansas Building " was projected. Governor Capper took a leading interest in the movement and subscribed the first $100 on October 26, 1918. Captain Masseck, the Regimental Adjutant, assist- ed by Sergt. R. E. Lewis, brought the proposition home to the people of Kansas. Support was generous in every section of the state. Subscriptions ranged in amounts from a few cents to several hun- dred dollars. On November 5, 1917, the Regimental Bulletin an- nounced, '■ Construction of the Regimental Building is begun." Officers and enlisted men of the Regiment did the work. Segt. Samuel E. Barnes of Headquarters Company drew the plans; Capt. Robert K. Schutt was the engineer in charge. On January 15,1918, the massive structure — 96 feet wide and 236 feet long with a seating capacity of 4000 — was dedicated to the welfare of Kansas men, with speeches by notable Kansas citizens and camp officials. This achieve- ment was not only a matter of pride to the men of the Regiment but a revelation of the support on the part of the people back home. Comradeship and Recreation 17 A permanent committee of non-commissioned officers was ap- pointed to take charge of all activities in the building. Segt. Lloyd E. Craig was chairman of this committee; Captain Masseck and Chap. Otis E. Gray were ex-officio members. There was but one require- ment with regard to the use of the building and that was summed up in the general order, " Treat this building as your home." The first important social event was the appearance of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by Madam Schumann- Heink, the latter generously giving her services. Four concerts were given on January 30 and 31, 1918. These entertainments were made possible by the patriotic spirit of the musicians. Max Zach (Con- ductor) came to Camp Funston with the Orchestra. Not only did the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra donate its services, but, in addi- tion, allowed an appeal to be made at a regular Saturday concert in St. Louis, and as a result of this appeal $1060 was collected to help defray expenses. Of this amount the musicians themselves gave $300. The contribution of Madam Schumann-Heink was no less gen- erous. To the soldiers who had been shut up in the routine of camp life for five months, this entertainment appealed as the finest favor yet received from the co-operating forces of civilian life. The enlisted men held open house for the first time from 1 to 5 p. m. on February 9th. Parents, brothers, sisters, sweethearts, wives and children were the guests of the Regiment. The band never played so well and refreshments came along in true Western style. On these occasions acquaintance between the men broadened to their loved ones at home and the spirit of comradeship grew stronger with the deeper appreciation of common problems and sacrifices. Of equal importance with these greater occasions were the local gatherings that took place between times. Boxing, athletic contests, band concerts and Company entertainments helped to break the mo- notony of drill and study. Some objection was raised against "marching to church on Sunday evenings"; but this objection died out promptly when Colonel Reeves proposed that the question be put up to the home folks for decision. Continued association in these various activities developed deep concern for the welfare of each man. On the march, in the hospital, wherever he happened to be, a man in the 353rd Infantry was never a cog in a machine — he was a fellowman. Perhaps the finest results of this large policy appeared in the re- ceptions given to the men transferred for over-sea service. The first one was announced in the Regimental Bulletin February 28, 1918, as follows : " There will be a smoker in the Regimental Building at 7 o'clock this evening to be attended by the entire Regiment. The guests of honor will be the 504 men who are to be transferred over-seas. Transferred men and alternates will be massed di- rectly in front of the stage. The Regimental Commander re- 18 Regimental History 353rd Infantry quests every man of the regiment to be present. Company com- manders will co-operate to assure a full attendance. The non- commissioned officers' committee will prepare refreshments," When the transferred men appeared, they were given a soldier's ovation. " Get 'em, Bill " and " Tear 'em up. Jack " were mingled BINGHAM CAMMACK The Regimental Post Office. with the growls of bayonet drill. And then by way of assurance, all joined in on "We're Coming Over And We Won't Come Back Till It's Over Over There." In order to make the occasion more substantial each transferred man received a dollar out of his Company Fund to cheer him on his way. The final separation was more like breaking home ties than a military transfer. This policy, carefully cultivated at first, grew to be the strongest tradition of the Regiment and bore its finest fruits of self-sacrifice on the battlefields. When Lieutenant Wray fell on the morning of September 12th, Stretcher Bearers Homes and Lamson rushed to his aid at the cost of their own lives. It was this same policy that ac- counted for the presence of every man on the day before the advance of November 1st, and made the last check complete when the records of the Regiment were turned over. CHAPTER IV. Getting " Over There By the spring of 1918 the 353rd Infantry began to feel quite at home in Camp Funston. The men were now well acquainted. Im- provement added immensely to the comfort of the quarters. Every Company had its victrola, and most Companies a small collection of books. Organizations vied with each other in their efforts to beauti- fy the Camp. Trees were being planted; sidewalks were in the proc- ess of construction. The Machine Gun Company had hauled in sod with their carts and were planning a lawn about their barracks; line Companies, not so fortunate in transportation were sowing grass seed. Of course training was still strenuous but the conditioning process had done its work well. Everybody was feeling fit and en- joying life. To this home-like atmosphere was added a feeling of security; immediate service seemed out of question. The transfers had left only skeleton organizations and replacements were not yet in sight. And then, too, reports kept coming in that ships would not be avail- able for a long time to come. " It looks as if we are going to do our bit in Camp Funston," was the general opinion among the officers and men. On April 27, Colonel Reeves called a meeting of Company Com- manders at 2 p. m. The hour itself signified something of unusual importance. When the Company Commanders arrived. Sergeant Major Davis and the non-commissioned staff carefully retired out of hearing distance; the doors were shut and the roll called. This was a secret meeting. The Colonel's message was brief and to the point. "We're going over soon; make your plans accordingly." To these Company Commanders this message was more impressive than the Declaration of the War had been several months before. By some strange psychological process the announcement of news like this carries the individual directly to scenes of activity. All of the inter- mediate steps are erased and he stands in a moment face to face with the realities of future months. The Chronicler wrote, " The men were more serious than happy; more determined than eager." Not a word leaked out but the enlisted men read the news in the faces of their Company Comamnders as soon as the meeting was over. Startling changes in the Training Plan and the routine of camp added to the intensity of the situation. The big maneuver was called off; and the Regiment was ordered to the rifle range to stay until every man had finished the qualification course. Non-commissioned officers were sent to the Detention Camp to drill the future replace- ment of the Regiment. Leaves and passes were allowed only to men whose relatives could not come to camp, and four days was the limit. Excitment ran high and rumors flourished. On May 18th a copy of this War Department telegram reached Regimental Headquarters : 20 Regimental History 353rd Infantry CONFIDENTIAL Washington, D. C, May 16, 1918. Commanding General, 89th Division, Camp Funston, Kansas. Send troops now at your camp reported ready and equipped for over-sea service to Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, N. J. Ar- range time of arrival and other details directly with the Com- mander of Port Have inspections made to de- termine if Organizations and individuals are properly supplied with serviceable clothing, equipment and medical supplies. Re- port of result shall be made by telegram. Leave all alien ene- mies behind. (Signed) — McCain. In his endorsement. General Wood added, "Officers and enlisted men will be required to work without regard to hours in order to prepare organization for shipment." When this telegram was re- ceived, the Regiment was encamped at the target range five miles away. Most of the non-commissioned officers were on detached service. Of course, the exact date of entrainment was not given but passenger cars were being spotted by the scores on the switch above Camp Funston. The Regiment must get ready on a few hours no- tice to move with the Division. Orders came thick and fast, but directions were vague. "What are we to take?" was the first question. In a conference with Cap- tain Piatt the following classification was received: "Light Rag- gage, Heavy Raggage, and Freight." The dividing line between the members of this classification varied with succeeding conferences. When the G. I. Cans had all been labeled and numbered as Heavy Baggage they were ordered shipped as Freight. In the meantime these same G. I. Cans had been filled with valuable baggage which could never go as Freight. The resulting confusion was sometimes embarrassing as well as inconvenient. For these G. I. Cans had been packed with forbidden articles, such as athletic equipment and of- ficers' boots. When the boxes had been made, painted, stenciled, packed, measured, weighed and nailed up, the problem arose of " turning in " the surplus accumulation of many months. After it had all been turned in several times there was still Government prop- erty hanging on the walls, in the store rooms, and many other places that had been carefully policed. The main task these days was equipping the men. Truck loads were hauled out to the rifle range and truck loads were hauled back to be " turned in." The Supply Company insisted on receipts and Company Commanders signed w4th fear and trembling. Supply Sergeants were the busiest men in the Camp these days. They emp- tied barrack bags and " turned in " what they considered disallowed for over-seas service and substituted according to Equipment " C." Sizes ran odd as usual and when the men returned Supply Sergeants were the most unpopular men in the Regiment. Rut this was war, and " Orders were Orders." Getting Over There 21 Officers, too, were required to complete their equipment imme- diately. Lists of articles seemed to vary with the stock of different business concerns; folding chairs, rubber bath tubs, folding lanterns, linen collars were rated as essential to life in the trenches. Ameri- can officers would associate with foreign officers and they must maintain creditable appearance. It was said that a British officer standing in the mud to his waist was, nevertheless, a gentleman from his waist up. And so the officers of the 353rd Infantry spared no pains or money to complete their equipment which was destined for the store houses of Gievres until long after the Armistice was signed. These matters of equipment and baggage were by no means all of the difficulties that had to be overcome in breaking Camp for France. Alien enemies had to be hunted out of the personnel and " conscientious objectors " transferred to other organizations. Those unfit for over-seas service must be examined and sent to Remedial Battalions. Not a few cases of Tachycardia, epilepsy, and even broken arches and rheumatism developed under the strain of actual departure. Time was well on now toward the end of the month; pay and muster rolls were due; passenger lists must be ready upon arrival at the Port of Embarkation, but these could be prepared on the train. When the final police was completed, every officer and man was anxious to clear out. Life in France might be more dangerous but it could not be more strenuous. Eight trains were allotted to the 353rd Infantry, approximately one train for two companies. Loading began on May 25th; strictest secrecy was enjoined upon all; under no consideration was any one to breathe the name of his organizations or the Camp where it had trained; no letters were to be mailed from the train. In spite of all these warnings and precautions, crowds were at the stations to cheer the soldiers on their way and when no one was looking some appre- ciative American girl would carefully collect all out-going mail. The route ran through Kansas City, St. Louis, Frankfort, Cleveland, and Buffalo to Hoboken, New Jersey. This was the first trip across the country for many of the men. Intensive cultivation was on in the country and cities were doubly busy with the rush of war-time in- dustry. "A man can afford to fight for a country like this," was the growing conviction as the train rolled on. The climax of interest came with the trip down the Hudson from Hoboken to Long Island station. Here were the things all had heard about: the tallest building in the world; Brooklyn Bridge; war ships ■ — the activity expressive of the life of the nation's greatest port. Evening brought the 353rd Infantry to Camp Mills. Life here proved to be a continuation of the last days of Camp Funston; cor- porals checked and rechecked each man's equipment. Final inspec- tion still revealed many articles lacking. But there was no time to wait longer. Pay rolls had to be computed and passenger lists com- pleted. Twenty-four-hour passes to New York City furnished fine diversion. Life in the metropolis was fascinating to these men of the Middle-West. There was a great deal of satisfaction in viewing the 22 Regimental History 353rd Infantry city in uniform. Consciousness of rural origin faded out and the men were able to look at the sights as hard as they pleased without attracting attention. In the midst of these final preparations came the word that Gen- eral Wood had been ordered to return to Camp Funston. This news cast more gloom into the camp than the reports of submarine ac- tivities. Officers and men felt in his transfer from the division the loss of a personal friend as well as an able commander. But it was with a feeling of pride that they read his farewell on the bulletin boards of the camp : " I will not say good-bye, but consider it a temporary separa- tion — at least I hope so. I have worked hard with you and you have done excellent work. I had hoped very much to take you over to the other side. In fact, I had no intimation, direct or in- direct, of any change of orders until we reached here the other night. The orders have been changed and I am to go back to Funston. I leave for there tomorrow morning. I wish you the best of luck and ask you to keep up the high standard of con- duct and work you have in the past. There isn't anything to be said. These orders stand and the only thing to do is to do the best we can — all of us — to win the war. That's what we are here for; that's what you have been trained for. I shall follow your career with the deepest interest — with just as much inter- est as though I were with you. Good luck and God bless you." General Winn assumed command and on June 3, 1918, embarka- tion began — the First and Second Battalions went abroad H. M. S. Karmala; the Third Battalion, Headquarters Company and Regiment- al Headquarters, H. M. S. Pyrrhus; Supply Company and Machine Gun Company on H. M. S. Caronia. Each man called his name as he walked past the Embarkation Officer up the gang plank. In order to expedite the loading of the ship, the men were sent on different routes when they reached deck. Consequently all were mixed in the holds called " compartments " below. It seemed impossible for the required numbers to get into the space allotted, much less to live there. But officers and men must stay below until the ship was com- pletely loaded. Shouts of "Air," " Let me out," came up through the hatches. " Stay down," was the order. Every man was soon busy fixing his hammock to the hooks in the ceiling and adjusting his life belt, assuring himself of whatever comfort and safety was available for the voyage. The next morning, June 4, 1918, found the ships still at the piers. " Could it be that the submarines have us bottled up?" Nine ships had been reported sunk off the Jersey coast the day before. " No, the firemen have gone on a strike." Unless volunteer firemen could be secured from among the soldiers the transport fleet might be tied up indefinitely. Several railroad and Great Lakes firemen stepped out of the ranks and volunteered their services. By 1 :30 p. m. full steam was up and the voyage was begun. Getting Over There 23 The convoy included one British cruiser, several submarine chasers and two sea planes. In a few minutes the Statue of Lib- erty was out of sight. When would we see her again! As soon as the ship had cleared the harbor the men came up on deck. The few English-speaking men of the crew were busy answering questions. The letters H. M. S. meant "His Majesty's Ship." "Yes, sir, she's a British ship." She had been in the India freight service. Her true character, " Tramp Ship " came out a little later. Port side was on the right, star board on the left as you faced the direction in which the ship was going. It was hard to get the decks all straight. The crew was made up of Portuguese and East Indians. But this was not the time to be wandering around over the ship. If ever, now, Safety First. The lives of all depended upon strict compliance with ship in- structions. No lights were to be shown at night. No rubbish of any kind was to be thrown overboard. No smoking on deck after dark. In addition to the regular guards there would be submarine guards, life boat, and raft crews. Officers took turn in the compart- ments. Abandon-ship drill, when each organization took to its own station on deck, came every day and then appeared regular drill, physical inspection, and bathing schedules. This trip over the sea promised to be more busy than interesting. When morning came land was out of sight. It was cool. The ships in checkered formation were taking a far northern course. Location was still either a secret or a mystery; but those who kept the late watches declared that there was no darkness. The more imaginative spoke no longer of " Over There " but of the land of the Midnight Sun. Only two other ships came in sight during the voy- age. Submarine guards promptly reported them to the bridge. Rifle men stood ready to open fire and the gunner "aft" seemed anxious to try out his depth bomb. He declared that if he could place his shot within a hundred yards of the periscope, the danger of that particular submarine would be over. But these were friend- ly ships; not a submarine came in sight. Nevertheless, everyone breathed more easily when the British escorts of seven torpedo de- stroyers came out on the morning of June 14, to convoy the fleet dowm through the Irish sea to Liverpool. This was said to be the " danger zone"; occasional masts stick- ing out of the water supported the statement. But here was Ireland on the right, Scotland and England on the left. Many a man caught his first glimpse of the land of his father. It was no use to try to keep down any longer. Evening brought the transport fleet into the harbor. Ferry loads of civilians cheered and welcomed the sol- diers, but the city was dark and there was still one more night to spend aboard ship. Sunday morning, June 16th, debarkation began. Each company went directly to its station in the abandon-ship order. Anxiety added, to the results of drill, cleared the ship in a few minutes. A short march brought the companies to the waiting trains. Loading the 24 Regimental History 353rd Infantry trains was accomplished in a few minutes; groups of thirty occupied the coaches. Each man received a message from the King as he entered. And the little train with more exertion than speed wound its way through Manchester, Sheffield, and Oxford to Winchester, the first Capital of England. Along the way women and children and old men waved welcome to the shouting soldiers. Whenever the train stopped groups of children yelled " Pennies " at the top of their voices. At first it seemed difficult for these war-worn civilians to understand the enthusiasm of the Americans. But in a moment they read the significance of their coming to the common cause; and the welcome equalled the heartiness of the greeting. The train pulled up unexpectedly. It was still dark outside but the march to Camp Winnal-Down must be begun at once. The camp was four miles away and the packs were heavy. One man mused, " Good thing my feet are flat or this pack would sink me through to China." The guide mentioned rather incidentally that Winnal-Down was a " Rest Camp." These words traveled back through the weary ranks in an instant, and the step quickened without command. " Rest Camp ! if ever words expressed the needs of a longing soul, these are the words," repeated a weary doughboy as he gazed fixed- ly ahead and bent a little farther into the straps of his pack. Under this spur every man reached the objective in time for breakfast. The long train ride followed by the march to camp over the unyielding roads brought back appetites that had been lost on the ocean. " Top Critters," who knew the insides of soldiers, directed with a great deal of satisfaction. "Make it snappy, men, for breakfast." Down at the mess hall a few minutes later all eyes turned on him for an ex- planation. This piece of bacon and gravy, this bit of oatmeal and these few swallows of coffee, with no chances for seconds, could never be meant for breakfast. Meanwhile, Company Commanders had been warned to explain the situation to the men. Food shortage was a reality; submarines had taken their toll of British shipping. Every particle of the ground, even under the eaves of buildings was under cultivation. The people were suffering; it was up to the American soldiers to " carry on " and they did it without another word of complaint. On the second day, drill schedules appeared. Evidently there was some mistake about the new Rest Camp. Battalions marched out until they came to open fields. On every hand were signs of the struggle that England was making for her life. Hospitals over- flowed with sick and wounded. Youthful Britishers were learning the mechanism of artillery drill. Aeroplanes circled high overhead. The American soldier remembered the recent statement issued by Sir Douglas Haig: "Our backs are to the wall; every Englishman must fight to the last." It was plain now; there could be no Rest Camp in such a crisis of the Allied Cause. The effect on the morale of the English people of the recent re- verses combined with food shortage was overwhelming. Even the soldiers were discouraged. A sergeant in charge of the mess hall Getting Over There 25 told the men, " We are licked. I was over when that German drive began. There's no use trying to hold 'em. We are licked, I tell you, and you'll be licked, too. You should have been here long before this." Orders followed forbidding conversations with the discour- aged Tommies. Aside from this unfortunate incident relations be- tween Americans and British were cordial. Camp restrictions, however, were severe. Some Yanks imme- diately preceding the arrival of the 353rd Infantry had torn up the town in Winchester. Staid Englishmen told how these uncouth men threw a lariat around the neck of the Statue of King Arthur, "In- deed they were a boisterous lot!" As a result of their hilarity, passes to Winchester could be had for groups only and an officer must be in charge of each group. No one was allowed to go to London. "This was not a touring party." Thus were the Americans, again impressed with obligations and duties of a soldier. But the men could improve the time in writing letters. It was impossible, however, to write all that happened; and the things that were most important, the censor would be sure to mark out. In- structions forbade the following as " dangerous information." 1, Place in which letters were written; 2, Organizations, numbers and movements of troops; 3, Morale and physical conditions of our own or Allied Troops; 4, Details regarding supplies. What was there that could be safely said! Hardly had the Regiment become settled in camp and accom- plished a satisfactory police when orders came to move to South- hampton on June 21st. New^ scenes and new conditions flashed be- fore the mind these days like the changes on a moving picture screen. Fascination of new experiences was fast growing on the doughboys and they welcomed the order with "Where do we go from here?" To- ward dusk all went aboard for France. It was a fine-looking ship, built for speed; she was long and slender and set well down into the water. Smoke rolled out of two stacks. The captain told of her speed and related with pride how he had rammed a hostile subma- rine. Some of the pieces of the craft were on exhibit. His story was not very cheering to the Americans; and the Britisher turned away discouraged with the foreigners' appreciation of his humor. How- ever, France was just across the channel, and this little trip would be something of a moonlight excursion. Another disillusionment was in store for the men of the 353rd Infantry. Never before had they been so crowded together. There were no sleeping accommodations. That was little hardship, for the violent rocking of the ship soon caused all to seek convenient rather than comfortable quarters. Men who had boasted of weathering the Atlantic now yielded to the humiliating inclination imposed by this little excursion across the channel. Suddenly submarine chasers swarmed around the ship. A sailor upon the bridge is signalling to one of the chasers; how fast he delivers his message. It doesn't seem difficult for him. Darkness begins to set in, and instead of wig-wag flags, blinkers are used. It suddenly sinks in that there must 26 Regimental History 353rd Infantry be something important going on, else why this continued exchange of messages? At the same moment, the ship makes a quick turn, heading back over the course just run, with full steam up. The chaser ahead draws up, and remains. The blackness of night has settled. One after another long streaks of light are brought into play, irregularly criss-crossed as some lead toward the skies while others stretch out over the water. In the distance is visible, at regu- lar intervals, a burst of flame followed by the thunderous boom of the naval guns. An attack is on; evidently submarines. Interest in- creased as the ship again put out to sea while the excitement of the battle was at its highest. These troops were needed at the front; the men of the Navy would see that they landed safely " Over There." Early morning brought the first glimpse of France; the good ship landed at Le Havre. Directly astern a large hospital transport was being loaded with allied wounded. With their long slender bayon- ets fixed on their rifles, poilus walking guard down on the docks, looked invincible. An uphill march to another Rest Camp five miles aw^ay began immediately. German prisoners of war stopped their w^ork to gaze at the passing columns, and then fell-to again as if they were glad of their present occupation. In the city, crowds of French children followed, crying, " Biskwee," " Penny," " Souvenir." The new comers passed out their pennies and hard bread in spite of the remonstrances of the elders looking on from the curbings. Experiences in this new Pxest Camp banished for all time from the minds of the men illusions as to real significance of such institu- tions. On the following morning mess sergeants prepared a cold lunch to be taken along in the evening. Another march back to Le Havre and all were loaded in French cars. Each car was labeled, " Hommes 40, Cheveaux 8." By combining the situation wuth their meager knowledge of the French language, the men gathered the meaning of this label and accepted it in the same terms — C'est la guerre." In a few minutes, " ba-ba-ma-ma-a-a- " came from one end of the long train to the other. We were off! No one, not even the Train Commander, knew the destination. For hours and hours the train rolled on through Rouen, within sight of Eifel Tower, through Troye, to the Reynel Training Area of the American Expeditionary Forces. A month had been spent in mak- ing the trip. More than 5,000 miles had been covered. Another month and these men from the heart of America would be on the fighting line in France. CHAPTER V. With Regimental Headquarters and the First Battalion IN Manois The arrival at Manois gave the soldiers their first opportunity for studying a typical French village. This one lay almost in the center of Haute Marne Department, about midway between Chaumont and Neufchateau. Under the balmy June sun the surrounding green- cloaked hills or even the little field containing rows of barracks ready for occupation afforded a much more pleasing spectacle than the village itself, with its dirty streets through which cattle roamed at will. The rows of stone buildings seemed to represent the archi- tectural skill and labor of the dark ages; at any rate, it represented nothing modern. Living rooms and cow stables were all one build- ing. Wooden ladders led from the street below up to a second story hole-in-the-wall, and piles of manure made up the front yards. Manois had, undoubtedly, been a very quiet, sleepy village through the ages. Almost four years of war had drained it of all the vitaliz- ing and pulsating influences which it might ever have possessed. The foundry just at the edge of the town was hardly in operation. The few girls, who were working there, begrimed with soot and dirt, looked like old bent women, as their frail, rounded shoulders bespoke manly efforts in pushing wheelbarrows and lifting heavy iron, that reels of wire might be turned out to meet the needs of France. What the entry of the Battalion meant to the history of this little town and to the morale of the inhabitants, can be realized only after one has had a more complete picture of the situation. Every available man was at the Front. Not even a French soldier in uniform could be seen on the streets. The crucial moment of the great war was at hand; Paris was now being bombarded daily, and one could faintly hear the distant roar of the large caliber guns as the fight waged around Chateau Thierry. Everything looked dark and foreboding. But now, the actual sight of American legions with their irrepressible and dominating spirit which fairly breathed an air of victory, could not but raise their hopes. Colonel Reeves established Regimental Headquarters in Manois with the First Battalion. Changes in the town began to appear im- mediately. Streets were cleaned; small stores commenced to do business and town people took a renewed interest in life. Every evening the band gave concerts of popular American selections. On one occasion French troops from the sectors of Alsace and Lorraine were passing through the town. This meant that Americans were quietly and effectively relieving these experienced fighters at the Front. The troop train bound for Chateau Thierry and the North was stopped at the depot and the concert began. The appreciation of the troops manifested itself in hearty cheers. With greater de- termination they looked back as the train departed; each had his hat 28 Regimental History 353rd Infantry off and was standing at "Attention" for the " Marsellaise." These concerts brought the civilians and soldiers together and strengthened bonds of sympathy which made association increasingly pleasant as the days went by. The schedule was doubly strenuous for the First Battalion. Scarcity of open ground resulted in the selection of a drill field upon a very high bluff. But this was part of the hardening process of in- tensive training. The march up to the drill field twice a day with the hot sun beating down on the tin hats and with full packs was more than a day's work in itself; many fell by the wayside during the first few days. But time unfolded joys as well as hardships. July brought the long awaited pay day. It was interesting to figure up centimes and francs at first but when it was learned that a franc was only nineteen cents and a centime was one one-hundreth of a franc the American doughboys generally paid in francs and called it square. Now they could buy fresh fruit and an occasional drop of vin rouge to supplement the " chow." And these purchases always included lessons in French. Mail from home brought more cheer into camp than anything else. Every man was on hand at mail call to shout " Yo " at the mention of his name. When the mail had all been distributed the fortunate ones moved away to themselves and forgot they were in France. So the days of intensive training passed quickly by. Scarcely two weeks had been spent in the Training Area until the First Battalion was called to represent the 89th Division in Chaumont. Chaumont was famous as the Headquarters of the Ameri- can Expeditionary Forces. General Pershing with his entire staff was located there, A visit to this city was a coveted privilege, and the First Battalion of the 353rd Infantry was selected to parade be- fore the Commander-in-Chief on July 14, the Independence Day of France. The Regimental and Battalion Commanders spared no efforts to convince the reviewing authorities that the Regiment was ready for front line duties. The soldier who shortly before wore canvas leg- gings, and campaign hats with broad brim and a shoe-string chin strap was now transformed into an up-to-date soldier with spiral puttees and over-seas cap. The occasion itself could be depended upon to produce the military bearing. So they set out full of con- fidence. The men had learned to march, and march well. It was eighteen dusty miles from Manois to Chaumont; the sun was stiflingly hot. Perhaps the thought of comfort was still unduly prominent in the minds of officers when they prescribed campaign hats and shirts for the march uniform. At any rate, a staff officer from Chaumont met the Battalion half way and gave orders to wear blouses. " Under no conditions would American soldiers appear in France without com- plete uniform!" In spite of this added handicap the men "carried on" and presented a fresh appearance in Chaumont on the evening of July 13. " Finest lot of soldiers I have seen yet," " Think of it, With Regimental Headquarters and the First Battalion in Manois 29 marched eighteen miles in the heat and dust with blouses and those packs on their backs and still look fresh." Such were the comments on all sides. These men of the 353rd Infantry had scored the first point — they had demonstrated that they could march. Accommodations in Chaumont were far better than the men had been accustomed to in Manois. The clerks at Headquarters turned over their mess. Such " chow " and such service these men of the line had not known since leaving Camp Funston. And then, too, the excellent baths were an improvement over the little shallow stream in their own camp. Chaumont afforded also a splendid opportunity to spend some of the francs for articles not available in Manois. Everbody needed razor blades and a change from Bull Durham to- bacco. The Y. M. C. A. had a good canteen. Several real American girls were behind the counters. Such good company and an unusual amount of money (in francs!) made business pleasant and interest- ing. Officers, too, were known to walk five squares in order to in- quire about over-seas caps which the Y. M. C. A. did not have. The French shop keepers with their keen business sense had procured a good supply of over-seas caps but the sizes had been under-estimated, "Americaine head too beeg," repeated the little saleswomen in dis- tress. In their hurry to meet the needs of customers, they had lost sight of size, the most important condition of sale as well as service. Incidentally, the men picked up quite a bit of information about what was expected of them on the following day. The Marines had been in town on this same mission just previously. Everybody was talking about the Marines. " They've set the pace, it's up to us to make a showing equally as good," was the mutual agreement. And with this in mind they turned in for the night. The big day set in bright and hot, " Here's where I ditch my shirt," said one doughboy and the rest followed the example. They must continue to look fresh. The formation had all been carefully planned. As the streets were narrow, companies marched in column of platoons of two squads each. The Battalion was well up to war strength of one thousand men, and the men were at their best. An Artillery Band led the way between the lines of people and passed the grand stand. At the command, " Eyes Right," each man " turned his head toward the right oblique and fixed his eyes " not as required in " Infantry Drill Regulation," "on the line of eyes of men in the same rank"; but as nearly as possible on the face of the Commander-in-Chief. They seemed to have been too busy watching the step and line and the position of their rifles to remember how he looked. When they returned all they could say was, " He's a soldier for you." The comment of the General at the reception for the officers later in the day indicated a very favorable impression. The First Battalion had scored again. Three weeks from the day of the parade the 89th Di- vision was called to the Front. While on the return journey the following day, word came from Andelot that coffee would be served at that place. Thus came into the 30 Regimental History 353rd Infantry life of the Regiment, Mother Fitzgerald and Miss Heermance. It later became impossible to tell whether they belonged to the Regiment or whether the Regiment belonged to them. During seven long weeks of heavy campaign, they stuck to their posts in the vicinity of Bouil- lonville, Beney and Gesnes to serve hot chocolate and coffee to the fighting men. They were Y. M. C. A. volunteers and served day in and day out without even removing a shoe until Colonel Reeves sent them back for rest. These were the good women who had sent the message from Andelot. As the end of the journey neared, the men suffered from lack of water. It was hot and canteens had long since been emptied. An order limited the supply to one canteen for the trip, this being a part of the training for the trenches. Many became so desperate they broke ranks at a flowing fountain in a small town and disregarded the sign " Condemned Water." These minor hardships led to what is known in the Army as " crabbing." It is often said that a good soldier is identified by the amount of " crabbing " he does. But in this war " crabbing " was dangerous; for enemy spies were ready to pick up information. The men of the First Battalion were surprised and humiliated by the fol- lowing order: General Order Number 9. The following order is quoted for your information and compliance : In conversing with numerous members of the newly arrived troops. Companies "A," " B," " C," and " D " of the 353rd In- fantry, it was ascertained that they are only too willing to im- part information. Full details were obtained of their trip across the Atlantic, their wretched stay of ten days in England, cross- ing the channel on a destroyer and an encounter en route. The name of their camp at Manois, the conditions there (bad water, fair food, not paid for several months, etc.), were discussed freely between themselves. It was further ascertained that they had not been directed to refrain discussing military matters. Any violation of the above paragraph in the future will be followed by the most stringent disciplinary measures. By Order of Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkins. C. J. Masseck, Captain, 353rd Infantry, Adjutant. The unfortunate incident referred to in the order occurred in Chaumont. The men had made a good showing at the parade and they wished to make it clear that they had done so in spite of diffi- culties and their zeal in enhancing their triumph was charged against them as " crabbing." They had been misunderstood but this exper- ience taught them a lesson which they never forgot. The arrival at Manois was followed by resumption of the strenu- ous training schedule. Specialization began with increasing vigor. With Regimental Headquarters and the First Battalion in Manois 31 The men fairly tore up the dummies with their bayonets. Some were still afraid of grenades but their fear only helped them to greater distance. No one was able to make high score with the Chauchat. The targets looked like they had been hit by fragments of a shell; yet the men insisted they had aimed and held the same for each shot. The French instructors contended that the effect of this dispersion was even more destructive to the morale of the enemy than direct hits, but the American soldiers were never satisfied with the result on the range and distrusted the Chauchat in campaigns. American officers from the Army Schools versed in the latest tactics and French officers direct from the Front were added as Regimental in- structors. More attention was now paid to extended formations than had been in the past but no formation was standard or final. Each new instructor and each succeeding pamphlet brought new combinations. All that they needed was information, and the forma- tion took care of itself. While this instruction was indefinite and discouraging at the time it fitted well into the requirements of future campaigns. The final touches of training were added in the trench system at Dome F6. It was a preliminary movement to the Front. Each man carried his own equipment. The kitchens followed and the journey of nine miles was begun in final departure form. Each Battalion took its place in the outpost line in support and reserve. Reliefs were made even more conscientiously than they would ever be again at the Front. Actual demonstration of raid and patrol helped to clear up the theoretical instruction that had been received on the high bluff at Manois. When the First Battalion returned, the men were anxious to get to the front. CHAPTER VL With the Second Battalion in St. Blin At 1 o'clock on the moonlight morning of June 25, 1918, the Sec- ond Battalion train pulled up " somewhere in France." Officers blew their whistles and non-commissioned officers shouted, " Out- side, make it snappy." The men rolled up their equipment, slung packs and formed in a column of squads on the road. The question arose immediately, "What is the name of this place?" " Gare," answered one as he pointed to the word written in large letters on the building beside the track. No other buildings were visible. Other questions followed, " Is this the end of the trip?" "Is the Second Battalion to be dumped out here in the open fields to shift for themselves?" The billeting officer appeared, he explained that " Gare " was the French word for depot, that the Battalion would be billeted in the town of St. Blin. When guards had been placed on the baggage the Battalion be- gan the march to St. Blin, two kilometers away. " Strange ain't it, that the town is so far away from the depot?" queried the men as they trudged along toward the new camp. The guide, who was sup- posed to answer all questions, replied "France is different from the United States. Towns were built over here long before railroads were invented; when the railroad came through they couldn't hit all the towns and the towns were built of stone and couldn't be moved." In the midst of these queries and explanations the column was halted in the narrow winding streets of St. Blin. The billeting officer showed company commanders the quarters; after the men had counted out a hundred to a building, they filed into the low wooden barracks, where they found double-decker bunks filled with hay. Officers hunted up the rooms that had been assigned to them and in a few minutes the village was still again as the night. Meanwhile trucks had delivered rations and field ranges. And the mess sergeants and cooks, always on duty, had breakfast waiting when morning came — the first American rations since Camp Mills, New York. Some of the barrack bags, too, had arrived, but word was received that all " freight " had been salvaged at the base port. And the word " salvage " came into the technical vocabulary of the men. The precious G. I. Cans were lost and all the heavy boxes that had been so carefully made and painted and stenciled and packed with so many precious things!!! Company Commanders breathed easily for the dreaded property responsibility had ceased. Everybody turned out after breakfast to see the village. St. Blin, two kilometers southeast of Manois, was situated down at the foot of a big hill. A little stream fed by springs rippled through the village and the rocky plain to the northeast. Peasants driving ox teams hitched to cumbersome wagons moved slowly out to their little strips of land about the village. The old With the Second Battalion in St. Blin 33 sheep herder stood with his faithful dog at the fork of the road. At two blasts of his horn sheep rushed around him from all quarters. Soon no one w^as left in the village of the civilian population but the shop keepers and the wash women who beat their clothing at the public basin. The young men were away at the Front and the young women in the munition factory of a nearby city. The shop keepers laughed and chatted merrily as they tried to understand the awk- ward attempts of the American to "parlez Francais." The men could scarcely believe that the pleasant madame who brought up the vin rouge had a husband and three brothers buried somewhere around Verdun. Out along the main highway which led to Chaumont was a strange group of men. They wore caps, a loose grayish uniform, and heavy boots. At first sight they appeared to be German prison- ers; but there were no guards and no one could talk to them. They worked steadily away as if they were lost in their own thoughts. "When the foreman appeared it was easy to establish their identity. He was a tall, fair faced young man with all the marks of the Rus- sian officer. When Russia had dropped out of the war these men were interned in France and continued to serve the Allied Cause in the peaceful pursuit of building roads. In the field across the way another group was busily engaged in the development of an aviation field. Some of them wore red Kepis and bright colored uniforms. And the American soldiers wondered that this secluded little village, two and a half miles from the depot, was after all so cosmopolitan in its population, and so much concerned in the World War. In the evening, companies received the Intensive Training Sched- ule. Here it was in black and white — six weeks to get ready for a place in the line along with the Regulars and the Marines. The pa- pers had just given accounts of how these soldiers threw away their gas masks and drove the enemy back with their bayonets. Most of the men of the Second Battalion, as of the entire Regiment, were raw recruits; more than sixty per cent had not had a full week's drill. It would take four weeks to get rested; could the task be accom- plished! But calls began on the following day with Reveille at 5:15 a. m. and breakfast at 5:45. The schedule prescribed the time almost to a minute. March to the drill ground began at 7 :45 and the work con- tinued there as follows: 8:30 to 8:45— Close order drill by platoon. 8:45 to 9:15 — Company in attack. 9:15 to 10:30 — Company specialists — all men to have a fair amount of training in bayonet and grenade work. 10:30 to 11:00 — Close order drill and developments by battalion on alternate days. 11:00 to 11:30— Gas defense. 11:30 — Return to camp. 1:00 —Return to drill fields. 34 Regimental History 353rd Infantry 1:30 to 2:45 — Organization of a company strong point. 2:45 to 4:45 — Preparation and occupation of center of resistance. 4:45 to 5:30 — Outpost, advance and rear guard — to be alternated Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Test by battalion commander in deployments, attack and defense on Thursday and Friday. 5:30 to 6:00— Return to camp. 7:30 to 8:00 — School for non-commissioned officers. 8:00 to 9:00 — School for company battalion commanders. This schedule was based on the absolute requirements of General Headquarters. Training Bulletin No. 20, Headquarters, 89th Division, July 8, stated: "Nothing in division schedule will be permitted to interfere with exact compliance in letter and spirit with the instructions from General Headquarters as ordered," and continued: " The ten-mile march cannot be combined with other in- struction required by the G. H. Q. program. It is suggested that the march be made in the evening, (the work in the afternoon being arranged to cover portions of schedule not calling for special physical exertion), that the troops bivouac for the night, resume schedule on the ground of the bivouac and combine the return with exercises in military training." But still more pressure must be added. On July 10th appeared a Division Memoradum entitled " The Use of Training Time." The provisions of this memorandum speak for themselves : " It is important that time which is now lost during the hours of drill while soldiers are at rest or are awaiting the develop- ment of tactical situations should be fully utilized in such train- ing as can be given by lecture and simple illustration. The fol- lowing are suggested as subjects which may be taught in this way: 1. Assignment and identification of targets and sectors of fire. 2. Care of the feet (The G. H. Q. program requires this to be given by the Regimental Surgeon who might accompany one battalion one day each week and give instruction during rest periods.). 3. March discipline, general rules governing. 4. Principles of the first aid. 5. Use of cover and importance of digging hasty entrench- ments; thickness of various kinds of soil necessary to give protection against rifle fire; quickest way of obtaining cover by use of the entrenching tool. 6. Talks on trench routine." On July 20th the Battalion Commander was reminded in a memo- randum from Division Headquarters that orders " required men go- M^ith the Second Battalion in St. Blin 35 ing to meals or company formations must march by squads or other units, in a military manner, in quick time, under their leaders." The drill ground was three and a half kilometers east of St. Blin. This was more than could be made in the thirty minutes, even at the increased rate, so the cooks brought out the dinner. Officers and men sat down together on the drill field and talked over the problems as they ate. They looked back to Camp Funston now as the good old days. Even the strenuous training at Smoky Hill Flats was easy in comparison with the requirements of the present schedule. The French officers attached as instructors warned against haste and over work. Sometimes they were even impatient with the im- petuosity of the Americans. " Four years ago," said Lieutenant Chereau, " we were as eager as you are now. We learned since that this war cannot be won in a single mighty effort. Even if it were possible to overwhelm the enemy by sheer force the price of victory would be too great. Profit by our experience and move carefully; make every bit of effort count. That's the plan of the enemy; we must beat him at his own game." Lieutenant Lescadron made his contribution in another form. He came to the officers' mess with wine for all. " Such," he said, "is the custom among French officers; the new officer brings his welcome with him." Most of his time was spent in looking about for fresh vegetables and " cheekins." Lieutenant Lescadron was one of the famous Blue Devils. At this very time he was recovering from severe wounds. There could be no question about his effectiveness as a soldier. But the Americans were slow to appreciate his valuable philosophy of war. The wisdom of these experienced soldiers became apparent when from fifteen to forty men per company reported each day on sick call. Dysentery, the army disease, was affecting the men. The sur- geons made vigorous effort toward control. All drinking water was boiled and the diet, so far as possible, was carefully regulated, but the men recovered only after a few days rest. As time went on, of- ficers began to understand that the suggestions in the memorandum entitled " Use of Training Time " must be applied more liberally as a means of survival. And often times the men rested and not a few slept undisturbed, while officers lectured on military subjects. In the midst of these strenuous days, Major Wood, Captain Peat- ross. Captain Atkins, Lieutenant Wray and Lieutenant Gertesien as well as a picked sergeant from each Company were called to Langres for special tactical instruction. Not until the Battalion had moved to the front did they return. Capt. Milton C. Portman assumed command of the Battalion. Lieutenants were in command of the companies and in many instances sergeants commanded the platoons. At no time, even during the trip from Camp Funston to France, had all the companies been commanded by captains or the platoons by 36 Regimental History 353rd Infantry lieutenants. The heavier duties thus imposed upon junior officers and non-commissioned officers in time of training helped to fit them for greater responsibilities that must inevitably come during campaigns. In addition to carrying out the strenuous training schedule during these days in St. Blin, battalion and company commanders were busy perfecting their organizations. The work along this line was es- pecially difficult because of lack of precedent and definite informa- tion. Improved weapons increased the effectiveness of individual soldiers. One man with an automatic rifle was considered equal to six men with ordinary rifles. Men were no longer deployed in skir- mish line at half-pace intervals in battle formation; instead they were to be distributed in groups so that the groups could cover the intervening ground with fire. But these groups must be able to co-operate. As a result of this increased individual effectiveness and a consequent wider dispersion of personnel the need of over- head direction and control was greatly increased. Company commanders carefully picked men for runners and signal men. Each platoon leader also selected four men to maintain his communication with his company commander and associate platoon commanders. In the company, runners, mechanics, cooks and supply detail were formed into a headquarters platoon. The table of organizations even provided for an administrative officer who would relieve the company commander of all detail work, but this officer was never available and first sergeants continued in charge. Neither the training schedule nor the drill ground afforded op- portunity for the training of the personnel selected. The training schedule already included more than could be accomplished. Run- ners and signal men therefore either drilled or wasted their time on visual signalling. Mechanics and pioneers did odd jobs while the problem of constructing cover and shelter remained untouched. Limited space on the drill ground made the service of runners un- necessary and safe distance from the danger made shelter and cover useless. As a result of these conditions, officers and enlisted men carried with them to the front line false ideas of distance and ter- rain, — the most important information of a soldier in modern war- fare. Battalion Headquarters, too, were organized at St. Blin. The personnel, numbering approximately one hundred, consisted of scouts and snipers, pioneers, runners, and ammunition men. These men all remained in the companies and drilled wath the companies. Special liaison problems were provided for the runners and signal men under the direction of field officers but the limited time allowed for the development of these problems robbed them of their real significance. The handicap resulting from these conditions in the final preparation for front-line duty must be corrected at the Front. Later in July representatives from General Headquarters appear- ed to inspect the Second Battalion. The men were stripped for ac- With the Second Battalion in St. Blin 37 tion, all their worldly goods, except for the packs on their backs and their arms, consisted now of a surplus kit containing one shirt, one extra pair of shoe laces, one blanket and a box of shoe dubbing. The inspectors could hardly believe that the hardened sunburned soldiers who stood before them were the same men who began their intensive training only five weeks before. They were even more surprised when they saw the men in bayonet drill. It was plain to see that the thrusts and jabs were intended for the throat of an opponent and the growl was little short of terrifying to the strangers. Automatic riflemen made their approaches perfectly as they outflanked machine gun nests. Of course, there was still much to be learned, but the progress already made satisfied the inspectors that the men of the Second Battalion were ready to " take over." CHAPTER VII. With the Third Battalion in Rimaucourt Early on the morning of June 25th, the long train of " Side-door Pullmans " slipped quietly into the little station of Rimaucourt. This train carried the Third Battalion, Maj. George W. Blackinton in command. Many of the half-awakened passengers looked list- lessly out of the windows, wondering, " Where are we at." Some one inquired of a French official as to the cause of the stop and the reply was " fini," and even at that early date in our French career it was realized that he meant, " This is the end." The " hard-boiled top sergeants " immediately routed everybody out. Soon the Battalion marched drowsily along the road into the town. No one was stirring and it seemed like a deserted town. The billeting party, which had preceded the battalion, conducted the companies to the long wooden barracks which had been occupied by the American troops who had previously trained in this area. The officers were also shown their billets, but everything w^as locked up and it was only after considerable knocking on doors that they were able to get any response from slumbering housewives. The officers criticized the members of the billeting party for not having met them with the house keys, but the next day when they asked for a key they learned that a French key is not a thing that can be carried around in bunches of ten or twelve — one does well to stagger along under the weight of two or three. Later that morning, after everyone had gotten his location, and there appeared to be some life on the streets of the town, the men strolled forth to see what manner of place this was in which their battalion had landed — for the battalion was now, for the first time, separated from the Regiment, and must go it alone. Already the farm wagons were moving out of the village to the surrounding fields, and invariably the drivers were women or old men. The absence of young men was most noticeable. This brought the first serious realization of what the war meant to France. Lucky was the " Buck " or officer who had paid attention during that half hour of French at Camp Funston in far away Kansas, in- stead of taking a nap, which of course at that time appeared to be much more beneficial. Now the lucky one could display before his comrades his superiority in the French language. Much to our sur- prise quite a few villagers knew some words of English, which they had picked up from the classical New Englanders (26th Division) who had preceded the Third Battalion to this camp. Truth, how- ever, compels the confession that this vocabulary was mostly con- fined to the particular class of words and phrases which has become well-known as typically American and highly expressive. The town of Rimaucourt was the metropolis of the towns oc- cupied by the 353rd Infantry both in size and accommodations. Here was the Railhead (supply point) of the 89th Division, also the With the Third Battalion in Riniaucoiirt 39 location of the Division Quartermaster, the Division Finance Officer, the Division Post Office (A. P. O. 701) and the Division Trains. Headquarters of the 177th Infantry Brigade were also located in tiiis town. The billets of Brigade Headquarters were in a well-appointed modern chateau, and the officers in a small building not far from the camp. Every company of the Battalion was quartered in Adrian Barracks which as billeting places are as superior to the ordinary French barn as cheese is to chalk. The 353rd Infantry had not been lucky enough to draw the better towns of the Reynel Area, but Rimaucourt was well located and easily the pick of the lot. This advantage placed at the patronage of the battalion caused them to be the envy of the Regiment. Here was that Mecca of all A. E. F. troops, the Sales Commissary, and the only "Y" building in operation in the area (for some weeks) open for service. There was also nearby, at Andelot, that most hospitable " Y," presided over by "Mother" Fitzgerald and Miss Heermance, whose names will ever be spoken with reverence by all the men of the 353rd Infantry. All these superior advantages of Rimaucourt caused the doughboys of the Third Battalion to be regarded, by the rest of the regiment, as being " in luck." The Division Quartermaster called for many details to unload rations and equipment. These details were always furnished cheer- fully because no other troops were available. The result was that there never was any delay or mix-up in getting rations for the Third Battalion — no one lost weight in Rimaucourt. Soon after breakfast, on the first morning in camp, the outfit moved down to the railhead and sorted out the regimental baggage and when this was all accomplished there was found a surplus of five New Royal typewriters which bore marks that indicated they were intended for the British Army. An unofficial investigation brought out the fact that when the detail unloaded baggage in Liver- pool, it was reported to Captain Schutt that " L" Company's type- writer was missing. When the detail from Company " L" was sent to Southampton to load baggage. Captain Schutt in his mild but per- suasive way explained the reported loss to them and hinted that it was quite essential that this typewriter (or its equivalent) must be found. This detail kept its mission ever before them and inadvert- antly those Royal typewriters became mixed with the Regimental baggage, and pending an official investigation, one of them was turned over to each company and one to Battalion Headquarters to be taken care of and to be used only in case of emergency. It de- veloped that " L" Company's typewriter came in with the baggage after all. An emergency immediately arose in the form of a tremen- dous " paper barrage " and the foresight of this baggage detail was very much appreciated. The Division Quartermaster was notified through military channels that these typewriters had appeared in the baggage. In accordance with his instructions they were boxed up as the Battalion moved to the front and sent through the same channels to their proper owner. 40 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Besides the Third Battalion and 177th Infantry Brigade Head- quarters Detachment, there were other small bodies of troops at Rimaucourt; a baggage detail of another Division and Battalion of Engineers. The latter were engaged in the completion of a large Base Hospital; this hospital was just receiving its staff of surgeons and nurses when the area was vacated by this battalion. After the St. Mihiel offensive some of the wounded of the 353rd Infantry were evacuated to this same hospital. One thing lacking at Rimaucourt was a detachment of Military Police so the Third Battalion was ordered to form its own M. P.'s. These duties were turned over to Lieut. R. H. G. ("Long") Smith and a few carefully selected men from each company. So well did they perform their duties that after the second night one could hear a pin drop a block away after " Taps " and throughout the night. The second night they were on duty, several members of a nearby labor battalion who had looked too long on some of the local fire water became somewhat boisterous and were gathered quietly in the guard house by the M. P.'s. It so happened that Sergeant Metzger of Com- pany " K " w^as sergeant of the guard that night, and when these prisoners began to think it was time to start a little trouble in the guard house, he addressed them in no uncertain terms and told them what he would do to them either individually or collectively. They hesitated for a moment and took a careful look at his jaw and sur- veyed his general make up and quietly withdrew to the corner of the guard house and retired for the night. After breakfast the next morning Lieutenant Smith sent a message over to the C. 0. of the labor battalion stating that he had six of his men in the guard house for disturbing the peace and explained that since there were only enough rations for our own battalion it had been impossible to serve breakfast to the prisoners!! The prisoners were finally delivered to an officer of the Labor Battalion about noon. The business-like way in which these improvised M. P.'s handled the situation so im- pressed the members of the neighboring battalion that they gave no further trouble. The fame of our M. P.'s traveled on to the nearby town of Ande- lot where a detail of one of the National Guard Divisions was guard- ing baggage. Major Johnson was in charge of an Intelligence School there and called for assistance w^hen the sergeant in charge of the baggage detail, and his men refused to obey his orders. Lieutentant Smith and a detail of his M, P.'s went down to Andelot and escorted the sergeant and his entire detail (some twenty men all told) up to the guard house in Rimaucourt, They were mumbling a few remarks among themselves as to the superiority of the members of the Na- tional Guard Divisions and making certain statements as to their un- willingness to obey Reserve Officers, when Captain Baxter, as officer of the day, appeared at the door of the guard house. "Attention " was called. The prisoners paid little heed whereupon Captain Baxter turned upon the prisoners and in a few well-chosen remarks gave them some hints as to the duties of a soldier, which they never With the Third Battalion in Rimaiicourt 41 forgot M'hile the Third Battalion was in Rimaucourt. He then as- signed a billet for each of them, two feet wide and six feet long on the floor, which they proceeded to occupy. They were especially advised to hold no more conversation and make no more comments until such time as they were released. These men were transformed into well-behaved soldiers in a very short space of time and the fol- lowing day were sent back to take charge of their baggage. Their later conduct bore evidence of having profited by this brief contact with the National Army both in Andelot and Rimaucourt. During the stay in Rimaucourt there was more or less cognac and French wine available for those who thirsted. In the beginning no rules or restrictions were laid down locally. The first two days three members of the battalion partook too freely of these new drinks. Prompt was the punishment, prompt also was the action of the men of the battalion to prevent similar misconduct. In each company a small self-appointed detail saw to it that any member of their company, who showed signs of going too far in the consump- tion of these beverages, was quietly conducted to the little stream behind the town and thoroughly drenched. The result was that no rules were necessary to govern the men in this respect; liberties con- tinued but no over-indulgence occurred after the first three cases. Now and then a low muffled rumbling told us that we were not very far from our ultimate goal, the front line. Sometimes we were mistaken, however, as to the source of this rumbling. One day the engineers blew out some rock in a section of trench that they were digging for a new water system. It sounded so near and ominous that one highly nervous old French woman took to her cellar with all possible speed, and was only coaxed outside again after con- siderable explanation. While this incident w^as rather amusing its suggestions were serious. We were now in the Reynel Training Area, one of the twenty-two established in France for the American Expeditionary Forces, and training started in dead earnest. As has been before related, a large number of our men were received in the last few days before leav- ing Camp Funston and their training had barely begun. After some preliminary work in close order drill, a French officer came to the battalion as an instructor. He was enthusiastic about reverse slopes and so eloquent in his presentation that he entirely converted the temporary battalion commander, the Duke of Wellington, (Major Blackinton was at that time attending the special course for field officers at Langres). As a consequence our drill field was changed to a place some two and one-half kilometers southwest of the town, where a fine system of reverse slopes was located. Many a bloodless battle raged over those slopes; perspiration, however, flowed freely. Trenches were taken and lost many times during the hot July days, but the most popular event was the capture of a famous " strong point " which gave the victors a chance to rest in the shade of a thick grove of trees. For the further development of this training ground, Lieutenant 42 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Chase was detailed to construct a bayonet course. This required that trenches and shell holes be constructed, but the ground was too solid for a pick and shovel. The 508th Engineers supplied dynamite to expedite the work. The site for one of these shell holes proved to be an unfortunate selection, for after the generous charge of dyna- mite had been exploded. Lieutenant Chase dashed up to Battalion Headquarters and announced that he had struck a flowing well. Careful investigation of this phenomenon showed that the charge had been laid over a joint in the city water main and as a result the supply of water in the city suddenly ceased. It took the combined efforts of our best French students to convince the inhabitants that no unfriendly act was intended. Everyone had been struggling to pick up a little of the French language for his own use, and the French people had been extremely patient, but as teachers few could get up to " second speed." This emergency demanded that some American go into "high" immediately. Private Snyder of " M " Company was the only one who could qualify. To this day it remains a mystery why the inhabitants should become so excited over this accident to the water works. They had no fire department; they never drank water, and seemed to have very little use for it for any other purpose; yet they were very much excited when their supply was cut off. The source of the supply was out in the hills, a distance of two miles. Private Snyder finally made arrangements with the mayor to send the superintendent out to shut off the flow. There was a single key available to the large chamber from which the supply started to the city. After waiting several hours, Snyder was sent out in search of the superintendent and followed his trail to a wine shop down near the railroad station where it disappeared. Neither superintendent nor key could be lo- cated. The mayor at length gave permission to break the lock. The engineers who furnished the dynamite helped to mend the break. Private Snyder dashed off to the reservoir with his trusty bicycle and replaced the plug. The w^ater supply restored, friendly international relations were again resumed. In fact, the whole matter was handled so diplomatically that it did not get into the official reports. For his excellent work in this crisis. Private Snyder was promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the intelligence section at Regimental Headquarters. In spite of all mishaps and difficulties, the bayonet course was completed and men could be seen at all times of the day rushing the dummies with fixed bayonets and fierce " do or die " expressions on their faces. Other specialists, too, had to be trained. Groups of men practiced throwing dummy grenades; automatic riflemen worked over their Chauchats, taking them apart and putting them together again so as to become familiar with their operation and the replace- ment of spare parts. Trenches were then outlined and newly-trained automatic rifle- men, hand bombers, rifle grenadiers and ordinary riflemen practiced raids and made assaults, reaching through the first and second line With the Third Battalion in Rimaacourt 43 to the third line trenches. Thus the pleasant (in retrospect) July days passed. As a result of the intensive training the men were rapidly becoming efficient soldiers. Discipline was good and morale was high; all were looking forward with keenest interest to the day of leaving for the front. Inspections followed the completion of training. Colonel Mc- Masters appeared on the scene and directed each platoon leader to look over his platoon and report the number of men needing hair cuts. These reports were handed in and the number varied in the different platoons. In one platoon, no hair cuts were needed. This platoon was ordered forward; the others stood back with envy in their hearts. Surely this platoon and its leaders were to receive some kind of medal or decoration for their unusual accomplishment. The men of this platoon were ordered to take off their caps. Now they were to be decorated and were to stand uncovered during the ceremony. Some one had blundered. When the men were directed to brush their hair forward, it became painfully evident that not more than half of them had seen a barber for over a month. A cur- tain is drawn over the scene but soon after this incident short hair cuts became very popular, the shorter the better. In fact, a commit- tee of officers, led by Lieutenant Zipoy, ably assisted by Lieutenant Temple, intent on seeing that no one should miss the benefits of a cool, well-shaved head, made the rounds of the quarters and suc- ceeded in making flowing locks one of the scarcest possessions in camp. The training period was finished off by a long hike to a system of trenches near Gondrecourt. Here a night was spent in trying to find the way into the platoon sectors, while wearing gas masks, the supposed enemy being particularly active in that sector during that night. It was a weary battalion that dragged back to Rimaucourt the next day. A French woman who saw the column coming into the town, tired and dusty, called out, " Fini la guerre?" But it was just the beginning for the Third Battalion. CHAPTER VIII. The 353rd Infantry Moves to the Front First Battalion "Takes Over" The men of the 353rd Infantry fully expected orders to move to the front at the close of the intensive training period in early August, 1918. They had worked hard and felt they " had it comin'," More- over, the situation at the front seemed to indicate that this was a good time to get into the game. Victory in the second battle of the Marne brought the initiative to the allied forces; for the first time in many days Fritz was yielding ground. The big task of crushing out the salient at Chateau Thierry was fast developing into a great mili- tary success. Americans were playing a worthy part but there was still much to be done. There could be no peace without complete victory. So the men of the 353rd Infantry looked back upon their training with satisfaction and forward to duty at the front with con- fidence. Just what part of the line would be taken over no one seemed to know. Rumors were abroad that it would be in the Tout Sector. At any rate, it would be a "quiet" sector for a while; all else was " secret." The final task in the training area, as the first had been, was police. The barracks were stripped of all equipment, details scrubbed the floors and nailed the doors shut. Another detail buried the cans around the kitchen and sv/ept the yards. A third picked up the paper on the drill field and leveled the trenches. An in- spector was to appear at the moment of departure to pass on the result. At the hour of starting, the trucks were waiting and the men were ready. No inspector came so the order to load was given. Civilians turned out en masse to bid the men farewell. They had heard much of the achievements of Americans already in the war and they ex- pected great things of these strange but likeable men. A move is al- ways welcome to a soldier and it was in a happy frame of mind that the men of the First Battalion left their farewell assurances to the people of Manios. " Bonswa," shouted some; " Boche partee toot sweet," others added as the trucks slowly began to move down the road. There was loud cheering and waving of arms on both sides until the little town was lost in the distance. A drizzling rain set in at night and increased the difficulties of keeping the truck train together. The drivers crouched down over their wheels, said nothing, looked into the darkness and pushed ahead. The doughboys admitted to a man that these truck drivers had their nerve. Smoking was prohibited; in fact, there w^as not even the comfort of sufficient room. Thirty-five men to a truck with all their equipment made more than a load. At Tout the train hahed to give straggling trucks a chance to catch up. At daybreak Menil- la-Tour was in sight on the right. Flashes of fire lit up the fading The 353rd Infantry Moves to the Front 45 darkness ahead; and the roar of big guns broke the stillness of the morning. The hum of areoplanes could be heard overhead. Surely the front was not far away, and yet the trucks continued to move forward. At Francheville breakfast was prepared; already the journey had lasted nearly eighteen hours. Later in the day the Bat- talion marched through Royamieux to Domevre-en-Haye. This little town seemed to be almost intact. Civilians moved about freely, but there were no children among them. The build- ings appeared somewhat the worse for wear, but they were very sat- isfactory as billets. On the outskirts of the village peasants were busy gathering the harvest. Although this place seemed to be farther away from the front that Menil-la-Tour, reconnaissance patrols went ahead on August 5th from Domevre-en-Haye, and at dark Companies "A" and "C" followed to take over the support positions of the out- guard line. On the next evening "B" and "D" moved forward to the front line in the vicinity of Limey. The approach was now made with great care. All movement took place at night. Companies marched in half platoon sections, each section in column of two's with its files on either side of the road. Commands were given in low tones and passed on from group to group. " Forward " was repeated a dozen times before it reached the end of the column, but with such rapidity did the word travel that all moved off together. When all were ready orders suddenly changed the relief to the following night. The enemy had occupied this country in the early days of the war. Doubtless he had left a few sympathizers to notify him of such occasions. All risk of shell- ing during a relief must be avoided. These precautions were per- haps a bit over emphasized at this time, but this was a good oppor- ity to impress lessons of safety, for the men were in a receptive frame of mind. Scarcity of maps and compasses made orientation difficult. This section of the front was called the Lucey Sector and was located on the southern leg of the St. Mihiel salient. St, Mihiel was estimated to be fifteen miles due west; Verdun thirty miles to the northwest, and Metz eighteen miles to the northeast. These facts were tremen- duously interesting to the officers and men. But they were soon given to understand that their chief concern was with the locations of the platoons on the right and left and with the different company headquarters rather than with the general front. Troops of the 82nd Division in co-operation with the 32nd French Corps occupied the sector. The 82nd had relieved a French division. " Nothing much doing," they assured, " There's nobody over there." Just then a shaft of light shot up from beyond No Man's land — one, two, three, four stars dropped out in succession, " Where do those lights come from if there's nobody over there?" anxiously inquired one of the relieving party. " They say that the Germans have left a wooden-legged man to send up those rockets every so often, but we never could find him," was the answer received. These efforts to steady the nerves of the new men were only partially sue- 46 Regimental History 353rd Infantry cessful. The sector had been very quiet, but when the 354th In- fantry made their relief on the left flank of the division sector Aug- ust 6th and 7th, they were caught in a severe gas attack and suffered many casualties, among them Lieut. Col. Levi G. Brown whom all the officers of the 353rd Infantry remembered as their old training camp commander. So the men of the First Battalion took up their new duties in dead earnest. There was much to be learned immediately upon arrival in the sector. The following orders give some indication of the details of position warfare: Regimental Headquarters, 12th August, 1918. MEMORANDUM : 1. Every enlisted man will at all times know the location of his platoon and company P. C. and every officer will likewise be informed of P. C.'s of his subordinates, adjacent and high- er units. 2. All men must be disciplined as to their conduct in the trenches. They must not stand about and gaze at aeroplanes over them. They must not show themselves above the trenches. Rolling of packs, showing packs or any unneces- sary activity is always an indication to the enemy that a re- lief is to take place, so this must be avoided. 3. Gas drill will be held daily. In addition to daily drills in adjusting masks, at least once each week gas masks will be worn for at least one-half hour. Organization commanders will prescribe the day and hour for this purpose. 4. Prompt report will be made to the Intelligence Officer of any civilian seeking information, or whose actions are sus- picious. 5. No document, map or letters will be carried into the front line trenches which might be of value to the enemy if cap- tured. (One of the most valuable sources of information is the address of a letter received by soldier.). No sooner was the relief completed than staff officers and in- spectors appeared to see that all of these orders were obeyed. Even on the way they had found a man with his blouse off who didn't know what outfit was on the right! Is "stand-to to observe at daylight and dawn?" "Have arrangements been made to serve hot soup or coffee between midnight and 4 a. m.?" These were questions based on G. H. Q. trench orders. When the investigation was complete the visitors inquired the way to the next company P. C. and the men and officers " carried on." Nervousness soon wore off and the new situation became in- tensely interesting. Aerial battles always drew good crowds of spectators. The sector itself was covered with wire entanglements, dugouts and trenches. The men, moved by sheer curiosity, would go wandering forth, entirely oblivious of danger. Fritz put over a few extra shells and the following memorandum came out imme- diately. The 353rd Infantry Moves to the Front 47 CONCEALMENT 1. It has been noted that large numbers of men wander about the sector, apparently through curiosity. This practice will be suppressed at once and Company Commanders will be held responsible that their men remain under cover at all times except when absolutely necessary. 2. Concealment is absolutely necessary, especially so during the day time, as one or two men seen by the enemy will im- mediately draw shell fire and give away the positions and disposition of our troops. But opportunity for wandering about the sector did not last long. The engineers were busy laying out trenches and locating dugouts for the doughboys to dig. Fifty per cent of the men in the support positions were kept on work details. At this time a communication trench had to be completed up to the Metz road. Lieutenant Chalmers was in command of the detail. Lieutenant Kellogg, who was in command of Company "D" in this po- sition, led the way out to a place where the trench became a mere trace. The detail lined along the course and began to dig. An occa- sional shell whirred overhead and exploded in the distance. Lights and rockets appeared unceasingly. The enemy was over beyond Metz road; but "D" Company men were stationed in outposts along the road, so everybody felt fairly safe. Suddenly machine guns over to the left rear begun to clatter and bullets whistled overhead. Every man dropped down into the trench where he had been dig- ging. Another burst of fire from the right and all again became quiet. Hardly had the men resumed digging when the machine gunners opened up again with increased volume. Lieutenant Kellogg was making an investigation. The machine gunners insisted that they had seen a red rocket, the signal for indirect fire. No one knew who had sent up the signal. The men in the detail were sore. They expected Fritz to shoot at them but they didn't want their own ma- chine gunners to turn on them from the rear. The conclusion was finally reached that Fritz was at the bottom of the disturbance. It was one of his tricky methods of getting information. These many experiences were fast developing the men into ef- fective soldiers. They continued to work on the positions and ad- vanced a little farther each succeeding night with their patrol in No Man's Land. At the end of eight days the First Battalion was re- lieved by the Second. No casualties had been suffered. But on the return trip a hostile aviator attempted to do what his comrades in the line had failed to accomplish. On the way back to Manonville Company "C" caught the peculiar hum of the German machine over- head. The hum came closer and closer, and soon a bright light ap- peared. It flickered for an instant and then an air bomb lit near the road. Without command each man took cover in the ditches at the side of the road. " Not yet, Jerry," they shouted, "and remember we'll be back up to the front in a few days." CHAPTER IX. The Second Battalion Moves Up to Support the First On the afternoon of Saturday, August 3, 1918, the inhabitants of St. Blin, from the oldest bewhiskered grandpere to the tiniest babe, filled the windows and crowded the streets at the narrow corner by the Caf6 Central to see the Yanks leave for the front. Judging from the expression on their faces they were thinking, "What peculiar fellows they are, these Americans! They march out with cheers and laughter, it is nothing to them; they are going out to face death at the hands of those terrible Boche! What rough, reckless people the Americans seem to be. But they are coming now, by the million, and France is saved by these free-hearted Westerners — Vive 1' Amerique!" And amid the cheers of these enthusiastic, demonstrative peas- ants, the Second Battalion bade good-bye to the peaceful, sleepy ways of Haute Marne, and was on its way to the front at last. All afternoon it was up one hill and down another, on the road northward from St. Blin, through Liffol-le-Grande, Neufchateau and Toul. At Liffol-le-Grande the men of the Second Battalion had their first glimpse of the great construction work being done by the S. O. S. in France, and the part the American negro in the labor battalion was playing in the winning of the war. Time after time the long column of more than a hundred and fifty trucks was halted to per- mit some cranky machine to limp back to its place in the train. Night came on soon after leaving Neufchateau, but lights could not be used. The vicinity of Toul was one of the favorite playgrounds for Fritzie's bombing planes. Long before the convoy came to the outskirts of the city, flashes of artillery fire — first gleams of the World War to the men of the Second Battalion — could be plainly seen on the northern horizon. After many delays and long, impatient waits, it was breaking day when the convoy halted in the villages of Bouvron and Francheville. The men limped stiffly to their billets. A good old hay loft was paradise. But this was to be a brief stay. Almost before places to sleep could be found, orders came for a reconnaisance party composed of the battalion commanders and an officer from each company. They were to go up at once to the positions in the line which were to be occupied by the Second Battalion. By two-thirty in the afternoon, after a short nap and a warm, although rather scanty, meal, the en- tire organization was on the march. This was perhaps the only time in the entire period of operations when ample transportation was furnished to marching troops. Ten large trucks and the entire regi- mental wagon train accompanied the battalion. There was plenty of room for the packs. Great shell holes along the way suggested for the first time helmets and gas masks as a real precautionary measure. The Second Battalion Moves Up to Support the First 49 50 Regimental History 353rd Infantry After a hike of more than twelve kilometers, the battalion arrived in Domevre-en-Haye in the early dusk. Here everything was confusion. A French heavy artillery regi- ment was moving through the town, the wagon train was hopelessly blocked. It was late at night before rolling kitchens, water carts and escort wagons could be rescued from the tangle. Then they had to be pushed and pulled by man power up the extremely steep streets that led into the section of the town where the billets were located. The next day company commanders and platoon sergeants went up into the line to learn all they could from the 82nd Division, then holding the front. That night, August 5th, Companies "E" and "G" moved up to the support position, Limey, sub-sector of the Lucey sector, in the Le Ray Woods and the Haye Woods with dugouts along the St. Jean-Noviant road. The following evening, August 6th, Com- panies "F" and "H" entered the line, also in the support position, or army line of resistance — Company "H" on the right in Montjoie Woods and Company "F" on the left in the w^estern part of the Haye Woods. The remarkable caution and silence observed by every one while making the relief was almost ludicrous to the outgoing units of the 82 Division, who had been in position long enough to realize that enemy outposts were more than three kilometers away, with several lines of trenches held by our troops farther in front of us. But of- fcers of the relieved regiment realized that such discipline was not to be taken lightly, and praised the excellent manner in which the Second Battalion moved into position. While Companies "E" and "G" were entering the lines, the Germans put over a severe gas at- tack just to the left, and the Second Battalion had a good initiation in the way of rattlers, green rockets, and other gas alarms. Except for this incident, the relief was practically uneventful, weather was fine, and in every way conditions under which green troops begin real service could not have been more favorable. The support position on this portion of the front was not fully intrenched. The troops lived in splinter-proof shelters in the woods. Only two or three dugouts, such as the P. C. of Company "E" were at all shell-proof. The Battalion P. C. was located in the woods on a steep slope near the intersection of the Manonville-St. Jacques and the St. Jean-Noviant Roads. These hillside shelters were very neat and cozy, and at that season of the year, seemed like summer cot- tages. The stream that flowed past the foot of the hill was ideal for bathing, and with one memorable exception, life at Battalion Head- quarters was most peaceful. One afternoon, soon after moving into the lines, the half dozen officers on duty at the Battalion P. C. were seated at the table, in one of these picturesque little bowers, eating supper. Everything was quiet. Suddenly, with a frightful hiss, a large shell came tearing down through the roof, just missing the edge of the table, and buried itself several feet in the earthen floor. Everyone made a dive for the open. The hole in the ground smoked threateningly for a few min- The Second Battalion Moves Up to Support the First 51 utes. It was a "dud"! Lieutenant Alexander, battalion dentist, was slightly burned and scratched by the hot fragments torn from the metal roof, but no one was seriously hurt. After this incident meals in the dining shelter were eaten in haste; one had but to look up at the neat 105 mm. hole in the roof to realize that the war was still on. Another rather similiar experience with "dud"' occurred while "E" Company men were lining up along the road near the kitchen, waiting for " chow." A big one struck between the rails of the nar- row gauge track at the edge of the road, not ten yards from a group of thirty or forty men. But like so many of Fritz's long range shells these days, it was another " dud," and what might have been a seri- ous disaster was but a valuable lesson to prevent men from assem- bling in large groups within the range of enemy artillery. Work in the support position was largely digging trenches for the new "Army Line of Resistance" being developed along the general line, St. Jacques-Noviant. The sector covered by this battalion was approximately five kilometers wide. On the night of August 14-15 the Second Battalion relieved the First Battalion in the front line position around Limey. Here com- panies were disposed as follows : Company "H" on the right front, in Limey and the trenches north of the Metz road east of Limey; Company "G" on the left front, in trenches north and south of the Metz Road, west of Limey; Company "E" in support of "H" in and around the Bois de St. Jacques; Company "F" in support of "G" be- tween the Voisogne Wood and Lironville; with Battalion P. C. along the Lironville trench about midway between Lironville and Limey. To the front was the strongly fortified Bois de Mort Mare, the Prom- enade de Moines, Ansoncourt Farm, Robert Menil Farm, and the organized village of Remenauville. No Man's Land was from one to two kilometers wide, but the trenches practically connected the op- posing lines, having been but a few meters apart during the earlier part of the war. Night patrolling was the order of business. Lieutenant Gardner of Company " F," Lieutenant Goebel of " H," Morrison of " E" and other leaders with daring groups were able to get valuable informa- tion as to dispositions of the enemy forces to the front. But none were able to disclose the exact origin of the four star rocket which some dutiful Heinie sent up at regular intervals every night. Rumor had it that all Germans in this sector had withdrawn, leaving only a peg-legged old man, who kept up appearance of occupation by send- ing up these signals. But returning patrols insisted that the signal man had company, and adventurous persons who chose to stick their heads up were usually reassured by a bit of convincing evidence snapping past their heads. On the morning of August 19th the Germans put down a heavy barrage on the lines along the Metz Road from four to five a. m. For a time it looked as if they were preparing to come over. Every- one hurried to the stand-to positions in readiness for them. Run- ners from the platoons on the outguard line reported no one in sight. 52 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Evidently Fritz was trying to divert attention from his efforts on some otlier part of tlie line. Organizations to right and left reported the complete repulse of raiding parties the follow^ing morning. Day- light showed some well-spotted trenches in the Second Battalion area but there were no casualties. The men stood their ground like veterans while a single small-caliber piece of artillery to the rear replied with all its might and main to the heavy shots of the Ger- man guns. Supporting artillery had held fire awaiting orders. But the action of this particular crew received the hearty commendation of every man in the Second Battalion. "It was consoling to know that we, too, had some artillery," remarked the men. And then, too, the fact that direct hits with heavy artillery are comparatively rare subtracted considerably from the dread of bombardment. Fritz could not have done more for his opponents in this initial lesson. While in the front line it was quite a problem to supply the out- posts with hot food. Kitchens had to be located some distance back, as any appearance of smoke from the stoves brought on a violent shelling. In some cases "chow" details, caught by small bombard- ments, scattered marmite cans in hopeless confusion in their scram- ble for cover. Sergeant Wright of "G" Company located his kitchen just back of the Metz Road, more than a kilometer nearer the front line than any one had dared to put a stove during all the preceding years of trench warfare on this front. Thanks to such energetic mess sergeants, men in most remote outposts were able to get their "chow" in good condition. On the night of August 22-23 the Second Battalion was relieved by the Third and moved back to billets in Manonville, about six kil- ometers in rear of the line. It was then discovered that the famous military "cootie" had appeared. After a long truck ride to Menil- le-Tour, the entire Battalion was " deloused," except for "F" Com- pany, which somehow lost out on the deal. Most of the unservice- able clothing was replaced, although largely by second-hand articles. Being relieved, however, only meant opportunity for more train- ing. "Close Order" and parade ground work gave way to special drills in the new "diamond" attack formations, under the personal direction of Colonel Babcock, now Regimental Commander. Captain Peatross, commanding the battalion, conducted special maneuvers, simulating the plans of attack to be made in the near future. Night movements on designated compass bearings were added to the sched- ule, and nights as well as days were full of preparation. But it was not until a few days later that the men of the Second Battalion realized that all this training was to prepare them for the leading part in the big offensive. CHAPTER X. The Third Battalion Moves Up in Reserve and Later Relieves the Second as the Second Relieves the First ON THE OuTGUARD LiNE As the struggle at Rimaucourt neared its close, the very atmos- phere seemed heavy with impending experiences. During these days in late July and early August, 1918, the world waited breathlessly for the swing of the pendulum of victory. Excitement was at fever heat. Would it be toward the enemy or toward the allies? The Third Battalion finished intensive training, urged on by the distant call of brothers at the front. As the men moved over the rugged slopes of their drill ground, the far-away rumbling of artillery gave a hint of necessity to their extended formations. Those who were on duty in the early hours of morning saw the flashes of myriad guns reflected against the sky in the direction of the front. Orders might be kept "secret" but the doughboys understood the signs of the times. Finally, August 6th completed the training period. The men of the Third Battalion were confident; incidentally they had conquered "Vin Rouge" and "Cognac," and a few of the more gallant members even bade fair to capture the local mademoiselles. They were now in shape for a round with the more formidable " Fritz." Tomorrow they would be on their way toward the " great adventure." Hearts were tumultuous at the last farewells to the kindly French people. Wonder, anticipation, anxiety reigned throughout the command. Emotions w^ere complicated beyond description but there was no shrinking and no one feared the outcome. Morning had hardly risen over the eastern hills when the camp broke into activity. Men hustled in and out the barracks, carrying surplus kits here, barracks bags there, kitchen accessories in this pile, ordnance and quartermaster supplies by the road. All this hustle and bustle was directed by shouting, cursing non-commis- sioned officers who were in turn directed by more loudly shouting and much more worried officers. The road was a cloud of white dust that enveloped ghastly shapes of dun-colored canvas structures emitting a roar like a thousand trip hammers; these were the convoy of trucks. Gradually the piles of supplies disappeared, ration trucks were safely loaded, now came the men. Many a wondering dough- boy couldn't conceive how a w^hole battalion could possibly find room in the thirty odd trucks that were standing in the road. The problem was, however, quickly solved. Twenty-three men were crowded, jammed, and packed into each truck; comfort was left be- hind. Tw^enty-three doughboys with full field equipment made more than a load, and in every one of the trucks tw^enty-three dough- boys immediately raised a chorus of prodigious howls that would ordinarily have moved a heart of stone, but not the determined of- ficers who were going to the front. 54 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Some one blew a whistle. The blast of a whistle was not, as a rule, a momentous occasion, except at reveille in the morning or for Saturday inspections, but the blast of that whistle meant the move- ment of another battalion to the front. It meant that the lives of some thousand odd men were to be thrown in the scale in favor of the allies. It meant the realization of the Great Adventure. The trucks moved slowly at first, then faster over hills and wind- ing roads through picturesque villages, kilometer after kilometer with never a stop. The French peasants, working in the fields, stopped their labors to wave a farewell. In the villages, the natives lifted drooping shoulders and saddened faces, doubtless reminded of vivacious sons whose memory alone remained. As the convoy rolled on, from converging roads other convoys joined the race east- ward until the road, as far as eye could see in either direction, was a teeming line of trucks filled with shouting, exuberant doughboys. Cities came and were passed. Beyond Tout great stretches of barbed wire wound jaggedly over hills and valleys. Villages now were with- out lights in windows or streets. The heavy darkness that enveloped everything made the men wonder what sixth sense it was that en- abled the driver to hold his rushing truck to the faint streak of light representing the road. A frantic screech of the brakes and a sudden lurch to avoid a crash into the truck ahead often brought hearts into throats. Rushing madly along the banks of a canal that wound through the valley, with a towering cliff on the other side, the con- voy suddenly rounded a sharp curve and swung from the shadows into the less oppressive darkness of an open plain. At that very moment, a German flare rose, gracefully describing an arc over the hill ahead and suddenly burst into a flood of blinding light. To ac- tive imaginations it seemed the loud churning of the engines had re- vealed the arrival of the Third Battalion to enemy ears, and signals for an artillery barrage were being transmitted from hidden observa- tion posts behind every bush and stone. In the very dead of night came a halt in the little town of Bouvron. Led by the billeting detail, which had preceded the outfit, the battalion was stowed away for the night in hay lofts, woodsheds, and barns — fragrant reminders of the farms left behind. The men stumbled over hen roosts and boxes, everything but bunks and feather-beds. The night in these quarters was worse than in the trucks. Rodents made raids upon the reserve rations, so ferocious were they that it seemed they hadn't eaten since the war of 1870. Almost before anyone had gotten any "shut-eye" at all, came the sig- nal to get up, not the resounding bugle but sharp demands, " Get up," from surly sergeants hardly awake themselves. Cooks and K. P.'s valiantly attacked the escort wagons and soon the kitchens were rolling forth odors of coffee and "canned willy" that brought hungry doughboys speedily into the "chow" line. Now the waiting "chow" lines heckled the cooks; mess sergeants answered in kind. The day waned. No Boche were visible until in the late afternoon when a hostile aviator made a flight across the heavens. The Third Battalion Moves Up In Reserve 55 Little puffs of white and black smoke from the anti-aircraft guns followed his trail. Although no planes came tumbling to earth in flames, officers all but despaired after futile attempts to keep the battalion under cover. At night the battalion moved. From now on the most popular song was "Where Do We Go From Here?" Silently the column wend- ed its way from the shadows of the narrow village streets into what seemed to be a barren, lifeless stretch of plain. Only occasionally did a few trees along the road relieve the monotony, and once or twice the shadows of small villages. Always that menacing star- shell rose in graceful curves ahead. Hour after hour, the men trudged silently on. Only the noise of hobs on the ragged stone road and the rumble of the field train, deadened occasionally by the un- mistakable roar of artillery, reached the ears of the men. Some cursed as they began to tire from the back-breaking load of full packs, but the tramp continued onward into the darkness. Finally, early in the morning, the column left the road, wound along a lane and stopped in the edge of dense woods near Domevre. No one spoke above a whisper. Gas masks were at the alert. A rifle shot had been established as the signal for gas alarm. One of the senti- nels jammed a cartridge in his rifle and it was accidentally dis- charged. Some one shouted 'Gas"; instantly there was a wild scram- ble. Gas masks were quickly donned, but those who could not find their masks in the dark pulled sand bags over their heads. The mis- take was soon rectified and peace and quiet once more established. After much confusion and some minutes of impatient waiting, the battalion was finally crowded into the town of Domevre. The small barracks were well surrounded by a dense tangle of roots, quite ef- fectively hid in the darkness of the woods. Many a man stumbled and as he crashed to the ground under the weight of full field equip- ment his silence gave way to expressions of rage. At that it was hard to do the situation justice. Many bruised hands and darkened faces appeared when morning cautiously slipped over the horizon. Strict orders to avoid observation from aeroplanes kept the bat- talion concealed in the woods for the day. After the cooks had the iron rations simmering, "police call" brought from the bunks a surly, wearied battalion. With the exception of a few more battles high up in the sky, nothing else broke the monotony of the day, but the stay in the Bois de Domevre was very brief. A three-kilometer march landed the Third Battalion in Manonville on the night of Aug- ust 9th. Manonville was the seat of Regimental Headquarters and the home of the battalion in reserve. It was situated in the fighting zone and had been occupied by the Germans at the beginning of the war in 1914. Although not destroyed like the French villages nearer the front line, yet it was in a dangerous territory. Most of its inhabit- ants had fled to a safer locality. However, there were a few faithful and brave old citizens who refused to vacate their beloved homes. These few carried on from day to day, disregarding the enemy aero- 56 Regimental History 353rd Infantry The Third Battalion Moves Up In Reserve 57 planes and the artillery shells that were occasionally dropped into the village. The little city had been sadly neglected during the four long years of war. The first duty of the Third Battalion was to " police it up." It was a large task. For five days streets were swept, billets scrubbed, tin cans and rubbish gathered in piles, and scrap heaps hauled away. The work was disagreeable, but all took a hold with a cheerful and willing spirit fully realizing the necessity, not for the sake of appearance, but in order to preserve their own good health and the health of the men of the regiment who would follow in their position. On the night of August 14th the Third Battalion moved to the support position in the woods just south of Lironville, relieving the Second Battalion. Here might be an opportunity to experience some actual warfare. Opportunity soon appeared in an unexpected form. On August 21st at 9:45 p. m. sharp, enemy artillery startled the mem- bers of " L" Company. The first and second platoons, both of which were stationed in the woods, were being shelled. It was difficult at first to determine the nature of the attack; many shells fell and ex- ploded with a a loud, deafening sound, while others exploded with a muffled noise. The gas sentries were on the alert and soon detected small clouds arising slowly from places where the shells were strik- ing. As the wind carried these clouds on toward the platoon posi- tions, the odor of gas told the secret. Gas alarms sounded through- out the company sector. Most of the men were asleep, but, upon awakening, quickly became aware of the situation and got into their masks. This, however, was not true in one particular dugout, where one of the men grasped the mask fastened to his comrade and pro- ceeded to lead his sleepy partner around like a pet dog. The owner wondered what force was pulling him ahead, neither grasped the idea of partnership in the mask. Another rudely awakened from his sleep was making a noble effort to insert his head into the mess kit carrier of his haversack. But the gas instruction had been thorough; discipline was splendid, and the men helped one another. There were gases of every variety — arsenic, phosgene and particularly mus- tard, — but every man stuck to his mask. The gas barrage continued and it became necessary to move the two platoons to an alternate position in order to avoid the mustard gas which was being splashed all over the woods. The attack was thoroughly systematic. The Germans would throw over a number of gas shells at regular intervals. As soon as the gas from one round had passed over and the men began to mo,^ about, another shelling followed. Shrapnel, too, was thrown over with the gas, so as to catch those unfortunates who might be driven out of their dugouts by the gas and compelled to move about in the open. The majority of the men of the company spent several hours in their gas masks on this occasion. No casualties resulted from the at- tack — a real victory had been won. The Boche had failed in his ef- 58 " Regimental History 353rd Infantry fort to cause casualties. He had given every man an opportunity to try out the gas masks under actual conditions. It is needless to say that every man had great confidence in his mask after this exper- ience and regarded it as a true friend rather than a toy. The men, too, learned the odor of gas and the sound of gas shells. The next morning was spent in wiring off the area which had been contaminated by the mustard gas. Packs and other equipment which had been damaged by the gas were condemned. This work was accomplished by men of '* L" Company dressed in rubber uni- forms which covered the entire body. Chloride of lime was thrown into the shell holes and life in this position continued as before. CHAPTER XL The Third Battalion Draws First Blood on the Enemy In the night of August 22-23, twenty-four hours after the exper- ience of the gas attack in the support position, the Third Battalion relieved the Second Battalion in the front line trenches. " L" and "M" Companies were placed in the front line, "M" Company at the shell-torn village of Limey and " L" Company extended the line to the left. "K" Company supported " L" Company, while "I" Company formed the support for "M" Company. " L" and "M" Companies each had one platoon located in the trenches which ran along the Metz highway, forming the outpost position for the battalion. Nightly patrols went out from the battalion. Volunteers for this work were plentiful, for everyone wished to make a trip into the notorious " No Man's Land." All had read and heard numerous tales about this disputed section of the battle-field and many wondered what it actually looked like and what could be found there. How- ever, patrolling lost favor with certain members of the battalion on the night of August 29th. On this night, the division had ordered a demonstration of flares and rockets of every description in order to familiarize the men with their appearance. Unfortunately, three large patrols were scheduled to go out this same night of the exhi- bition. At 9 :00 p. m. the skies in front of the battalion position were illuminated with fireworks of every description — red and green rockets, parachutes, yellow smoke rockets and flares all helped to decorate the sky. " Fritz," not being accustomed to such demon- strations, took the matter more seriously and let go with everything that he possessed in the form of artillery, machine gun and gas equipment. In the meantime, the three patrols, one led by Lieu- tenant Pine, another by Lieutenant Seith and another by Lieutenant Messerole, were operating in " No Man's Land." This sudden out- burst of fireworks from behind and artillery from in front made them feel that they were between two fires. They did not know which way to turn. Lieutenant Leedy carried a flash-light on his belt and through some mishap the light was turned on at this criti- cal moment and blazed its defiance directly toward the Boche lines. This minor illumination was greeted by a shower of machine gun bullets from the Boche and the members of the patrol proceeded to hug the earth. Enemy artillery shifted to "No Man's Land" and mem- bers of the patrols soon found themselves very uncomfortably situ- ated and decided that a change of position would be beneficial. This change took the form of a rear guard action. Members of the patrols could be seen sneaking across "No Man's Land" into friendly trenches the greater part of the night. The fireworks had no doubt been instructive to some, but they caused patrols to lose their popu- larity with others. During the time the 353rd Infantry had occupied this "quiet" sector, it had taken on life and activity. The Boche were becoming 60 Regimental History 353rd Infantry z < 3 The lliird Battalion Draius First Blood On the Enemy 61 nervous. They were sending out nightly patrols that reached our outpost positions and even made efforts to cut off advance listening posts, German observation balloons increased in numbers and could be seen at all times above their lines. Enemy aeroplanes made fre- quent trips over the lines and it became apparent that they were anxiously seeking information. It is true that the enemy had cause to become excited, for behind the lines the Americans were massing artillery of every description; six infantry divisions were concen- trating on the right of the salient. Night after night the roads lead- ing up to these lines were congested with traffic; supplies, ammuni- tion, caterpillars and everything necessary for a big battle were be- ing hauled forward. Anxiety on the part of the enemy to gain information expressed itself in another form on the morning of August 21. Just before dawn a large well-organized raiding party came through the old trenches of "No Man's Land" which connected the opposing lines. These trenches had not been used for over four years but the enemy was thoroughly familiar wath the system and knew all the vulnerable points. A heavy bombardment on the positions occupied by "L" and "K" Companies preceded the raiding party, while a box barrage was laid down on "L" Company's outpost position along the Metz road, which was held by the First Platoon of "L" Company, commanded by Sergt. Harry C. Hyndman. The 354th Infantry was to the left of this position and the space between the two regiments was covered by a combined liaison post from each regiment. The raiding party considered this portion of the line between the two regiments as the most vulnerable, and following their barrage closely, advanced toward the liaison post. As they approached, several Germans called out in good English, "Don't shoot. We are from the 354th." However, Corporal Billings from Company " L," 353rd Infantry, in charge of the post, having heard of such tricks before, became very suspicious, and after investigating the matter, learned that a party of the enemy was approaching. He ordered his men to withdraw, firing upon the enemy all the while, and upon reaching his platoon, told Sergeant Hyndman of the enemy's ap- proach. The sergeant was on the alert and already had his men well in hand. The enemy were on the left flank in V-shaped formation; a point of six men was in the lead while others followed close be- hind. A larger body formed a support and remained about three hundred yards to their rear. They were approaching rapidly down the trench occupied by the platoon. The point had reached the first dugout which had but a few minutes prior to this been vacated by "L" Company men, and were throwing hand grenades into them. The support was already getting a machine gun in place. The situ- ation demanded immediate action. Just at this time Corporal Rice, who was returning from a listening post to learn the cause of the excitement, was caught in the trenches by the hostile point walking along the parapet. He immediately brought his rifle into action. 62 Regimental History 353rd Infantry His first shot killed the leader while his second shot wounded one of the others. The point retreated in confusion. In the meantime, Private Sundin liad taken a good position with his automatic rifle and was playing havoc with the advancing Germans. Sergeants Hyndman and Hight had organized the remainder of the platoon in a skirmish line reaching from the Metz road south two hundred yards and were advancing on the opposing line, firing as they moved. Major Blackinton's foresight had prompted him to send a trench mortar outfit from Headquarters Company to support the First Pla- toon, but unfortunately it was not in position to shoot to the extreme left flank. The trench mortar seemed to be useless at this time, but Corporal Westfall in charge was determined to get into action and proceeded to support the mortar with his hands and knees, while one of his men fed it with ammunition. The trench mortar played on the German support with such deadly effect that it broke and ran, followed by those in advance. Two dead Germans were left by the fleeing troops, but they succeeded in carrying away the wounded. Prisoners taken the next night said that the raiding party had car- ried back six of their dead and twelve wounded. The situation met by Sergeant Hyndman and his platoon was a serious one, for the Boche raiding party outnumbered his force at least three to one and it was made up of special storm troops who had had plenty of experience in this sort of work. The artillery support given them was all they could ask for. The attack, coming as it did in the early hours of the morning, was an acid test for new troops and usually got results, but the conduct of the Third Battalion men was worthy of veterans of several battles. They had met the attackers aggressively and beaten them at their own game. The rest of the men in the battalion made the important discovery as a result of the bombardment that shell fire is not fatal to every one within ear shot; that it takes a good many thousand rounds of artillery ammunition to cause a few casualties. The ground and trenches occupied by "K" and "L" companies were literally covered with shell fragments after the raid but little damage had resulted. On the whole, the net result of the raid was extremely valuable to the men of the Third Battalion and only made them more confident of being able to go over the top when the time came and drive the Boche from the trenches that he had occupied so long. On this occasion the battalion won the distinction of being the first in the 353rd Infantry to come into actual contact with the ene- my and draw German blood. Curiosity on the part of the Boche had been satisfied. He had learned the caliber of the troops opposing him and had received a sample of what to expect in the future. The enemy had failed in his purpose to take American prisoners; "L" Company suffered only five casualties; these were not serious enough to be evacuated. The men had shown the true American fighting spirit and had gained absolute confidence in themselves and in their leaders. The Third Battalion Draws First Blood On the Enemy 63 Although the Third Battalion had left the front lines for ten days, it was necessary to advance the lines about one kilometer forward in preparation for the big offensive that was soon to take place. This was done on the night of September 2nd, "L" and "M" Com- panies taking over one of the old trench systems about twelve hun- dred yards north of the Metz road while "K" and "I" Companies were placed in the positions which the other two companies had left. The move was successful. The new positions were used sev- eral days later as the jump-off line for the regiment in the great St. Mihiel drive. The battalion ended its eventful tour of duty in the front lines of the Lucey sector on the night of September 4th and moved back to Manonville to the reserve position after two weeks in the front line. CHAPTER XII. The First Battalion Again on the Outguard Line A Raid Frustrated The activities of the 353rd Infantry in the Lucey Sector center around the town of Limey. For four years this little town, shell- torn and deserted except for a few soldiers, lay on the border of "No Man's Land." Trenches were in front of it, through it, and back of it. The ruined church could be seen above the surrounding build- ings from all parts of the advance position. Its steeple, only par- tially intact, was a registration point for German artillerymen; and the crowded cemetery in the rear was still frequently disturbed by high explosive shells. In one corner stood a little open tomb with a marble cross at the head. There was a story connected with this cross. A German machine gunner had made his implacement in the tomb back of the cross. The French soldiers in the counter-attack, Limey, From the Limey-Noviant Road. refusing to fire toward the cross, had taken him by main force. This method had cost them fearfully but it gained the approval of all who heard the story. And so historical interest combined with lo- cations made Limey the land mark of the regimental sector, and po- sitions came to be indicated from Limey. "When the First Battalion took over the outpost for the second time on September 4, 1918, Company "D" was assigned the position to the front and immediately to the left of Limey. Company "B" held Limey and to the right; Company "A" and "C" were in support to the rear. The First Battalion Again On the Outguavd Line 65 The 89th Division had been in the line a month. During this time the sector clianged from a "quiet" to an "active" sector. Efforts on the part of the Americans to gain information had aroused the sus- picion of the Germans. Every movement brought down " Strafing." Reliefs under these conditions were accomplished with great diffi- culty. The platoons of Company "D" had to cross an open space of three hundred yards to reach their position; but thanks to Fritz's methodical tendencies of dropping shells at this particular time the platoons reached their objectives in safety between bursts of fire. Lieutenant Jones with his platoon held the forward position on the right of the Company sector; Lieutenant Metzger with his platoon held the center, and Sergeant Knowles with his platoon held the left flank; Sergeant Hammond with his platoon held the reserve position along the Metz road on either side of Company Headquarters. The three platoons in the forward position covered a front of about five hundred yards. Dispositions w^ere so made that the inter- vening ground between the various combating groups could be cov- ered with automatic rifle fire. The groups, however, were too widely scattered to support each other. It was necessary to maintain a regular system of communication between the different groups by means of runners. In case of attack each group was to hold to the last man. Holding the outpost line was the most trying duty that fell to the lot of new soldiers. The following field messages tell of the diffi- culties in getting up water and supplies: Company B, Center X-I, September 8, 1918. Memorandum to Lieut. F. A. Smith, Supply Officer: Wish to call your attention to the fact that this organization is again without water, as your driver only made one trip last night. It seems that your driver is unable to get through at night because the roads are blocked. Request that you arrange to have two carts of water here for this company by dark tonight, as you must realize that we cannot get along on one load of water a day. J. C. Hazlett, Captain. 353rd Infantry, Commanding Co. " B." Company D, 353rd Infantry, September 8, 1918. Memorandum to Captain Crump: Would report that rations and water were not delivered to us last night owing to shell fire, but had to be carried by a detail from the company at Limey. Could not this be remedied? Un- derstand that the Regimental Commander had forbidden drivers to bring their wagons up the Metz road. Is this correct? If so, some other arrangement must be made for our rations and water. F. M. Wood, First Lieutenant Infantry. 66 Regimental History 353rd Infantry On the same day came this reply from Lieutenant Smith, the Battalion Supply Officer: Rations and water were not being taken down the Metz road because my drivers were stopped by the guard and not permitted to go out of Limey. They can haul to the kitchen just as easily. Possibly the guard did not know of the new arrangement. The Regimental C. O. ordered the use of the Metz road by the wagons. Nor did the difficulties end with the simple delivery of rations and water. The mess sergeant had his greatest trials with the kitchen stove. Charcoal was short; wood must be burned. But the wood could be used only in case the smoke was thoroughly camouflaged. All in vain — Fritz had spotted the kitchen. He immediately got busy and sent over one of his "barrack bags." The kitchen force recognized the peculiar sizzling and groaning of this one and made for safety. The sound of the explosion w^as unusual; a direct hit on the kitchen produced a loud clatter among the utensils. The stove itself and the cans were perforated like sieves by the fragments. Fortunately no one was hurt and since "chow" is three-fourths of the doughboy's life, Fritz would have to pay dearly for this inconvenience a little later. The kitchen stove was removed and the damage repaired. From that time on cooking was done under the camouflage of dark- ness. But the difficulties did not end with cooking; carrying the food from the kitchen to the men out on the line in heavy marmite cans was the hardest kind of work. A long pole was run through the handles of these cans. One man on either end placed the pole on his shoulders and started tandem fashion down through the wind- ing trenches to the different messing stations. In some cases the journey was more than two kilometers. All of these efforts were necessary to the simple maintenance of a hard life in the trenches. The mission of the men on the outpost line was to give warning of an attack and delay its action until the troops on the line of re- sistance could be called to arms. Guard had to be maintained at all hours and "stand-to" was observed both at dawn and dusk. An enemy patrol or raiding party might attempt to penetrate between the outpost positions. It must be repulsed; at any rate, no one must be taken prisoner. The ten days allotted to each battalion on the outpost line fairly used up the strength and vitality of the men. All went on in the usual rounds until 4:50 on the morning of September 7, 1918. At that minute the enemy suddenly opened up with his artillery and it was soon evident that the entire company was surrounded by a box barrage. No time was lost in preparations to meet the attack. Rockets for a counter-barrage were immediately sent up. One lone gun from the supporting artillery responded. It was up to the doughboys to make their stand alone. The possibilities of a hostile attack had been The First Battalion Again On the Outguard Line 67 thoroughly discussed. The enemy would try to break through on the flank; so Lieutenant Hunter with half of the reserve platoon moved to the right flank; Lieutenant Wood with the cooks and head- quarters men, about twenty in all, moved to the left flank. The en- tire company was on the line and ready to resist to the last. About seventy-five of the enemy had hit Sergeant Knowles' pla- toon on the left flank and forced part of the men out of the trench. "Potato masher grenades" were flying thick and fast. One lit at the feet of Private Baird. Its explosion sent fragments of steel through his legs, but he continued to fight on and hold his ground. In the darkness a mix-up had taken place. Hand-to-hand fighting kept the Germans from accomplishing their mission on this part of the line. As Lieutenant Wood came up he saw a group of about fifty to the left and to the rear of the left flank platoon. He quickly deployed his force at right angles to the front line trench. It was impossible to identify the men in the group. The question arose, "Could this be some of Sergeant Knowles' men who had fallen back?" This situ- ation w^as rendered doubly uncertain when one in the group ahead called out in good English, "Don't shoot." Lieutenant Wood, pistol in hand and ready for action, moved up to investigate. He ordered his men to keep low and hold fire until the command was given; for, if they were enemies and firing should begin he would be caught between the lines. As he crawled forward he called in a low tone for the pass word. A moment went by, but it seemed like ages. Could this man have forgotten the pass word? Many of them were French names, difficult to remember. While these thoughts were crowding through the minds of the men, the reply came — a flash of fire followed by the report of a pistol. The shot went wild. The Lieutenant was ready and replied with a hit. The figure standing apart fell to the ground. Completely forgetting all commands and Lieutenant Wood as well, the skirmish line opened fire; here was Fritz, let him have it — had he not knocked the kitchen out yester- day? What had he done that was good? But for him they would all be enjoying life back home. But Sergeant Taylor had the men well in hand. He remembered Lieutenant Wood, checked the fire, and gave orders to advance. The men met Lieutenant Wood crawl- ing back to join them. Again they opened fire and the group dis- appeared in the darkness. The skirmish line followed close behind to the wire entanglements where the enemy was making desperate efforts to escape. Three were captured; two others received severe wounds. As the retreating foe passed Corporal Phillips' outpost he opened up with his automatic rifle; killed two and captured one prisoner. The situation had been puzzling to the men in the other two pla- toons. Fighting was going on on the left and to the rear; rifle bul- lets whistled over their heads, but no enemy appeared. The barrage caught the extreme right of Lieutenant Jones' platoon; two were killed and four wounded. Sergeant Wimmer in the center platoon crawled up out of the trench in an attempt to make observations. 68 Regimental History 353rd Infantry A sentry in the next firing bey took him for an enemy and opened fire; the sergeant was instantly killed. Each platoon had suffered losses in doing its part. As the barrage lifted, the first gleams of daylight appeared. The battle had lasted only a few minutes. The enemy had gone, carrying with them many wounded and leaving eight behind. A check was made in the company — three dead and seven wounded. It seemed miraculous that the losses were not greater. The raid had been re- pulsed and now a report must be made. The following order pays an indirect tribute to those who shared in the fight and prints the stamp of victory on the result: Regimental P. C, Center X, 9th September, 1918. SECTOR PROPERTY SECRET Memorandum for First Line Battalion: 1. Nightly patrols will no longer be given the mission of deep penetration in order to obtain contact with the enemy. 2. The Commanding General desires you to maintain a patrol program in order to cover the front of the regiment, but these patrols must be strong enough to properly protect themselves and avoid unusual risk of capture. By Order of Colonel Reeves. C. H. Biggs, First Lieut. Infantry, N. A. Operations Officer. All needed information had been obtained from the captured Germans. The enemy, instead of gaining, had given information. The losses were keenly felt in the company. It was sad to see these men make the supreme sacrifice at this, the very bginning, of a glori- ous campaign. For even while this raid was on, artillery was moving into position to open the way for the big drive on September 12. CHAPTER XIII. The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in St. Mihiel Offensive The Second Battalion Makes the Assault It is freely admitted that the outcome of a modern military of- fensive is largely dependent upon the physical condition, intelli- gence, and morale of the individual soldiers engaged. And yet the magnitude and complexity of movement and forces is such that there is little left for him but to "do and die" or perhaps as the Americans put it, "do or die." For more than a month the 353rd Infantry had been at the front in the Lucey sector on the southern leg of the St. Mihiel salient. Each battalion had taken its turn in the outguard, support and re- serve positions. September 11, 1918, found the First Battalion for the second time on the outguard line. The Second Battalion had been redoubling its efforts to get ready for the assault and was now in the support positions. The Third Battalion w^as in reserve in the De Merve Woods. Each day had brought increasing signs of "some- thing doin' " in the near future. The Second Division had estab- lished headquarters in Manonville and were taking positions on the right. Big guns were being pulled into place day and night; re- connaissance parties of other organizations were carefully moving about the sector. From the jumpiness and activity of his artillery and the searching expeditions of his aircraft, Fritz must also have sensed something unusual on the American side, but "D" Day found the officers and men of the 353rd Infantry almost unaware of the specific part they were to play in the great offensive of September 12. Four long years the enemy had held the ground in the St. Mihiel salient which the Crown Prince had won in his futile effort to take Verdun. During these years, the German High Command had done its best to make the positions secure by improving the natural ad- vantages of the terrain wath many strands of barbed wire entangle- ments of every description and various types of field fortifications. For, by holding this salient whose line extended approximately forty miles with its apex at the town of St. Mihiel on the Meuse, the Ger- mans could still threaten Verdun and prevent traffic over the rail- road from Verdun to Nancy — a main line of lateral communication with the French forces on the left. To reduce St. Mihiel salient was the immediate objective of the first all-American offensive under the personal command of General Pershing. It must be remembered in this connection that General Pershing had insisted from the first upon a distinctive American army. But up to this time emergencies in the allied operations made it necessary to throw American divi- sions into the line to check what the Germans had been pleased to call their great " Victory Drive." Cantigny and Chateau Thierry were, therefore, the forerunners of this first independent American operation which had been planned a year before. 70 Regimental History 353rd Infantry w o w H w X The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in St. Mihiel 71 In order to prevent any possible "leak" to the enemy, all infor- mation as to the plans of the drive was kept secret to the last mo- ment. It was rumored that the Germans already had listened in on telephone communications within the sector, so caution was per- haps over-emphasized. Not until the evening of September 11th was Colonel Reeves able to give final directions to his battalion com- manders, who then gave instructions to company commanders, and company commanders in turn gave instructions to platoon com- manders. In the plan of battle, the 353rd Infantry was to drive through the enemy positions to the right of Mort Mare Woods. The Second Bat- talion formed in two echelons with Companies "E" and "F" in ad- vance, supported by Companies "G" and "H" at a distance of five hundred meters made the assault. The Third Battalion similarly deployed in depth was in support. Companies " B," " C," and "D" of the First Battalion were to guard the left flank of leading waves and to mop up Mort Mare Woods as the advance continued, while Company "A" was to form combat liaison with the Second Division on the right. The Regimental M. G. Company accompanied the as- sault battalion. When the objectives of the first day had been reached, the Third Battalion was to leap-frog the Second Battalion and carry on to the final objective of the big offensive, with the first in support and the second in reserve. The plan itself was very simple in its conception. But it must be remembered that no man in the 353rd Infantry was familiar with the ground. To make matters even worse, maps and compasses Trench to Plantalion Humbert, Limey Subsector. 72 Regimental History 353rd Infantry were scarce. At dusk the different outfits began to move to their jumping off places. The roads were crowded with men. In the darkness some groups lost contact with their own outfits and were delayed in reaching their positions. Reliefs which were to have been made by the Second Division troops were only partially car- ried out. It was a dark night; a cold rain was falling — now a driz- sle, now a downpour; the bottom of the trenches held water ankle deep. This was the situation during the night of September 11th. The Second Battalion, scheduled to make the assault on the fol- lowing morning, moved during the night from the support positions along St. Jean-Noviant road to the jump-off line out in "No Man's Land." There crouched down in the mud-filled trenches with thous- ands of fellow Americans, we waited for the Zero hour. All surplus clothing except raincoats had been stored and it seemed that Zero was upon us while we shivered and waited for the hour. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and runners continued to be busy. In fact, there seemed to be plenty for everyone to do. It was impossi- ble to remember all the instructions. One warning, however, stuck fast — ■" No one goes to the rear." Final orders read: " In a battle there no time to inquire into the identity or mo- tives of persons who create panic, disorganization or surrender. It is the duty of every officer and soldier to kill on the spot any person who in a fight urges or advises anyone to surrender or to stop fighting. It makes no difference whether the person is a stranger or a friend, or whether he is an officer or a private." — (G. O. No. 5, Headquarters Fourth Army Corps, A. E. F., Sep- tember 6, 1918.). So we waited for the time to go " Over the Top." At exactly one o'clock the preparatory bombardment began. More than a million rounds of ammunition were consumed in the artillery preparation which lasted from 1 a. m. to 5 a. m. All along the line the sky was lit up with flashes of heavy-caliber guns, dis- tributed in depth for almost ten kilometers to the rear. In the inter- missions between deafening explosions could be heard the puttering of machine guns. Very-lights and rockets of many colors went up from the enemy lines, then came into view a new kind of fireworks — a big ball of fire that seemed to explode in midair, fell to the ground, and glided along as if on wheels. It was a sight that fas- cinated the eyes. At first the sensibilities seemed to be numbed and then electrified. Thus, after four years of comparative inactivity, our "quiet" sector had come into its own wdth a vengeance. There was practically no counter-bombardment of our positions. This unexpected good fortune permitted us to continue final prepara- tions for the jump-off. Small detachments from the 314th Engineers assisted us in cutting our way through the wire, and clearing trenches of obstacles. As early as 4 a. m. groups began to steal for- ward until the entire battalion had formed up only a hundred yards The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in St. Mihiel 73 or so from the first German trench. Units were closed up as much as possible, to escape the expected counter-barrage. At 5 o'clock an almost solid wall of fire swooped down upon the enemy front line trench — our barrage had begun. After twenty minutes it began to roll back, as it swept slowly across the German trench system, com- bat units of the Second Battalion, with wide intervals and dis- tances, began to advance, following the barrage almost too closely. At this critical moment word came that Major Wood was disabled and Captain Peatross assumed command of the battalion. The enemy's elaborate bands of wire in front of his position had been little cut by the preliminary bombardment, and only by ener- getically trampling and tearing our way through it could the bat- talion advance. The enemy had made the mistake of matting it so closely in some places that the determined, big-footed doughboys were able to run over the top. In other places it had to be cut or blown up with benglor torpedoes. The men lost no time but threw off raincoats and drove ahead. Our barrage had completely demoralized the scattering outposts and practically no resistance was met in crossing the Ansoncourt line of trenches. But as the advance companies approached Robert Menil trench, they met deadly machine gun fire from the Euvezin Wood. The next half kilometer, from this trench to within the woods was one of bitter fighting. German machine gunners claimed a heavy toll. Check in Company "F" totaled nine killed and twenty- seven wounded. In Company "G" Lieutenant Wray had fallen, mor- tally wounded at a hundred yards beyond the jump-off line. Stretch- er Bearers Holmes and Lamson of his company had given up their lives in an effort to reach him. Captain Adkins, so severely wounded that he had to be helped along, kept forward in command of his company for almost six kilometers until he was carried from the field near Thiacourt. First Sergeant West was found with his rifle to his shoulder, his head dropped forward. A bullet-hole through his helmet told the story. Without regard to losses the men fought on until the last German gunners were killed. " He's done every- thing he could do, now it's up to him to pay the price," reasoned the men as they mopped up the trenches to the last man. Some losses occurred, too, from our own artillery. "Follow the barrage," were the orders. As soon as the barrage had lifted from an objective ahead the men moved up, not realizing that the artillery w^ould roll back almost to their own position before moving forward again to the next objective. As a result. Lieutenant Shaw was the victim of one of our own shells a minute after he had led his platoon out but his example carried the men forward without their com- mander and in spite of many losses. While Lieutenant Wickersham was advancing with his platoon a shell burst at his feet and threw him into the air with four mortal wounds. He dressed the wounds of his orderly, improvised a tourniquet for his own thigh and then ordered the advance to continue. Although weakened by the loss of blood he moved on with his pistol in his left hand until he fell and 74 Regimental History 353rd Infantry died before aid could be administered to him. Everywhere action was heroic. Resistance and difficulties only brought it into the sublime. Eagerness of the men to get forward in spite of the delay due to the machine gun resistance led to the serious error of telescoping on the part of the supporting units. Company "H" had pushed up to the right of Company "F" and Company "G" to the left of Company "E" and the Third Battalion had come to within a few meters of our as- saulting line. The Divisional Airmen swept low over the advancing troops, waving and shouting at them to scatter. However, the ag- gressiveness of the assault had had its effect upon the enemy. Re- Third Objective, St. Mihiel Offensive. sistance weakened at the edge of the woods. A few snipers up in the trees continued to cause casualties, but American marksmanship was proof against such tactics. As soon as a freeman revealed his position, the crack of a rifle brought him tumbling like a squirrel to the ground. In the woods, the men fell irresistibly into skirmish line and dashed on through the thick underbrush. When Colonel Reeves asked a small party of stranded marines what they were do- ing in the rear of our men, they replied, "Tryin' to keep up with them d corn buskers." Out into the triangular open space between the Euvezin Wood and the Beau Vallon Wood, combat units began to reform. Some machine gun resistance developed on the left flank, but was quickly overcome. The right was held up for a few moments by a heavy machine gun implacement, until Sergeant Moore of Company "F" The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in St. Mihiel 75 succeeded in gaining possession of one of the guns and turning it on the rest of the nest. The Vallon trench was not organized and the enemy was in rapid retreat throughout the sector. The Third Bat- talion was to pass the lines of the Second and take up the assault beyond the Vallon trench, which was designated as the third ob- jective. Some of the units had already entered the Beau Vallon "Wood. Colonel Beeves was on the ground. Bealizing the confusion incident to a passage of the lines in the timber, and fearing that in some cases the third objective had not been fully developed, he promptly ordered the Second Battalion to continue the assault until the fourth objective, just beyond the Wood. Here the passages of lines was made. For five kilometers through the elaborate trench system and the intricate wire entanglements of the enemy, through the densely in- tertwined undergrowth of the woods, the men of the Second Battal- ion had carried the assault. They had overcome desperate machine gun defenses, and braved the explosion of shells in their midst. Four hours and forty-five minutes the advance continued. Three officers and nearly two hundred men were wounded. Four officers and thirty-five enlisted men had made the supreme sacrifice. CHAPTER XIV. The First Battalion Mops Up Mort Mare Woods on the Left Flank OF THE Regimental Sector and Forms Liaison With Second Division on the Right Flank From the first day on the front line in the Lucey sector, men of the 353rd Infantry had faced Mort Mare Woods. For two and one- half kilometers its ragged edge extended beyond our advanced po- sitions. On the map its boundaries were well defined, but as it ac- — Drawing Ijy Corp. J. F. Camraack. Looking Into Mort Mare Woods From the Jump-Off Position. tually stretched out before our eyes, it showed uncertain limits lost in the brush that had grown up since the beginning of the war. Many of the old trees were scarred and disfigured by the fragments of high explosive shells. Intelligence reports contained information as follows: "Area eight square kilometers, wire has been put all through Mort Mare Woods and is about one meter high and varies in depth. This wire is strung from tree to tree and does not follow any regular line. In addition to the communicating trenches which lead to the rear, there is evidence that the edges of the fort openings through Mort Mare Woods have been prepared for flank defense. It is probable that anti-tank guns are in position to defend these passages. Batteries are scattered through the The First Battalion Mops Up Mort Mare Woods 77 woods and also in the opening cut between the woods and the second position. Machine gunners are known to be located — " (Here followed a long table of co-ordinates.). But to the doughboys, Mort Mare remained a patch of green woods covering a mystery, until September 12. Of one thing we were sure, it was occupied by the enemy. Men on duty in listening posts had heard the Germans at their work. Captain Dahmke's one- pounder had knocked some observers out of a tree. Patrols had al- ready drawn the fire of its machine gunners, and there was no ques- tion but that its foliage made up the camouflage for many big guns. But just w^hat was there no one knew until the morning of the big offensive, when Companies "B" and "D" of the First Battalion advancing on the left flank of the assaulting waves until well within the enemy positions, turned to the left to mop up Mort Mare Woods. (Company "C" continued on with the assaulting battalion to mop up Euvezin Woods, while Company "A" formed combat liaison with the Second Division.). It was what Colonel Reeves characterized in his report on the St. Mihiel offensive, "A very delicate mission, one dif- ficult to execute." In fact, the commander of the Second Division anticipated serious difficulty from this quarter and placed an extra battalion on his left flank for any emergency. The First Battalion was holding the outguard line at the time of the offensive. Only five days before, Company "D" had repulsed the determined raid of the Germans at the cost of three dead and seven wounded. Our companies had not been relieved and on the morning of the 12th were still widely scattered. Under these condi- tions Mort Mare Woods was easily translated "Sea of Death" for the First Battalion. Captain Wood (commanding Company "D"), in a personal ac- count gives some details of the circumstances under which the duty had to be performed : "I received a message September 11 to report to Battalion Headquarters. Arriving there I found the other company com- manders already assembled. The battalion commander, Captain Crump, was at Regimental Headquarters for final instructions. When he returned at about five o'clock in the afternoon, we held a conference in which we went over our orders for the drive to take place the following morning. " With the platoons widely separated, the short time left, with the continuous shelling, the problem of holding a confer- ence with platoon commanders when I returned to my own P. C. was rather difficult. Finally, at eight o'clock, the four platoon commanders with Lieutenant Hunter and myself assembled to discuss the plans of the attack. Our mission was, after reaching the second objective, to turn to the left and mop up Mort Mare Woods. 78 Regimental History 353rd Infantry " I gave the platoon commanders their final orders and then prepared to move with my headquarters and reserve platoon up to Lieutenant Metzger's position. Just as we were prepared to leave a man came running up to me and reported that Sergeant Hammond, commanding the First Battalion, had accidentally shot himself. I was almost upset. One platoon must go into action under the command of a sergeant who knew very little or nothing about the plan of action. Time did not permit me to give him the information. The command went to Sergeant Taylor. I felt that he would give a good account of himself and his platoon. German Pill Box in Bois "Y" "At one o'clock sharp, the artillery preparation began. It seemed that all hell had broken loose. There was a continuous roar so loud that ordinary conversation was impossible. The trenches were jammed with infantry men and machine gunners. After making a hasty survey, I decided that it would be impossi- ble to get the company together for the jump-off. We must as- semble on the other side of " No Man's Land." * * * * I had had very little sleep during the week. My feet had been wet all of the time. I was tired and knowing the next few days would be a test of endurance, I lay down to rest at 2 a. m., and soon went to sleep. My orderly awakened me at 4:30. The guns were still pounding away with increased fury. I gave the order for everybody to get into position. The First Battalion Mops Up Mort Mare Woods 79 "At 4:45 it seemed that we were doomed to failure. Every bit of the trench w^as jammed, making lateral movements very difficult, so I crawled on top and tried to collect my men. It soon became apparent that if we went on time I would have to go with one platoon and trust to getting the company together later. I had great confidence in Lieutenant Jones and the other platoon leaders. At five o'clock the whole mass jumped out of the trench and started through the wire. The first man to be killed in my vicinity was Private Reyelts of "D" Company. He was hit by a rifle bullet just as he jumped out of the trench. I became en- tangled in the ware and had my leggins completely torn off. On the way across we came in contact with Lieutenant Jones's pla- toon. I now had half of my company together. At the foot of the hill I looked back and saw the most inspiring sight of my life. Streaks of light were breaking over the hill tops, leaving a silver background for the thousands of advancing American sol- diers silhouetted on the horizon. Each stern face showed de- termination to mix it up with the enemy. "For the first hundred yards w^e met with little resistance, then the line was held up. I went forward and saw one man lying in the trench shot through the leg. Another was lying be- hind a bush receiving first aid. I started to cross to where they were when machine gun bullets tore up the ground near my feet. In the timber to the left, a path was cut through the brush to a big tree where the gunners were located. I started a squad to flank them out but they reported back that they could not get through. Lieutenant Metzger then took a few men around to the left and drove them out, but they got away. About the same time. Mechanic Hanlin spotted a sniper in the same tree. With one well-placed shot he brought him down dead. Hanlin, poor fellow, was killed later in the day. " We took advantage of the cover afforded by a ridge w^hich we had now reached to re-organize the company, and then started to advance through the timber, but the company had split again. I lost contact with the platoon on the right and did not see them again until the next morning. While they were not with us they did their part in an excellent manner. The mix-up was quite general. I gained an entire platoon from Company "C" when Lieutenant Lewis reported to me that he was lost. " No sooner had the men entered the woods when there were cries of "Kamerad" and the Boche began coming out with hands in the air. They seemed rather stupefied as a result of the terri- fic bombardment of our artillery. We lined them up in column of two's and sent them back with a very small guard. The pris- oners carried the wounded, both Americans and Germans. A German officer refused to help carry a litter, but after receiving 80 Regimental History 353rd Infantry about an inch of a bayonet he decided to obey, small incidents of the work in hand." These are only After the first determined resistance of the enemy had been over- come, the men of the Second Battalion found their most serious difficulty in getting through the underbrush. There were plenty of narrow lanes, and in some places these were covered with cordu- roy walks, but all of these were carefully avoided as machine gun traps. The main business on hand was to rout the Germans out of their dugouts where they had sought protection from the bombard- ment, and start them to the rear. A shout down the entrance usually Graves of 353rd Infantry Men Between Enemy First and Second Line Trenches, St. Mihiel Offensive. brought forth a bunch with their hands over their heads. If answer failed, down went a grenade to make sure that we were leaving no enemies to the rear. "When the grenade had done its work the doughboy with his bayonet at "guard" made his way down the nar- row passage. He must make assurance doubly sure, but above all he must satisfy his curiosity. It was interesting to look into the home life of the enemy. His dugouts deep down in the ground were comfortably and orderly ar- ranged. Some of them even had rough sketches on the walls. How- ever, these were only places of safety. His summer houses had all the touches of rustic beauty. During his four-year stay Fritz had given his spare time to making life livable even out here in the zone of action. The men of the 3535rd Infantry, who never expected to The First Battalion Mops Up Mort Mare Woods 81 stay long enough in any one position to make it worth while to fix up, learned a lesson in field comfort from the enemy. In the future everything available, from elephant iron to featherbeds, was used to the very limit to make even the fox holes habitable. Special instructions had been issued to safeguard the lives of prisoners in the following memorandum: "The Commander-in-Chief has called the attention of the Di- vision Commander to reports being circulated in Germany that Americans kill those who attempt to surrender and has directed an investigation to see if there is any foundation for such re- ports. He has further directed that all officers and soldiers be informed that an enemy who has not been guilty of treacherous conduct and who offers to surrender shall be treated in accord- ance wath the laws and customs of war on land. " The object of the German propaganda is undoubtedly to make soldiers fight more bitterly and kill more Americans be- fore they are finally killed themselves, rather than surrender when the situation is hopeless. " Officers and men should use discretion in accepting sur- render, and in judging as to treacherous conduct. Firing into the rear of our troops after they have passed a point may be considered as an example of treacherous conduct." So thick were the doughboys in the woods and so careful were they in their task of mopping up that practically every one of the enemy was accounted for when the first wave had passed. Every prisoner had to be searched. At first Luger pistols were in great de- mand as souvenirs, but as the number of prisoners multiplied, the supply soon exceeded the demand. Compasses and field glasses then came into preference. Quite a few of the men M^ere able to talk with the Germans, whom they surprised beyond measure with the information that millions of Americans were already at the front, and millions more were on their way to France. According to German reports submarines had made transportation absolutely impossible. Many could scarcely believe their eyes as the countless men in khaki sprang up out of the brush and pounced upon them. Some of the prisoners were young and boyish looking, others were well along in years. Except for the frightened look in their faces, most of them seemed to be in good physical condition, and their clothing, too, was in good repair. Evidently the Germans still had plenty of food and supplies, and as for machine guns, the woods were full of them. But all day long groups of men in gray-green uniforms w^ere marched to the rear, carrying their own and American wounded as they went. By even- ing, more than sixteen hundred prisoners were credited to the 353rd Infantry. 82 Regimental History 353rd Infantry As soon as the strain of battle was over, appetites claimed atten- tion. With no other thought than to satisfy their stomachs, the men waded in on their reserve rations. They had missed a couple of meals, so the pound of hard bread and two pounds of corned beef did not seem to be an unreasonable allowance for a meal. As for the 3.4 ounces of sugar, 1.12 ounces of coffee, and .12 ounces of salt in the condiment cans, it was not considered worth carrying along, so they supplemented the hard bread and corned beef with such fresh vegetables as the German gardens afforded and feasted as they moved along, leaving a trail of empty cans and cardboard boxes behind them. Little did they realize the wisdom of the army regulation which measured this reserve ration to keep body and soul together for two wdiole days. By eleven o'clock, six hours after going over the top, the First Battalion had performed its mission of mopping up Mort Mare "Woods and had joined the Regiment as regimental reserve on the 177th In- fantry Brigade objective of the first phase. Much hardship had been endured and comrades were missing, but the men of the First Bat- talion w^ere ready to " carry on." CHAPTER XV. The 353rd Infantry Lands on the Army Objective The Third Battalion Takes the Lead ON THE Fourth Objective One of the most difficult phases of a great military offensive is getting troops up to the jump-off line. Each battalion of the 353rd Infantry had its own problem. Manonville had been turned over to the Second Division and the evening of September 11th found the Third Battalion in Minorville Woods almost 10 kilometers from the front line. For two days the rain had been falling incessantly. Everybody and everything" was wet and disagreeable. So the men were glad when orders came to march to Minorville where the men of the Third Battalion were to take trucks for their positions on the jump-off line. Hardly had our train reached Noviant, three kilome- ters on the way, when the roads M^ere so blocked that it was neces- sary to detrain and proceed on foot. Time was passing; there was but one thought — the Third Battalion must be there. Some men of the Second Division had lost their way and were over in our sector. Part of them continued their movement toward the front; others were moving back for a new start. The road was so crowded it was necessary to move in a single file. Even then lines were continually broken by small bodies of troops cutting across and milling from one side of the road to the other. Four files of infantrymen were moving up and down the road in the darkness at all times with an occasional machine gun company thrown in. Traffic was frequently blocked by ambulances, trucks, and stranded pieces of French artillery. The rain continued to fall and in places water and mud were already knee deep. In spite of difficulties we struggled on, for "tomorow w^as the big day" — the day of the St. Mihiel offensive. We were to be in the trench behind the Metz road by 11 p. m., for the bombardment was to start at one o'clock in the morning. One o'clock came and with it the terrific bombardment. Not a man of the Third Battalion had arrived at the trench. We were still on the congested road doing our best to get there. By three o'clock each company was reported in place. It was to be a wonderful experience. Everyone wanted to be present. In the trenches no one seemed to mind the knee-deep mud. We were soon to leave for " No Man's Land." The tremendous roar of our guns was music to our ears for we knew they were playing havoc with the Boche across the way. At 4:30 a. m. we moved forward through the wire, so as to be immediately behind the first line trench at 5:25 a. m. — ^"H" Hour for us. Here we waited in great anxiety and impatience for the big offensive to commence. The Third Battalion followed the Second in support until the fourth objective had been reached. Part of the time during the ad- vance to this objective the men were almost on the heels of the as- 84 Regimental History 353rd Infantry saulting waves. In fact, eagerness to get forward had led the men into the dangerous error of telescoping. But Fritz had already re- ceived too much of a shock from his first contact with the Yanks to think of waiting for heavier blows. So by 11 :30 a.m. the Third Bat- talion was on the final objective of the first phase of the St. Mihiel offensive — the ridge over-looking the Bupt de Mad south of Bouil- lonville. Where Sergeant Adams Captured 300 Prisoners in Bouillonville We continued to hold and develop this position until 6 p. m. Detachments pushed forward on the right through machine gun fire and cut off traffic on the Bouillonville-Thiacourt highway, prevent- ing the retreat of the Germans in this direction. On the left of the line groups swung around and entered Bouillonville. Sergt. Harry J. Adams followed a retreating German into town and discovered that the enemy were hiding in a certain dugout on the side of the hill. He fired his pistol into the entrance and ordered all inside to surrender. Three hundred prisoners including seven officers filed out and were marched to the rear. Sergeant Adams established the record haul for the day. But the halt on the first day's objective was not to last very long. As the advance had progressed, orders were received at Division Headquarters to continue on to the army objective. The Chief-of- Staff, Lieut. Col. Kilbourne, personally directed Major Blackinton to continue immediately to the army objective in the vicinity of Xammes which was originally scheduled for capture on the second day. The 353rd Infantry Lands on the Army Objective 85 Advance toward this new objective was made without resistance. But the battalion was soon overtaken by darkness. The Chief-of- Staff rode back to the Regimental P. C. in rear on the fifth objective and notified Colonel Reeves and the Brigade Commander, General Winn. He assured them that the 26th Division on the left was al- ready well on toward the army objective and that the Marines were taking position on the right. " The honor of the division," he de- clared, "is at stake. The 89th nmst fill in the gap." The situation was one of extreme difficulty. Night was on. No one had had a daylight view of the positions to be taken. The Third Battalion was already advancing in the direction of Xammes, which was to be on the extreme right of our new outguard line. Colonel Reeves promptly directed Captain Crump and Captain Peatross to German Pill Box, Second Battalion P. C. North of Bouillonville proceed with their battalions to the high ground beyond Bouillon- ville, while he hastened on ahead with his staff to the new position. When he arrived there, it was dark and impossible for him to get the lay of the ground. Nevertheless, he again assembled the battalion commanders and a few other officers and tried to give them the situation on his map which was the only map available. In order to do this, he formed a little circle of his staff, threw a shelter half over their heads to keep in the light of his flash and showed them to position on his own map. " Blackinton," he said, "has gone on ahead to take a position southwest of Xammes; get in touch with him. The 355th In- fantry should be on the left and the marines on the right. Take your battalion, Crump, to a support position within a thousand yards of the Blackinton and "dig in." You, Peatross, will be in reserve approximately a thousand yards in rear of the support. You must be out of sight by morning. "Dig in" for your lives." 86 Regimental History 353rd Infantry So saying, Colonel Reeves with his staff moved off to some shelter in a cut north of Thiacourt for a little rest. In the meantime, the Third Battalion continued to advance slow- ly but surely toward their position on the army line. The men had fought hard during the day. They had had but little to eat and can- teens were low. Previous loss of sleep, the strain and excitement of battle taxed their strength to the utmost. The men were dead on their feet. Suddenly, loud explosions broke the stillness of the night and huge flames shot up, illuminating the sky above the enemy lines. Everyone began to wonder what had caused these outbursts of flames. Many thought our artillery had hit an enemy ammunition dump, but our artillery was busy moving up and behind our lines all was quiet. Other flames sprang up and then it was apparent that the enemy was destroying material as he retreated out of the salient. The victory was complete. With renewed inspiration the men plod- ded on toward the army line. Finally a halt was called. The men breathed a sigh of relief as they began to "dig in." Soon the battalion was sound asleep in fox holes, but their slumbers had to be disturbed. The objective had not yet been reached. With difficulty, the men were awakened and the march w^as resumed. Just before dawm the Third Battalion took its position with the right flank resting on Xammes, while the line ex- tended to the west six hundred yards. "I" and "K" Companies held the outguard line while "L" and "M" formed the support. Once more the men began to "dig in." It was none too soon, for observers from the Hindenburg line a thousand yards to the front had detected our arrival and greeted us with a heavy shower of large caliber shells. Colonel Reeves did not remain long in the shelter above Thia- court. lie was anxious about his regiment and soon set out to check up the positions of the battalions. With his party he moved toward Xammes expecting to pass through the Second Battalion in reserve and the First in support, to the Third Battalion on the army line, but no trace could be found of these battalions. Some marines were stationed along the Beney-Thiacourt road, but they knew nothing of the Third Battalion or any troops of the 353rd Infantry. Evidently the marines had come up to this position after our troops had passed on to the army line and our troops w^ere on ahead. No one could be located on the left flank at all. There was nothing to do but wait for daylight. So Colonel Reeves withdrew with his party to Bouil- lonville, trusting that his battalion commanders would have their battalions out of sight in the morning. Daylight found the Third Battalion on the army line. Both the First and Second Battalions were "digging in" beyond the Beney- Thiacourt road. Patrols had been pushed to both flanks but no friendly troops could be found. The Second Division was not on the right and the 355th Infantry was not on the left. A counter-attack might be launched at any moment and the 353rd Infantry with the Third Battalion on the line and the First and Second in support The 353rd Infantry Lands on the Army Objective 87 would have to resist alone. The situation looked precarious. Early in the morning of September 13th Major Blackinton sent back the following message to Colonel Reeves : "From C. O. 3rd Bn. At Point 600 Yds. S. W. of Xammes, 9-13-18. We are in position; have sent out flank patrols; neither 355th is on our left nor the marines on right. We passed through both of them last night. We have no machine guns and are under fire of same. Send a M. G. Co. and some Engineers. Blackinton." During the forenoon of September 13th troops from the 354th Infantry moved up on the left but were greeted with such terrific shell fire that they were forced to retire. Colonel Reeves was on the ground and realized the seriousness of the situation instantly. He sent Captain Dienst across to find out who were these troops. When told that they were a battalion of the 354th Infantry who had gone too far forward and were retracing their steps, he personally directed Lieutenant Benning and Captain Dienst in locating them temporarily in nearby trenches. Gradually, organizations found their place on the new line. A Divisional Machine Gun Company joined the Third Battalion on the army line. The First Battalion took up positions in support about one kilometer south of Xammes and the Second remained in reserve along the Beney-Thiacourt road. Regimental Headquarters were es- tablished in Bouillonville. The 354th Infantry came up on the left and the marines moved forward on the right. Shelling continued throughout the day. Fritz was getting direct hits in various por- tions of the regimental sector. There was nothing to do but to hold on until our artillery could catch up with us later in the day. This was the most trying warfare that the men of the regiment had yet experienced. It was easier to go ahead than to lie still, and especially to lie still without anything to eat. The men now looked back with regret upon the hastiness with which they had used up their reserve rations. In spite of the danger some men ventured out into the town of Xammes in search of food. They rejoiced in their discoveries. Fritz had left material of every description behind in his hurried evacuation of the town. It was not long before men in khaki were putting it to good use. Rab- bits, vegetables, honey, bread, apple-butter, even beer and wine awaited the hungry men in a captured store-house. Sacks, too, were available to carry it to the positions. Kegs of beer were maneuvered to P. C. amid the bursts of enemy shells and the shouts of joyous Kansas prohibitionists. Each battalion came in for a share. Stretch- er bearers carried the wounded to the Third Battalion Aid Station in Xammes and brought back on their stretchers food and drink for all. It was a grand feast and morale soared. 88 Regimental History 353rd Infantry When their appetites had been satisfied, the men set about the problem of making themselves comfortable. Huge feather-beds and comforters were borne in triumph to the funk holes. Some Boche aviators came over our lines. The spectacle seemed to have had the same effect on them that a red flag has on a bull. Shelling increased. Orders followed forbidding anyone to leave his funk hole during the day and at night everyone was kept busy on the development of the new defensive line. CHAPTER XVI. The 353rd Infantry Helps Develop the Army Line IN THE EuVEZIN SeCTOR — XaMMES Word came on September 13th that the patrols from the 42nd Division had met patrols from the 26th Division pushing southeast- ward from the western face of the salient. The real purpose of the St. Mihiel offensive was accomplished. The railroad line from Toul to Verdun was now cleared and lateral communication between the German "Pill Box" North of Thiacourt northern and southern parts of the allied battle line had been short- ened by many kilometers. The men of the 353rd Infantry were proud of the impression their division had made upon the enemy. A German field order picked up during the drive characterized the 89th as "a good Ameri- can shock division and one that sent out many strong patrols." They were especially proud of the esteem in which they had come to be held by the veterans of the Second Division. The 353rd Infantry had advanced side by side with these regulars made up of the 9th and 23rd Infantry and two regiments of marines. It was good to hear these old boys say, " Buddies after our own hearts." And a great friendship sprang up between the two divisions based upon mutual respect for each others fighting ability. 90 Regimental History 353rd Infantry A mere command would have sent the men of the 353rd Infantry on to the Hindenburg line — less than a thousand kilometers to the front. In fact, there was quite a bit of curiosity about this famous Hindenburg line. Rumors had reached us that its shelters and the parapets of its trenches were built of solid concrete. As a matter of fact it was simply a line of great natural strength along high ground. This was nothing new, for in all the fighting experience of the 353rd Infantry Fritz held the high ground. It was our business to take it away from him. But orders were to organize a new defensive posi- tion along the line now occupied. We who were being "strafed" day and night by the German artillery could not understand the halt. We did not know that reserve artillery had begun already on the night of September 12 to shift to the Meuse Argonne sector. As the hours went by, Fritz evidently expected the big offensive to continue on to Metz. At any rate he increased his artillery fire with all his might and kept our ambulances busy hauling in the casualties. Trenches West of Xammes The men of the 353rd Infantry were quick to see that their only safety in "digging in." Some had lost their shovels and had to make out with a bayonet or mess-kit lid. But it was surprising what progress could be made with these implements under the inspiration of high explosives. Even Captain Portman, six-foot-six and big all over, was soon out of sight. Men w^ho had lost their shovels salvaged others wherever they could find them. From this time on no man was without a shovel. Gradually fox holes were dug deeper and soon developed into trenches. As casualties increased, orders became more and more rigid. Officers and men were placed in arrest if they appeared above ground in the day time. This new sector soon took on the desolate appearance of the old positions around Limey. However, the avia- tors furnished some exciting diversion. For the first few days after the offensive, the allies robbed Fritz of his freedom of the air as well as his "freedom of the seas." Our planes were everywhere as soon as a German birdman appeared in the sky. Each circled and The 353rd Infantry Helps Develop the Army Line 91 dipped as they maneuvered for position, then a flame would burst out and down like a rocket would dash some poor devil to his death. In one battle six planes w^ent down in less than fifteen minutes. It was up to the aviators to keep Fritz in darkness about the movements going on behind our lines. And they did their duly well. September 13th the marines charged up the slope at Mt. Plaiser Farm. Without artillery support, machine guns cut their ranks to pieces. Some of them were blown into the air by direct artillery fire. Three monster tanks, the only ones we had seen up to this time, glided into action but soon returned. The task was too costly with- out artillery but on the next day when our guns arrived they put it across. Meanwhile the men kept straining their eyes in the direction of the kitchens. The supply train had many difficulties in reaching the new positions and not until the night of September 13th did any hot food reach the men out on the line. The German food found in Xammes had helped out immensely for the time being but it lacked the quality of permanent satisfaction. The kitchens were finally established in Bouillonville and hot food was hauled out every night after dark. There was only one regular meal a day but there was plenty of it. In addition to the regular meal, there were generous supplies of "bully beef," hash, tomatoes, and hard bread. With these extra supplies and the heat of solidified alcohol, the men managed to supplement their regular meal to their entire satisfaction. The town of Bouillonville was not only a convenient location for the kitchens but proved in many other respects the most valuable find in the 353rd Infantry area. It lay along the Rupt de Mad just back of a steep hill in complete safety from hostile artillery. The Germans had had a field hospital here, bathing facilities, many gardens and other conveniences. Our artillerymen had been careful in their preparation for our advance to drop their shells on either side but very few had fallen in the town itself. The Germans, how- ever, in their attempt at a hasty retreat had left things in hopeless confusion. Wagons piled high with all manner of household equip- ment were standing in the streets. Driver and horses had been killed by the fragments of high explosive shells. The train with its little cars heaped up pell-mell was standing over on the narrow gauge tracks. It, too, was caught in the barrage before it could be pulled out. Dead cooks were scattered about their kitchens where they had been busy preparing the noon meal. Doubtless this little town had been home to many of them, so long that they could not readily leave its tasks and treasures, or perhaps they did not think that the offensive would reach them so quickly. At any rate, wait- ing cost many of the occupants their lives as well as their posses- sions. When our men first came to Bouillonville, they picked up souve- nirs and passed on. But soon details were at work putting things in order. In a few days the wreckage was cleared away. The Red Cross opened up quarters. The showers were promptly put into 92 Regimental Historij 353rd Infantry o The 353rd Infantry Helps Develop the Army Line 93 operation. Groups of men came in from the line for baths and mucli needed change of clothing. Mother Fitzgerald and Miss Hermance were adding touches of service here and there that made the whole community seem civilized. But the weather had begun to be cool and it was only with the aid of German blankets and material that the men escaped suffering. Conditions of food and shelter and the constant shell fire began at last to tell on the nerves of the men. Timely relief came on the night of September 18-19. The 354th Infantry now took over the sector. After midnight, the battalions marched back in rear of Bouillonville. The regiment was now designated Divisional Reserve. Time was to be spent in rest and training. Holding the line had tested the men even more severely than the offensive of September 12th. There was a kind of satisfaction and excitement in driving the enemy from his positions, but when it came to lying still for six days under his artillery fire it was almost more than the men could endure. But, in the experience, the men of the 353rd Infantry had learned among other things to respect re- serve rations, to "dig in" and to keep down in their holes. They were now seasoned soldiers. In our first battle we had captured many prisoners and much material; we had helped to straighten out the St. Mihiel salient, and had helped establish and organize an entirely new line of defense which was held by the American troops until the armistice. It was a good piece of work, and the men felt they had earned a little rest. CHAPTER XVII. Back to the Line in the Beney Subsector — Suicide Woods The Second Battalion on the Outguard Almost before the battalions had halted on their way back to the positions as Divisional Reserve, orders came to relieve the 356th In- fantry in the Beney subsector. We were "out o' luck" again. This new position was just to the left of the one previously occupied in the vicinity of Xammes. Company commanders and platoon ser- geants dragged themselves wearily back to the front line on the night of September 19th. At the very time of the reconnaissance the Ger- mans attempted a raid on the 42nd Division (Rainbow) occupying the sector to the left. As a consequence the reconnoitering parties received a hard shelling as a welcome. The first impressions of this sector were, therefore, anything but favorable. Fortunately, the relief was postponed for twenty-four hours and we w^ere given another day to clean up and replace shortages of es- sential equipment. Even in this position on the southern edge of Beau Vallon woods we had not escaped the shelling of Fritz's long- range guns. There was considerable speculation about the location of these guns that followed us with their devilish H. E. shells. Ru- mor had it that we were receiving fire from the fortifications around Metz, but this was only one of many rumors. The situation of most concern was the return to the front line where Fritz registered so many direct hits. On the night of September 21-22 after a march of more than twelve kilometers over muddy roads, carrying heavy packs and new supplies of ammunition, the Second Battalion again entered the out- guard line. Just before entering the open space between Xammes Woods and Dampvitoux Woods the battalion had been held up by vigorous shelling but the relief was effected in good time without casualties. Our outposts extended from the broad gauge railroad track on the left where we had a liaison group with the famous Shamrock Battalion of the Rainbow Division, along the northern edge of Charey Woods, across the low open ridge to about a kilome- ter east of the northern tip of Xammes Woods where we connected up with the outposts of the 354th Infantry. The companies on the outguard line from left to right were: "G," "E" and "H." "F" Com- pany was in support in the northern edge of Dampvitoux Woods. During the day time troops in the open meadow drew back to alter- native positions in the Xammes Woods. The First Battalion was in support, back farther in the Dampvitoux Woods. The Third Bat- talion was in reserve immediately west of Beney. Regimental Head- quarters were established within the confines of this shell-frequented little town. The rear echelon remained in Bouillonville. Thus the men of the 353rd Infantry again found themselves actively opposed to the enemy. Back to the Line in the Beney Subsector 95 :9 CQ avs4«^ -^1^^ .'\ A^ 'T 96 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Enemy outposts were approximately five hundred meters to the front at Marambois Farm in the Dommartin Woods and at Grand Fon- taine Farm. Their main line of defense was along the partially en- trenched and fully wired "Michel One" or Hindenburg position con- necting the towns of Dampvitoux, Dommartin, and Charey. The German high command expected a renewed offensive against this part of their lines and prepared to defend it at all costs. Opposed to us was the 88th Jaeger Division — a fresh, well-rested organization of high morale. This division was supported by very unusual con- centration of artillery which kept up a harrassing fire on our posi- tions day and night, increasing to the proportions of a bombardment in the early morning. Moreover, German observations was almost perfect. From the steeples of Dommartin and Charey, the enemy could detect any movement outside of the woods in the day time and the appearance of a single man in the open ground brought down a storm of shells. To make matters worse for us, the organization which we re- lieved had moved out to this advanced position only a couple of days before and had done practically no digging. But every man had his shovel with him and soon excavated a hole three or four feet deep. Some even added splinter proof covers of heavy boughs and dirt. They were then secure against everything except the dreaded "direct hit." Lieutenant Dunn, the supply officer of the Second Battalion, brought the kitchens to within a kilometer and a half of the outguard line. Details carried cans of hot food to "E" and "H" Companies each evening which the men supplemented wdth canned stuff cooked over solidified alcohol fire. ''F" and "G" Companies were able to reach their kitchens under the cover of the woods and managed to enjoy two hot meals a day. But it was the same old wearing routine of position warfare for all. The 356th Infantry had been relieved upon condition of a raid on Dommartin Woods. On September 22nd, they prepared a tem- porary battalion P. C. and first aid station in the "G" Company sec- tor. Early in the morning of September 23rd the First Battalion of the 356th Infantry passed through our lines on the left and entered Dommartin Woods, capturing three prisoners. They were supported by a heavy barrage which brought down a heavier counter-bombard- ment on the entire 353rd Infantry positions but Fritz evidently fig- ured that the attacking battalion would retire along the railroad and laid his heaviest fire on the positions occupied by "G" and "F" Companies. In the darkness of the woods and heavy downpour of rain, the returning troops lost their way, became separated and suffered many casualties. Direct hits in our positions were num- erous. "First Aid" came from every quarter. The medical detach- ment of the raiding battalion had failed to reach their station. Run- ner Shaffer made his way through the woods during the bombard- ment to Battalion Headquarters. Major Peatross immediately lined up every means for the relief of the situation. Practically every man Back to the Line in the Beney Subsector 97 3 w o e o o z 98 Regimental History 353rd Infantry in Companies "G" and "F" except those on the outguard line left his hole to bring in the wounded. Company and battalion first aid men did their best for the sufferers and details were soon on their way carrying them to the rear. The time was drawing on toward the beginning of the Meuse- Argonne offensive. Activity on our part was necessary to hold the attention of the enemy in this sector. Hardly had we recovered from the effects of the bombardment of September 23rd when the Second Battalion was ordered to furnish a raiding party to clear Dommartin Woods. A general bombardment was to take place on the enemy lines from 11 p. m. until dawn. Major Peatross named Companies "G" and "H" to supply fifty men each for the raid. Company com- manders of these companies volunteered to lead their respective parties. But just before dark orders recalled the raid and instruc- tions followed, "Dig in for your lives." The general bombardment which marked the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne offensive was on. The enemy expecting an attack on this part of his line would surely pound us in this sector with all of his might. Every minute until the shells began to tear through the tree tops, the men plied picks, shovels and axes with feverish anxiety. Holes were deepened and cover piled over them. At 11 o'clock our bombardment with 2417 guns began. Fritz began "strafing" in reply and kept consistently at it throughout the night. Shells of all caliber were distributed over the area of the 353rd Infantry with a special concentration along the railroad. Time seemed to stop as the men calculated the destination of shells from their peculiar whistle. Whenever indications pointed to one with "our number on it" men hugged the bottom of their fox holes a little closer. Some held muscles as rigidly as possible to keep themselves in hand; others grasped the walls of their shelters. Sev- eral direct hits were recorded. Sometimes when two were in the same hole, one would be taken and the other left. Among the casual- ties appeared quite a number of shell shocked cases. Finally the most terrible bombardment yet experienced came to a close. At daybreak a German plane flying low over our positions tried to discover why no assault had taken place. Once more the high command received a painful surprise. They had miscalculated the intentions of their opponents. Instead of continuing the drive toward Metz, the first American army had gone over the top west of the Meuse in the initial stages of the great Meuse-Argonne offensive. The general bombardment had served its purpose well. The German divisions hurriedly brought to defend Metz were at least a hundred kilometers from the scene of the new offensive. After September 2Cth the High Command hurriedly withdrew some of the forces opposite us in their general attempt to stay the advanced Americans in the Argonne. Artillery fire became less ac- tive. Two or three days of fine weather brought back the spirit of the men and activity on our part continued. Each night we dug trenches along the outguard line and strung wire in front of our po- Back to the Line in the Beney Sub sector 99 sition under the direction of officers and non-commissioned officers of the 314th Engineers. The impression was abroad tliat we would "dig in" and hold the line for winter. Every evening a patrol went out under the direction of Lieuten- ant Melvin, scout officer of the Second Battalion, to keep contact with the enemy and reconnoiter the wired zone around Dampvitoux and Dommartin. The patrol on the night of September 27th did not draw enemy fire and the leader was unable to report contact. There had been persistent rumors of wholesale withdrawal on the part of the enemy in this sector. Brigade and Divisional Headquarters in- sisted upon information. The folloMdng order came from Brigade Headquarters September 28th: Headquarters, 177th Inf. Brigade, A. E. F. MEMORANDUM NO. 88. September 28, 1918. To Commanding Officer, 353rd Infantry: Subject: PATROLS. 1. It will be understood that the mission of the nightly patrols is to obtain contact with the enemy and ascertain defi- nitely whether or not the enemy remains on our front in sub- stantially the same positions as heretofore, or whether they have withdraw^n. In case it is found that the enemy has withdrawn, the patrols will follow up until contact is actually obtained. 2. In the event that a patrol at night does not obtain con- tact with the enemy, patrols will be sent out during the day, in strength such as the circumstances may require to obtain this information and they will continue to be sent forward until this information is obtained. By Command of Brigadier-General Winn. (Signed) — George H. English, Jr. Major, Infantry, U. S. A., Adjutant. Hdq. 3o3rd Infantry, France, 28th Sept., 1918. To C. 0., 2nd Bn., 353rd Infantry. For Compliance. Accordingly Lieutenant Melvin organized a patrol from the scout personnel of the Second Battalion and moved out in broad daylight to reconnoiter Dommartin Woods. As soon as the three men in ad- vance had entered the thicket, the enemy opened up with severe machine gun fire. Scout Lukins was captured. Scout Norby, al- though severely wounded, hid in the woods until night when he managed to drag himself back to our lines. Contact with the enemy had been established, but the only man ever taken prisoner from the Second Battalion was now in the enemy's hands. The morale still remained high in spite of all these trying ex- periences. But many weeks in the front lines in the Lucey sector, the offensive of September 12th, the occupation and organization of the new line, the long nightly marches, and continued exposure to the rainy weather had begun to tell on the physical resistance of the men. At last on the night of September 30th, after ten days in "Suicide Woods," the 353rd Infantry was relieved by the 356th In- fantry but only to take up the sector to the left. CHAPTER XVIIl. Another Shift to the Left St. Benoit Subsector The battle in the Argonne Forest was now on in all its fury. American divisions were being gathered from training areas and less active portions of the line for a part in this great final offensive of the war. Among those called was our neighbor on the left — the 42nd Division. Thus it fell to the lot of the 353rd Infantry to take over the St. Benoit Subsector on September 30th. P. C. Reeves, St. Benoit. The outguard lines in this sector were now very thinly held. Companies "A" and "B" took over these positions in the new sector. The Third Battalion and the Regimental Machine Gun Company were in support in the vicinity of St. Benoit. The Second Battalion plus Companies "C" and "D" were in reserve in the Beney Woods. The advance Post of Command of the regiment was in the chateau in St. Benoit; rear echelon of Regimental Headquarters in La Marche; and the Supply Company in Nonsard Woods. While the intensest operation was on in the Argonne Forest, there was still enough ac- tivity in this sector to make life interesting. During the night of the relief, big shells lit in the Beney Woods. "H" Company's water wagon team was killed just as the driver was pulling into the reserve positions. However, troops on the outguard and in the support po- sitions in the vicinity of St. Benoit suffered much from shelling. Another Shift to the Left St. Beiioit Siibsector 101 H 3 z a M H on H z o 102 Regimental History 353rd Infantrij As had been the previous experience on this front, there was plenty to do in the development of the positions. Every night dig- ging and wiring parties went to the front. The enemy had only re- cently been in possession of this territory, and knew every path and point of tactical advantage. While a working party was taking tools on the night of October 3rd from the captured supply dump in St. Benoit, German artillery bombarded with gas shells. "H" Company suffered ten casualties. When the blinded victims were led back through the sector on the following morning, there was a sort of mute determination in the faces of their comrades which forbode little mercy in future grips with the enemy, and the aggressive spirit of the regiment grew stronger than ever. Lieutenant Pine, with Sergeant Zimmerman, Corporal Shupe and a few others executed a most successful patrol into the town of Haumont whose ruins lay well toward the German side of "No Man's Land." Contact was gained with an enemy "chow" detail. Our men were experimenting for the first time with automatic shot guns. This fire-arm appealed immensely to the in- fantrymen, perhaps because of their familiarity with it in civilian life. Its first application on this occasion brought down two of the enemy; two others were glad to surrender as prisoners. The patrol returned in a very happy frame of mind. Their con- versation and singing attracted the attention of Captain Dahmke who was in charge of the outguard line. His challenge brought back the answer, "A patrol." "What kind of a patrol is it?" he asked next in no uncertain terms. "A pretty good kind of a patrol," replied the leader, "we have two prisoners." With a warning to keep quiet, Captain Dahmke passed the patrol to the rear. But the contrast of activity in this sector to that of the one pre- viously occupied made it appear like a "quiet sector." Moreover, a fine set of showers was located at La Marche, only a couple of kil- ometers away. Companies took turns for a general clean up. Plenty of clothing was available. Captain Keim had put the local laundry into operation. All that was required of the men was to shed their clothing, take their bath, and walk away with a new outfit. Rations were plentiful. In the reserve positions, the kitchens were located in the area occupied. It was a rest to be free from "chow" details. The weather, too, cleared up and conditions became quite satis- factory. There was a marked improvement in the morale of the men until orders called for the delivery of all enemy property in the hands of the men. Previous souvenirs must be turned in under pain of court martial. Careful inspections disclosed twelve leather belts, thirteen pair of field glasses with cases, twenty Lugers, two sabers, and quite a few other minor trinkets, valuable only in the associations of their acquirement. It was hard to part with these keepsakes. One buck prilosophized, "I nearly lost my life over this d Luger and I guess I can't afford to take any chances on disgrace by keeping it." So complete reports were rendered. Another Shift to the Left St. Benoit Siihsector 103 Joys came along with the disappointments. On October 5th news reached us in the f ollow ing form : Headquarters Fourth Army Corps, October 5, 1918. Official dispatch received by Swiss Telegraphic Agencies. Germany, Austria Hungary and Turkey have asked for an im- mediate armistice with their enemies, looking to peace discus- sions based on the fourteen points of President Wilson, the four points of later speech and the speech of September 27th. Sweden has been asked to transmit this telegram: "The Austria Hungary monarchy, which has always fought a defensive war and has shown its desire to end the struggle and to make a just and honorable peace, proposes to the President of the United States to conclude an armistice with him and his allies, on land and sea and in the air and to enter immediately afterwards into negotiations for the conclusion of peace on the basis of the fourteen points of President Wilson's message to Congress of February 8, 1918, and the four later points in his speech of February 12, 1918, and also taking into consideration the declaration of the speech of September 27, 1918." But so far as we were concerned, there were no orders to "CEASE FIRING." More plausible news came to camp on October 7th. A special Divisional Memorandum read: "The division is moving to the back areas after two months arduous duty in the line. Due to the progress of events further west it is to be expected that the duration of the division's stay in the back area will be a short one. "The Division Commander therefore directs that the first three days in the back area be employed to clean up and rest. "Nothing in this order or in the orders of subordinate com- manders is to be construed as a let-up of discipline. On the con- trary the discipline as well as the personal conduct and appear- ance of the men must be strictly held to the standards of this division." On October 8th the 37th Division came from the Argonne drive to take over the sector. According to information from them, the war was by no means over. Surely the telegram transmitted through Sweden was not consistent with the facts on the ground. W^hatever the future held, the 353rd Infantry had done its duty in the Pannes-Flirey-Limey sector. The regiment had been continu- ally on the front, from right to left — Xammes, Beney, and St. Benoit in order. Each battalion had had its turn on the outguard line. The ranks were very much depleted but in every instance the regiment had acquitted itself as a first class fighting organization. CHAPTER XIX. On the Way to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive The transition from the Pannes-Flirey-Limey sector to the scene of the Meuse-Argonne offensive falls readily into three phases. The first phase concerns the relief from the old sector. Division Field Order Number 29, dated 4 a. m., October 6, 1918, stated: "This division w^ill move to and occupy area Bouconville- Bernecourt-Royaumeiz-Boucq (Exclusive) -Corneiville." Ruins of Chateau, Count de Luynes, St. Benoit. Billeting details had left the sector ahead of time for the new area. Their destination was unknown, but all indications pointed to replacements and a period of recuperation for the 89th Division. Troops of the 37th Division were a day late in making the relief, and there was some uncertainty about transportation. The Second Battalion, however, was fortunate enough to secure truck transpor- tation which carried the men in good shape to Jouy by 1 a. m., Oc- tober 9th. The First and Third Battalions were left to make their way out on foot. The First Battalion arrived in Jouy about noon of October 9th. The Third Battalion landed in Corneiville on the same day. Lieutenant Gallenkamp, the historian of the Third Battalion, gives a vivid account of the Third Battalion's march from St. Benoit to Corneiville. On the Way to the Meiise-Argonne Offensive 105 "At 8 p. m. October 8th, the Third Battalion began the most strenuous march ever experienced by its personnel. Company kitchens had been gone since October 6th. Reserve rations were running low. We started out with empty stomachs. Everyone carried heavy pack and full combat allowance of ammunition. It was raining; the darkness was intense. For twelve weary hours the battalion made its way from St. Benoit, past Mont Sec, to Corneiville, over the muddy, shell-torn roads of France. "Major Blackinton led the march. The battalion followed silently in single file on either side of the road. Occasionally a man would fall to the ground as he slipped on the side of a shell hole. But always a buddy extended a helping hand, and a word of encouragement from another would give him renewed de- termination to continue the weary journey. At the end of every fifty minutes came a ten-minute rest period. During this little breathing spell, each man rested his heavy pack on the ground. At its close he was back again in the ranks. Every man was still plodding on when the column passed grim old Mont Sec at dawn. "Mont Sec was of special interest to the men because of its place in the St. Mihiel salient. The Germans had held it for four years. We had heard, during our early days in the line, that the French lost thirty thousand men in repeated efforts to wrest it from the foe. With the aid of the Americans it had been taken during the first few hours of the St. Mihiel offensive. It was now in our possession and out of the danger zone. Its very ap- pearance was some compensation for the hardships we were en- during. "With daylight came hope for the end of the journey. Boucon- ville was in sight. We reached the town at 8 o'clock in the morning and halted for rest. To our bitter disappointment, however, march was resumed at 4 p. m. "All the while the men were under the impression of the Di- vision Memorandum regarding a "back area." So they continued ahead with determination until midnight when the battalion reached the town of Rangeval and sought refuge in an old mon- astery. This little town lay just to the east of Corneiville but the men were too tired and too sore to think of their location. Every man slept so soundly that it was almost impossible to arouse him the following morning. But we did not have much farther to go; the march soon ended abruptly in Corneiville." The 353rd Infantry was out of the line at last. Rumors flour- ished that the 89th Division would go farther back to a training area around Bar-le-Duc. Trucks were waiting in Corneiville to transport the Third Battalion, and in the meantime other trucks had arrived at Jouy for the First and Second Battalions. This was the situation at the close of the first phase of the transition to the Argonne sector on October 9th. 106 Regimental History 353rd Infantry The second phase begins at about 2 p. in. the same day when the men loaded into the French trucks — eighteen men to a lorrie. A captured machine gun with ample supply of ammunition was in- stalled in every fifth truck, presumably for anti-aircraft defense. At any rate the men caught the cue. There was no question now about our destination. By 3:30 in the afternoon the 353rd Infantry was on its way not to a training area, but to the bloody battle-field of the Meuse-Argonne. Lieutenant Morgan, historian of the Second Battalion, tells the story : "The French and Chinese drivers did not seem to care whether we came to an untimely end on the battle-field or against a tree along the roadside. A few trucks did go into the ditch, one ran through a stable, two had a head-on collision, and one caught on fire, but fortunately no one was hurt in all these mishaps. The trucks tore madly on. If one was not able to keep within a prescribed distance of the one ahead, a faster one was obligated to dash past and fill up the gap. Gradually all the speedy trucks took the lead, while slower ones were scattered for many kilometers back along the roadway. It was a race long to be remembered. "In the early twilight we passed through Commercy, the first modern French town we had seen. The well kept gardens and lovely paths along the flower-bordered canal were a striking contrast to the desolate ruins and neglected fields we had known at the front. Then it was westward toward Bar le Due, until it seemed that our dream of a stay there was to be realized. But instead we turned the corner at Erize and shot away northward over the famous Bar le Duc-Verdun highway, the road that had saved France during the terrible siege of 1915-16. "We had been over the top once, we had lived under shell fire until the romance of battle was dead. If we were to get out of these trucks and rush into battle in the morning, we were prepared to do so, but we weren't going into the thing for the pure love of fighting. It was a cold proposition of so much to be done, of "carry on" until Fritz put one over with the right number on it. Far away to the north the sky flamed and flashed, and above the roar of the trucks could be heard the dull pound- ing of heavy artillery. From somewhere behind the horizon went up that accursed four-star rocket we had hated so at Limey. There was more work to be done. " Carry on." "At one o'clock came a long halt in the shell-torn village of Recicourt. After nearly an hour a French officer came back along the column, shouting, "Debarquement, debarquement." So debark we did, but upon investigation it was found that we were still five kilometers from our destination. The "Frogs" refused to transport us further, so it was hike once more over a high hill to Brocourt into an old orchard on a hillside west of On the Way to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive 107 the village. Details sent forward days before to pick out good billets for the Second Battalion, informed us that this was to be the billeting area. In the early dawn of October 10th we dropped down on the wet grass and slept until the sun was high. '■Rolling kitchens were coming in a separate train, but had not yet arrived. Animal-drawn transportation was to make the entire trip from the St. Mihiel front by forced marches. So we had to content ourselves with a cold breakfast of corned wullie and hard tack. "In the forenoon we moved about three kilometers to another area, where shelter could be had for most of the men in aban- doned French artillery shacks. Mess sergeants rustled stoves and a few cooking utensils, and we were able to have another hot meal. But just before dark it was found that we were biv- ouaced in an area assigned to another army corps, so it was "move again." In the gathering dusk we marched back through Brocourt and about two kilometers beyond, in the Brocourt Woods, where on the damp ground we made our beds under the stars, half expecting to have to roll out and move again before morning. We had changed stations four times in the last forty- eight hours, or an average of two moves a day. "But we were not disturbed this time, and the next morning had an opportunity to improvise shelters. Part of the time was spent in drill, the first close order formations for many weeks. Kitchens arrived, and the regular routine of camp life was re- sumed. "On October 12th the 353rd Infantry received replacements from the 86th Division. Approximately three hundred enlisted men were assigned to fill the depleted ranks of the Second Bat- talion. Again we were at "war strength," wath nearly a thou- sand men to a battalion. A number of officers were assigned to us from Army Candidate Schools and replacement divisions, and joined us here at Brocourt, "We did not have long to wait for the final phase of our journey. On Sunday, October 13th, we began the long forward march, w^hose destination we little realized w^as to be the very borders of the Rhine. Theoretically, we were merely moving up to position as Fifth Corps Reserves, for the second phase of the Meuse-Argonne offensive; practically we were on a back- breaking march of almost twenty-eight kilometers, over muddy roads, across trenches, through wire; in fact, there was every- thing to hinder our progress but the actual resistance of an enemy. "Shortly after noon we crossed the old front line near Avo- court. We were now on soil conquered by the American troops in the Argonne fighting. All day we plodded along. The new men "bucked up" to the march like the veterans. Just before dark we were ordered to bivouac for the night in the reeking, shell-torn Chehimin Wood, about three kilometers southwest of 108 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Montfaucon. We had eaten reserve rations for dinner. The kitchens were unable to keep up so we ate more reserve rations for supper. Even in this position, some long range shells came over to disturb our slumbers. It was a cheerless night. "The next morning some of the kitchens were on the ground and after breakfast the regiment moved out of the woods in at- tack formation, with the First Battalion in assault, the Third Battalion in support, and the Second as Brigade Reserve. If nec- essary we were ready to keep on moving forward to leap-frog some other regiment and take up actual fighting. Everybody was in the mood. But we halted just south of Eclis Fontaine, pitched up tents and began to dig in. The second phase of our transition was complete." The last phase was taken up in preparations for the relief of the 32nd Division, now actually engaged a few kilometers to the front. In fact, reconnoitering parties went forward as soon as the regiment arrived in this new area. But the relief did not take place for five days. These five days were well spent in intensive preparations for the task ahead. A training bulletin had appeared on October 11th con- taining the following instruction: 1. Vigorous training in this command will continue as long as the division is in the rear area. Instruction to include five hours of intensive work daily, Sundays excepted. 2. Such disciplinary drill as is necessary to bring the com- mand up to its standard to be given daily. The remainder of the time will be given to instruction in combat exercises. 3. Regimental and battalion commanders will hold confer- ences with their company and platoon leaders wherein the fol- lowing points will be covered: (a) Disposition in depth and staggered groups. (b) Overcoming strong points and machine gun nests by holding fire in front and flanking the points of resist- ance by groups which keep up their fire as they ad- vance around the flanks. (c) Organization of position and digging in when compelled to halt. (d) Position of commanders in battle normally at the head of rear echelon, etc., etc. The new men were rapidly assimilated and took their places in platoon formations. Each night combat groups moved out over the hills on compass bearings. The entire Division was grouped around Eclis Fontaine and all were engaged in the same activity. If the ene- my could have gained a view of our exercises, perhaps the struggle would have been called off before it began. Except for occasional showers, the weather was better than it had been for several days; the morale of the men responded instant- On the Way to the Meiise-Argonne Offensive 109 f ) *»- a o W CO 110 Regimental History 353rd Infantry ly. There was quite a bit of excitement over the persistent rumors of peace but President Wilson's famous answer, "No peace with the Hohenzollerns," broke up our dreams of civilian occupations, and we settled down to business without delay. The day after we moved up to Eclis-Fontaine, all officers and non- commissioned officers of the regiment were assembled for a "straight from the shoulder" message from the Division Commander, Major- General Wright. He left no doubt about what we were to expect in the future. "We are fighting," he said, "the final great battle of the war. We are privileged men to have a part in it. Everything de- pends upon the leaders, from corporal to the highest rank. On the same afternoon, all officers of the 177th Brigade were assembled for a talk by the Corps Commander, Major-General Somer- all. These open air conferences in the misty, October rain fore- shadowed grim business ahead. "Don't permit yourselves to even think about relief," he said, "when your division gets into the line. When you are so exhausted, despondent, and depleted by casualties as to be without field action, without a complete reorganization, you will be withdrawn from the battle. But the enormous loss of time and effectiveness in making a relief during the vital stages of battle makes is impossible to relieve a division until it can fight no longer." With such words as these, he steeled the men of his corps to their task. In addition, special correspondence supported the stimulation of these conferences in the following terms: "The Corps Commander has learned that many officers and men have been indulging in criticisms and derogatory comments of other organizations. Statements are used — "Outfit on our right didn't support us" or "Failed to come up" or "Did not protect our flank." "Such comment as the above is improper and dangerous. It is the duty of every commander to protect his own flank by his formation in depth. The more fortunate units naturally advance and must exploit their success, thus aiding their neigh- bors to get forward. In this manner, and only in this manner, can strong resistance be overcome without great loss. "The spirit of this Division demands that every individual and organization give the utmost strength to push forward and destroy the enemy. We recognize, therefore, the same determination and desire on the part of our brothers in arms. On the Way to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive 111 "There has been also a tendency to exaggerate losses and casualties by the use of some of the following expressions : "All shot to pieces," "Held up by machine guns or machine gun fire." "Suffered enormous losses." "Men all exhausted." "All officers and soldiers are forbidden to use such ex- pressions in official messages, reports, conversations, or dis- cussions. They are generally misleading and always do harm. An exact statement of the facts will convey the neces- sary information." Moreover, deadly action of hostile artillery helped to prepare the men for their mission. In the afternoon of October 18th, a big ob- servation balloon was being pulled down to its nest in the ravine about two hundred yards from the positions of the Second Battalion when the Germans began to send over long range shrapnel in an effort to get the balloon. The first three or four were "duds" but the last two weren't. The final shot sprayed the kitchen of Com- pany "E" with its wicked pellets. Two cooks, a K. P., and a couple of men in the mess line were wounded. To be sure, this was bad psychology on the part of the enemy. No other interference was ever resented so much by the American doughboy as disturbance of his "chow' line. This came on the very day that orders were received to relieve the 32nd Division. Fritz w^ould have to pay double for this offense. Reconnaissance had continued throughout the entire five days in this position. Relief orders, arriving October 19th, had been anticipated for several days. At dusk the movement began. The last phase of transition to the battlefield was complete. CHAPTER XX. The 353rd Infantry Takes Part in the Meuse Argonne Offensive The First Battalion Mops up Bantheville Woods There was no delusion about the situation at the front when the 353rd Infantry moved up on the night of October 19, 1918. Recon- naissance parties had noted the intensity of the struggle in the numbers of unburied dead scattered about over their future sector. Field Order Number 82, of the 32nd Division under date of October 16th, announced advance on the left and included the following instruction for their own forces : "No ground now held will be abandoned, but if necessary to obtain more favorable positions, local advance may be made. The Commander-in-Chief yesterday personally gave instructions to the Division commander that every foot of ground gained must be held at all costs. And he desired this impressed upon all ranks. Every man who had individually worked forward will form a rallying point for others coming up and the ground so gained by small groups will be held to the last. No falling back from the present outpost line will even be considered." This order in full had come down to the companies of the 353rd Infantry with the endorsement of Division, Brigade, and Regimental commanders. While the phrase, "all shot to pieces," had been ruled out, there was plenty of evidence that the 32nd Division had suffered many casualties. The sector ahead was a desperate proposition. It had been reported that the enemy was retreating at other points on the line. Military critics had said that this sector formed a pivot and if it gave way, the whole German army to the north would be lost. German orders were, therefore, to hold here at all cost. To our front was one "Bois" after another and the terrain a succession of hills and draws. The enemy had concentrated large numbers of machine guns and artillery with intent to hold. The machine guns protected by sniper's posts built in trees. Our enemy was on the defensive in possession of every natural advantage and fighting what he must have known to be a death struggle. The First Battalion took the lead under command of Captain Portman. Captain Crump, broken down completely, had been evacuated to a base hospital. The route to the new positions led through open fields, past Gesnes, into the heart of Bantheville Woods just west of the town of Bantheville. On the line one company re- lieved a battalion, one platoon a company. It seemed all out of proportion, but such was the measure of casualties in the retiring division. Shelling was very severe and the First Battalion suffered quite a few casualties before reaching the positions. "D" and "C" Companies were on the outguard, supported by Companies "A" and The 353rd Infantry 2"akes Part in Meuse-Argonne Offensive 113 "B" respectively . Reconnaissance, however, liad been tliorough and, once in the area, relief was effected within two hours after it had been commenced. Shelling continued wdth increased severity. Captain Portman was severely wounded while standing at the telephone in his Battalion P. C. Command passed to Capt. Allen Barnett of "A" Company. Captain Portman reported back on foot to the Regi- mental P. C, and was evacuated to a base hospital. His services in the World War were over. In addition to the losses from artil- lery fire, machine guns took their toll. Woe to any man who stepped ^' 1 ^ «|||||M 4*^ 1^ ' ^^^^HHEBIfl^H |fc%». z^^m. &w>&. riHSBi^^^^^^HBiieL.J!Ji^^. "Dead Man's Hill," (Kremhilde Position) Argonne-Meuse Sector. out into the open to survey the line which wound its way through the dense under-growth, marking the advance limits of the position. On October 21st, it fell to the lot of the First Battalion to re- lieve troops of the 178th Brigade to the right. Reports indicated that they were in position some two hundred yards ahead. Inas- much as the Second Battalion was already in contact with the enemy in their ow^n position, some confusion as to situation and procedure resulted. One thing, however, was clear — the woods must be mopped up before relief could be effected. At this point in the narrative, it seems best to submit statements from official reports. From the report of Major-General Wright on the Meuse-Argonne operations from October 19 to November 11, 1918, covering the situation just after the 32nd American Division had been fully relieved on October 19: 114 Regimental History 353rd Infantry "The 89th Division had been informed that the Bois de Bantheville had been cleared of the enemy and that all that was necessary in order to completely hold these woods was to mop them up. It was found that these woods were held in force and that the mission assigned was not one of mopping up but was virtually an advance against strong and stubborn resistance. "The afternoon of October 20th orders were received from Fifth Army Corps (Field Order No. 48) for the attack of the line Hazois Woods, Hill 253. General instructions required that the attack be made by one brigade with the second brigade in reserve. In preparation for this Field Order No. 35 was issued directing the 177th Brigade to take over the entire front, placing the 178th Brigade, with the Divisional Machine Gun Battalion, in Divisional Reserve. This relief was finally accomplished after midnight October 21-22. The enemy's scattered stragglers and occasional machine gunners in the Bantheville Woods, and his persistent gas shelling through the east central part of the woods impeded the operation of the relief "On 21 of October, instructions were received. ... to adjust the boundary line with the 42nd American Division. This w^as accomplished thru Field Order No. 37 by the leading brig- ade of this division taking over, on the night of October 21-22 the front as far as Tulerie Farm from the 168th Infantry, 84th Brigade, 42nd Division." On the same day, October 21, 1918, at 15 hours. Field Order 38 was published directing that the two battalions of the 178th Brigade then engaged in mopping up the northern part of Bantheville Woods to complete the operation. When this mission w^as satisfactorily completed they were to be withdrawn and form a part of the Divi- sional reserve. On the night of the 21st of October, the First Bat- talion of the 353rd Infantry completed the relief of the units of the 178th Brigade except two companies of the First Battalion of the 356th Infantry which remained in a forward position. Terrific shelling and gassing together with close-up machine gun and sniper fire from all directions, indicated that the woods had not been cleared of the enemy. Relief could be effected only with great difficulty and severe losses. The situation was reported to Brigade Headquarters. An order came in reply directing First Battalion of the 353rd Infantry to advance to the north edge of Bantheville Woods and clean the woods of all the enemy. The time for the jump-off from the funk holes which had been occupied by the relieved elements was set for one o'clock without barrage. Companies "A", "D", "C" and "B" formed in line from the west- ern to the eastern edge of the woods along the general line ordinated from east to west as 87 on the Buzancy map. In the morning of October 22, the day of this advance, the two companies of the 356th Infantrv moved northward in the woods and w^ere located in the The 353rd Infantry Takes Part in Meuse-Argonne Offensive 115 northern and eastern interior of same where they were practically cut off until the time of their relief by our advancing companies later in the day, as they passed through their positions to the edge of the woods. Extracts from the original field messages sent back by the Com- pany Commanders after reaching their objectives are hereby given as indicative of the opposition they encountered before reaching their objective extending along the road bounding the northern edge of the woods : Company A, 353rd Infantry : "This company occupied position in Bois de Bantheville 05.44-87.95 as left company of the outpost Battalion. "Received orders to move forward in northeast direction and clear woods of enemy with objective the sunken road. . . edge of Bois de Bantheville at this point. "Machine gun fire encountered. Approximately six guns in our sector. Got in good fire as enemy fled up open incline on our left. "Our casualties six killed and eleven wounded. "Our objective reached at 15:30 hour and position consoli- dated." Lieutenant R. M. Hulen, C. 0. Company "A" Company D, 353rd Infantry : "Determined machine gun resistance was met with on the left, holding up the advance, the company being ahead of the units on the right and left. Brought the Stokes Mortar into ac- tion although limited to a few rounds. "The advance being held up on our right. Corporal Wolf and Pvt. Charles Summers flanked the gun, killing one and cap- turing one of the enemy gunners, thereby putting the gun out of action and making continued advance of the company possible. "Two machine guns captured and drove out nest of five or six with the Stokes Mortar. Lieutenant F. M. Wood, Comdg. Co. D." Company B, 353rd Infantry: "Germans threw up hands and called "Kamerad." Lt. McCave ordered a Sergeant (Sgt. Ware) to carefully approach and bring the prisoners in. Our men must have exposed them- selves; the Germans opened fire killing three and wounding four of our men. Lieutenant Francis Leigh, Comdg. Co. B." 116 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Company C, 353rd Infantry : "Immediately on leaving our positions were harrassed by enemy snipers using machine guns. Lieutenant V. D. Hunter, C. 0. Company C." The official report of operations of the Regimental Staff, dated October 25, 1918, sent in by Colonel Reeves commanding the 353rd Infantry, gives a statement of the situation. Extracts follow: "In addition, the constant sniping and bursts of machine gun fire, together with the reports of our patrols, announced that the enemy still occupied in considerable force the northern SouTHEHN Edge Banthevillk Woods and Romagxe Road. half of the Bois de Bantheville, this despite the efforts on the 20-21 of October of the First Battalion, 356th Infantry, to mop the woods. "At 8:00 a. m. Colonel Reeves proceeded to the First Battalion P. C. and directed that the woods be cleaned of the enemy, and that the elements of the 356th Infantry be immediately relieved. "On the left "A" Company ran into some very stiff opposi- tion, but put out of action four or five machine gun nests, cap- tured seven guns and was on its objective by 16:30. Likewise Company "D", "C" and "B" employed the same tactics and met the same kind of opposition, with perhaps the severest coming to the part of "B" Company. "The elements of the 356th Infantry were at once relieved by platoons of "C" and "B" Companies, as they passed to their objectives around the north edge of the Bantheville Woods. "The total amount of enemy property captured comprised 10 to 12 machine guns, two 47 mm. cannon, and numerous maps. "Our casualties were 11 killed and 27 wounded." The 353rd Infantry Takes Part in Meuse-Argonne Offensive 117 These facts from the records, however, do not give the real story of the performance of the task. Lieutenant Clialmers, historian of the First Battalion, tells it in his own words. "It was nearly noon on October 22nd when the order came to complete the mopping up and advance to the objective — a sunk- en road at the northern edge of the woods. Companies "A" and "D" formed on the left and "C" and "B" on the right. By this time it was 12:30 and the jump-off w^as to take place at one o'clock. There was to be no artillery preparation and no barrage. Two large patrols were out and in danger should our Stokes mortars, one-pounders, and machine guns be used for barrage purposes. Their return at 12:50 brought a pro- found feeling of satisfaction. All watches had been synchro- nized. The forward movement began simultaneously all along the line. "The advance had progressed but a few paces when it seemed like all of the machine guns in the world were put into action. Deadly flanking fire came from a clearing to the left front. The Stokes mortars section had only nine rounds of ammuni- tion. It was a short range of two hundred and fifty yards. "When the direction and range had been indicated, Sgt. H. E. Bailey of the one-pounder section, placed the mortar between his knees and fired the whole nine rounds. The machine guns in this quarter were completely out of action. Later Intelli- gence charts showed a great number of German dead in this particular spot as a result of Sergeant Bailey's work. The ad- vance continued in skirmish line by filtration process. "At length a path is reached. It must be crossed quickly for it affords a field of fire for a machine gun on the flank. Madly a sergeant dashed forward. He made it safely but the whole woods was alive with the rapid firing guns. He ran directly into the face of another nest. With a bullet hole through his chest Sergeant McDaniels came to his last halt. His body remained standing, braced against a low bush. Even in death he leaned forward as if to push aside all resistance. Nearby another dropped, crashing down through the dense un- dergrowth. The branches and leaves sprung back into position, covering the body from view. 'Will he ever be found?" was the wild thought of the moment. But it was only for a moment. The line must go forward. The woods must be mopped up. "Thus, foot by foot and yard by yard, the advance continued until the edge of the W^oods was reached. This was the ob- jective. Ahead lay an open field with another forest just be- yond. The enemy were running across the open ground to secure cover. "Give 'em hell' was the cry. Loud oaths rang out when a shot missed its mark. The fleeing figures disap- 118 Regimental History 353rd Infantry peared into the forest like rats into their holes. It had been a nerve racking ordeal; some cried, some swore, and others yelled at the top of their voices as if to make the impression of Indian warfare complete. "The enemy attempted no counter-attack but his artillery continued its activity with increased effectiveness. The ad- vance had been trying enough but the Battalion must hold its position in the little salient that had been won for nine more days. Day and night, the enemy kept up his firing with ma- chine guns, trench mortars, Australian Whiz Bangs, and every other type of available artillery. Enemy planes swept low back and forth over the woods registering new targets on every ap- pearance of occupation. Every little depression in the terrain was filled with poisonous gas. Every day the casualty lists thinned our ranks. "The personnel shifted in rapid succession. Captain Bar- nett was relieved by Major Peatross on October 22nd. Lieu- tenant Dolan, in command of Company "A", had given way under the strain and Lieutenant Hulen took command. Captain Dahmke took command of "C" Company. Sergeants were in command of platoons and corporals in commaitd of sections. "Every hour brought its hair-raising episode and miraculous escapes. One of our own big shells came over. It carried a German address but somehow dropped short in the midst of our own soldiers. Four were killed and eleven wounded including one officer. 'Don't tell the captain I'm hit until the rest of the men are taken care of,' was the self-sacrificing statement of Lieutenant Metzger. One hysterical man cried out, 'Let's go back.' 'Nobody goes back. To the holes at once,' was the com- mand of Captain Wood. Obedience was mechanical in its exe- cution. A rocket notified the artillery of their short range and the enemy suffered this punishment after the trial shot. "While the First Battalion 'carried on' out on the outguard line, the Third Battalion held the support position farther back in the woods where shelling and gas were but little less severe. The Second Battalion formed the Brigade Reserve and was lo- cated on the south slope of Cote-Dame-Marie, known to us as 'Horseshoe Hill.' Immediately after the First Battalion had ad- vanced to the edge of Bantheville Woods, Companies "G" and "H" were added temporarily to the Third Battalion in support. It was a busy time for the entire regiment. "Men of the Second and Third Battalions carried food and supplies to the First Battalion over four kilometers of a muddy, slippery path through the woods. The enemy knew this path to be our only line of communication and shelled it heavily at all times. Marmite cans scattered at random along the way and occasional doughboys covered with blankets, sleeping their last sleep, told the story of many a party that had been shelled out before reaching its destination. The 353rd Infantry Takes Part in Mense-Argonne Offensive 119 The Path to the Front, and Along Its Side, Bantheville Woods 120 Regimental History 353rd Infantry "Along this same road, Captain Fox and his first aid men had held on with their station until the last one of them had to be evacuated to the base hospital. All day long stretcher bearers carried the wounded and gassed to the rear. Cost what it would, the men of the 353rd Infantry hung on. They did more than hold their positions, they made preparations for offensive ac- tion. Reconnaissance parties from the Second and Third Bat- talions moved out daily toward the front line to inspect the jump-off positions and take a glimpse of 'No Man's Land.' As soon as the other units along the line were ready, the regiment was prepared to go over the top. Thus, time dragged on to the day of the final offensive on November 1, 1918, which marked the beginning of the end of the World War." CHAPTER XXI. The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in the Final Phase OF THE MeUSE-ArGONNE OFFENSIVE The Third Battalion Takes the Lead In spite of the punishment which the enemy inflicted during the nine days of occupation in this sector, there was no let-up in the preparation for the big offensive. Higher authorities had profited by the experience in the St. Mihiel offensive. Instead of keeping information secret, companies now held schools to explain the ter- rain and tactics of the future offensive. Almost every man had a look at the battle map. Many corporals carried sketches showing objectives and landmarks. Runners and platoon leaders had looked out over "No Man's Land." Full information brought confidence. "D" Day found the men of the 353rd Infantry well prepared for the fight. On the day before the battle came the final instructions in the following form: HEADQUARTERS 89TH DIVISION, FRANCE NOT TO BE TAKEN INTO SECRET FRONT LINE TRENCHES October 27, 1918. SECRET TO BE READ AND IMMEDIATELY DESTROYED BATTLE MEMORANDUM: You can expect heavy counter-attack before you reach the woods. It may come just after you enter the woods but it will probably come and come hard. It may come while we are halted on an objective. It may come while we are in motion. In any case, we must hold our ground. First Line Battalion must immediately develop its full fire action in place, mow down the enemy and capture any of them who penetrate among us. Warn your men about this. The Boche will try to surprise us. Be constantly on the alert for it. There is no question but that we can whip him. The more of them we get in the counter-attack, the fewer we will have to fight later on. When he counter-at- tacks he plays our game, but we must be ready. ***** Don't worry about fire on your flanks. When that comes, it is a sign we are succeeding. We are pulling the other people forward. We are getting inside the Boche lines. We are hurt- ing him and if we drive resolutely forward, we are going to de- feat him badly. ***** We can expect bitter fighting — many machine guns. To overcome this we must have full development of fire action, 122 Regimental Ilislory 353rd Infantry a > H z w pq > o w The 353rd Infantru Goes Over the Top in the Final Phase 123 great development in depth and resolute determination to go forward at all costs. The more we hesitate the greater will be our losses. The halts on our objectives are taken according to the best previous experience in order for the infantry to be co- ordinated with the barrage. All other halts should be avoided. Troops must drive on and leave strong points to be mopped up by the support detachments. This mopping up must not be neglected however, — special detachments detailed will be for it but the assault elements should pass on and gain the main ob- jective. This division accomplished its big share in the St. Mihiel drive in company with the veteran divisions of the American Expeditionary Forces. Now, at a time when the allies have this great opportunity to win, we have again been selected for a big task and in company best guaranteed to succeed. We must take our objectives. The corps commander, commander-in-chief, the Allied Governments count on us. This can well be the climax of the Division's service. That's what we have all been living for. Burn this into your minds. Tell it to your men. Hold them together. Set your teeth. Put it across. Wright, Commanding. OFFICIAL :— Frank Wilrur Smith, Major, U. S. A. Actg. A.C.of S. G-3. P. G. Reeves, Northern Edge Bantheville Woods, Octorer 31, 1918. 124 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Battle formation of the regiment was the same as had been used in the St. Mihiel offensive. Our men were familiar with it and each one understood the part he was to play. The Third Battalion, ac- companied by the Regimental Machine Gun Company, led the way. In all offensives the Regimental Machine Gun Company had found its place with the assaulting waves, and the line companies felt great confidence in its support. The Second Battalion followed the Third in its assault. The First Battalion, under command of First Lieut. Vernon D. Hunter, was in reserve. Capt. F. M. Wood was in com- mand of the combat liaison group with the 90th Division on the right. This group consisted of Company "D," a machine gun platoon, and a like force from the 90th Division. Lieutenant Gallenkamp tells the story of the assault. "Enemy shell fire was so continuous and severe that it was a serious question as to whether the Third Battalion should re- lieve the First Battalion before the jump-off, scheduled for the morning of November 1st, or whether the Third Battalion should simply come up and pass through the First Battalion at "H" Hour. It seemed certain that many casualties would result in making a complete relief ahead of time. Nevertheless, it was finally decided that the relief should be made. For some un- accountable reason, enemy shell fire practically ceased at dark on October 30th. The lull lasted barely long enough for the re- lief to be made. There were no casualties until the last elements of the relieved battalion were moving into their new position. It was a most difficult relief to make because most of the ele- ments had to move through tw^o kilometers of shell-torn thicket to reach their positions, but it was completed by 11 p. m. "On the night of October 31st, immediately after dark, all packs were carried to a point near the edge of the woods in the center of the sector where they were left under a small guard. Company "I" then moved out about 200 yards in front of the woods on the left and "dug in" on the jump-off line — only a few yards from the advanced elements of the enemy. Company "L" moved up to the edge of the woods and occupied the ground vacated by Company "I." All our men were in position at 11 p. m. Between 10 p. m. and 11 p. m. our artillery put over a very heavy gas bombardment on the Bois de Hazois. The enemy artillery replied vigorously but most of their shells went over our battalion in an effort to reach our artillery. "From midnight until 3:30 a. m. on the morning of November 1st, opposing artillery exchanged only the usual courtesies in keeping with that branch of the service. At 3 :30 a. m., however, our artillery opened up with one of the most terrific bombard- ments which had been conducted during the war. By 3:40 a. m. our battalion admitted freely that the enemy counter-bom- bardment compared quite favorably with our own fire. The fact that we experienced this particularly severe enemy bom- The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in the Final Phase 125 bardment at this time was explained later in the day when ene- my maps taken from their artillery positions showed that the artillery of five German divisions had been trained on the for- ward position of the Bantheville Woods in anticipation of the attack. "It sounded now as if every gun of both armies w^as in ac- tion. The noise was deafening and the earth fairly vibrated. Finally, after the ear had become somewhat accustomed to this tremendous roar, the cracking sound of machine guns could also be detected, together with the whistling of machine gun bullets which w^ere passing over our heads from our own ma- chine gun barrage. It was all quite wonderful and had an in- spiring effect upon the doughboys who were awaiting the jump- off. Nothing gives the infantrymen more confidence than the roaring sound of friendly artillery. The sound of shells flying overhead and dropping on the enemy's lines and the explosions across the way, were as pleasing to the ear at such a time as music had been before the war. "Before long the roaring sound became monotonous to the tired soldiers and many of them fell asleep amidst it all. It was interesting to note how unconcerned these American soldiers were just before plunging into battle. Those who could not sleep laughed and joked and guaranteed to treat with Fritz in a proper manner before the day was over. "About 4:45 a. m. the enemy bombardment began to roll back. Apparently the enemy knew that we were going to start something and decided to pound our support battalion. This gave the officers and men of the assault battalion a chance to check up and see that all was ready for the jump-off at 5:30 a. m. "At 5:30 a. m. it was still so dark that one could not see over fifty yards except in places where the Thermite shells were breaking. But over the top we went on scheduled time. "Sergeant Parli, with the third platoon of "M" Company, true to the traditions of the 353rd Infantry, was following our bar- rage dangerously close in the center of the battalion. Every time a Boche stuck his head up out of a shell hole, he faced one of Sergeant Parli's men with a fixed bayonet and did not have a chance to fight. A great many prisoners were taken on the first hill in front of the jump-off line. Our men had seen German prisoners before and took no interest in the individual captives, but simply motioned them to the rear and pushed on for more. The men of Germany saw grim determination in the faces of these husky Americans and held their hands high in the air. Our men took no chances for these were tense moments. The poor chap who happened to make a false move passed quietly and quickly into the next world. There was no time for ques- tions or explanations. In a few moments more prisoners were in our midst than we had men ourselves, but Fritz knew that 126 Regimental History 353rd Infantry there were more men of the regiment coming. So he fell in line and marched back under the command of his own officer or non-commissioned officer. Captured in the Edge of Barricourt Woods. "On the right, the first and second platoons of "M" Company had been held back temporarily by machine gun fire. Lieu- tenant Jackson who was leading the Company and several of his men were killed within a few yards of the jump-off line. Lieutenant Furlong, second in command, grasped the situation quickly. Followed by Corporal McKay, he dashed across the fire-swept area into the patch of woods immediately in front and successfully put the disturbing machine gun nests out of commission. Many of the gunners were driven toward the com- pany where they were taken prisoners. The advance was then resumed. "On the left. Company "I" encountered considerable machine gun fire. Captain Baxter proceeded at once to demonstrate the value of rifle grenades. He personally put these trouble- some nests out of action with a few well placed shots. Now the whole battalion moved forward, hugging the barrage so closely that the Germans were able to get very few^ machine guns in place after it had passed. No sooner would a German raise his head up to see whether the barrage had lifted than a dough- boy was upon him. And the actions of the wily Fritz indicated that he had more respect for the grim doughboy than he did for the H. E. shells of the artillerymen. The 353rd Infantry Goes Over the Top in the Final Phase 127 "The front covered was so wide that it was impossible to spare the men for the complete occupation of Andevanne Woods; so the battalion moved forward, simply flanking into the edge of the woods. The movement proved very fortunate for it W'as afterwards learned from German prisoners that a body of 150 picked sharpshooters had been placed in position on top of the ridge in the Andevanne Woods to hold up the at- tack. These riflemen, of course, w^ere not encountered and very soon they saw our battalion approaching Barricourt Woods, to their left rear. About the same time, the Boche artillery, evi- dently assuming that the Andevanne Woods had been carried by our assaulting wave, concentrated a large part of their artil- lery fire on these woods, and on their own men, who quickly came down and gave themselves up as prisoners, very much disappointed because the assaulting wave had not come through the woods. , *^'^''^<~«i.^ "'• j^^. Heights of Barricourt. "The first objective was reached in accordance with sched- ule with ample time to reorganize for the assault on the second objective. This advance was made through very heavy counter- barrage. Upon entering Barricourt Woods, the Battalion again encountered considerable resistance. Captain Baxter and Ser- geant Malone, of "I" Company, handled their men so skillfully as to reduce this resistance, with small losses, and at the same time inflicting tremendous losses on the enemy. Here was fighting at close quarters, but in almost every case the Boche took second money. "Barricourt Woods, or the Heights of Barricourt, a position of great natural strength, was considered one of the most vital points in the whole German line. Its capture meant that our guns could easily reach the only line of communication left to the Germans between Metz and Sedan. It meant more than this, since all of his reserves had been used up and since the pursuit 128 Regimental History 353rd Infantry of the Americans had been so rapid that many of his divisions in the line had been hopelessly confused. The German Army must retreat at top speed at once or else accept one of the worst defeats in history. So every man in the 353rd Infantry pushed forward with all his individual force in the line as if he were responsible for the outcome of the day. "In the spirit of victory, we reached the second objective on time. Here the Third Battalion halted to let the Second Battalion pass through to the final objective. We had accom- plished our mission in the assault to this point and now sup- ported the advance of the Second Battalion in the completion of the day's work." CHAPTER XXII. The 353rd Infantry Carries On to the Army Objective The Second Battalion in the Lead At dusk in the evening of October 31st the Second Battalion left "Horseshoe Hill" for the slight reverse slope in the northern edge of Bantheville Woods. Major Wood had been evacuated to the hospital in the afternoon and Major Peatross again assumed command. Com- panies "G" and "E" in order moved over the shell-torn path through the woods that many of the men had followed as "chow" details to the advanced positions. Companies "H" and "F" skirted the eastern edge of the woods until opposite the other companies of the battalion and then took positions alongside. At eleven o'clock everyone was in place and "digging in" for his life. It was time well spent, for at Transvaal Farm and Horseshoe Hill. 3:30 pandemonium broke loose, followed by crashing explosions in our very midst which blasted up huge boulders about us and rent limbs from trees overhead. Occasionally a hellish shell found the shallow pit of an unfortunate doughboy and he died in the grave his own hands had dug. The climax of terror in our area came about an hour before the jump-off was scheduled to take place. Up until this time our share of the German shelling had been regular but somewhat distributed; now it was intensive and concentrated. Company, platoon, and sec- tion leaders were at this very moment trying to check up their men for the advance. It was useless to shout, for their voices were lost in the uproar. Gas shells were bursting in the area. Each man had to be his own guard. The only way to warn a neighbor was for each buddie to appear in his own mask, but the violent explosions of the bombardment seemed to scatter the fumes of the dreaded "yellow cross," and at the time the men suffered little inconvenience from its poison. 130 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Dawn came and the severity of the counter-bombardment slack- ened. First aid men hunted out the wounded and started the stretch- er bearers to the rear with their burdens. The battalion organized its depleted ranks and moved forward in support of the Third Bat- talion at 6:25 a. m. Parties of prisoners, some of them holding up wounded hands, brought the first news of the Third Battalion's success in the as- sault. Under artillery fire at all times, the battalion kept on due northward, across the deep valleys east of La Dhuy Farm and over the low ridge southwest of Andevanne Woods. After overcoming the scattering fire of some remaining machine gun nests, the Second Battalion waited here in shell holes for nearly an hour while the Third Battalion passed on to the second objective in Barricourt Woods. In the reorganization of the battalion at this time, "G" and "E" Companies switched to the right flank while "H" and "F" took over the left flank. The two platoons of "E" Company, that had been sent forward under Lieutenant Cristoph to accompany the as- saulting battalion and mop up the small woods southeast of Ande- vanne Woods, rejoined the company. The Third Battalion was now ready to advance. The dense screen put down by our guns had partially lifted. When we resumed the advance, enemy observers picked us up and we were forced to continue on through a severe shrapnel barrage. Nevertheless, groups kept steadily forward, preserving good distance and interval. By almost miraculous good fortune, we reached Bar- ricourt Woods with very few losses. At noon, we crossed the advanced line of the Third Battalion in the heart of Barricourt Woods. Determined group leaders, such as Sergeant Gutherie of "E" Company, and Sergeant Miller of "G" Com- pany, speedily outflanked and overcame the machine gun resistance as the advance continued. Dense undergrowth, torn and tangled by the rolling barrage which preceded us, made progress very difficult. Companies and even platoons became badly mixed and lost contact with one another. Consequently the various elements did not arrive on the final objective at the same time. When two platoons of Company "G" under the command of Captain Dienst arrived at the edge of the woods on the left, they saw a body of at least two hundred men in close formation moving toward the woods. The dense fog had now become so thick that one could see for only a few hundred yards. At first Captain Dienst took these troops for our own men on the right, supposing that they had reached the line first. However, his orderly, Parmenter, was quick to discover their identity. He yelled, "They are Germans and they have got their guns." In another moment the two platoons were down in the shallow depression just within the edge of the woods. The dead machine gunners who had been killed by our bar- rage were rolled aside and their guns were turned on the advancing Germans. Here were the best targets that had ever appeared before the men of the 353rd Infantry. Every man made the best of his The 353rd Infantry Carries On to the Army Objective 131 opportunity. The Germans broke ranks and ran in every direction for cover. It lasted for only a couple of minutes. When it was over Corporal Johnson quietly sat down and carved seven notches on his old rifle. In another instant Company "F" and the remainder of Company "E" were on the line. The Germans made no further attempt to en- ter the woods, and the two platoons of "G" Company, two platoons of "E" and "F" Companies under command of Captain Dienst or- ganized to hold the ground. 210 MM. Howitzer Captured at Les Tuilleres Farm, Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The other two platoons of "E" Company under the leadership of Lieutenant Morgan had an equally exciting experience on the right. Patrols discovered that Les Tuilleres was still occupied by the ene- my. A company of them were resting on the side of the road about five hundred meters to the right flank at approximately our point of contact with the 90th Division. The platoons promptly moved to that flank and cleared Les Tuilleres, taking several prisoners and "shot up" the company of Germans before they had even a chance to offer resistance. Company "H" and the two platoons of Company "G" had fin- ished mopping up the woods and were now about four hundred meters to the left on the northern edge of the woods. Headquarters of the Second Battalion were in the woods five hundred meters southeast of Les Tuilleres. The Third Battalion had organized on the second objective of the day. After a full day of mopping up (in- 132 Regimental History 353rd Infantry eluding the capture of a field piece by Lieut. "Dinty" Moore's pla- toon) in the wake of the advanced battalions, the First Battalion "dug in" in the woods just beyond Remonville. The faithful supply train, too, reached this vicinity during the night. We were on the ob- jective for the day and in full control of Barricourt Woods. It is reported that when the news of the capture of Barricourt Woods reached Marshal Foch, he declared, for the first time, that the enemy w^as defeated. But hardly had the Second Battalion gained possession of the edge of the woods when the thick fog intensified the darkness of the night. Major Peatross had been wounded during the day. Never a rugged man, the long exposure and hardship had left him in a criti- cal condition. He was so hoarse he could not speak above a whisper. Nevertheless, he refused to be evacuated and set about the difficult task of reorganizing the battalion for another advance. At nightfall the fog turned into rain which continued throughout the night and almost incessantly for the next twenty-four hours. It had been a hard day's work to get through the brush of Barricourt Woods. The strain of the previous night was also beginning to have its effect. The men were tired, hungry, and thirsty. There was still a supply of reserve rations but canteens were almost dry. Little more could be done than post guards and wait for daylight. In the early part of the night. Colonel Reeves received instruc- tions to resume the advance at 5:30 and was informed that the bar- rage would be the same as on the first day. At 5:30 our artillery put over a few shells immediately in front of our advanced positions, but no one on theline recognized it as a bombardment, and the Sec- ond Battalion waited for artillery preparation. Colonel Reeves moved forward with the Third Battalion to sup- port the advance of the Second Battalion. As soon as he was aware of the situation he requested the brigade commanders to have the barrage repeated at nine o'clock. Reply came that a barrage on the entire division front was being planned and that notice of the hour w^ould be given later. The 353rd Infantry with the Second Battalion in assault, the Third in support, and the First in reserve, all in battle formation, waited for the word to go over the top. At ten o'clock our artillery again put over a few shots very similar to those earlier in the day. Communication with Brigade Headquarters had been very unsatis- factory all the morning. Finally at 11:30 information was received that the firing at ten o'clock had been intended for our artillery preparation and barrage. There would be no more artillery support. We must move out at all cost to the army line. Colonel Reeves gave the word to the battalion commanders. Ma- jor Peatross called his company commanders and told them in a few words what was expected. There was no time for questions, so they moved back and passed the word along to the waiting men. Every- body was on edge. The 353rd Infantry Carries On lo the Army Objective .. 133 134 Regimental History 353rd Infantry The enemy had used every minute of his time in preparation for machine gun defense. Bands of fire were so accurately planned that practically every foot of the ground in front of the woods was crossed and criss-crossed with paths of deadly machine gun bullets. In the advance of the preceding day we had captured many pieces of artillery. For the first time the German high command had to admit that they were unable to withdraw "strategically" or even "satisfactorily." The situation for the enemy was desperate. His very hope of escape was to sell out at the highest possible price in his matchless rear guard action. In order to make the best of a bad situation, Major Peatross or- dered Company "D" of the 341st Machine Gun Battalion, which was supporting us in the attack, to lay down machine gun barrage. Some of our captured German guns were brought into position in the edge of the woods but the fire was very feeble; the effect little more than an "alert" signal for the Germans, There was nothing for the dough- boy to do but to go forward in his own strength. Company "H" was on the extreme left of the assaulting line, closely supported on the left flank by Company "L" of the Third Battalion; "G" was in the center; "F" was on the right; one platoon of "E" Company protected the extreme right of the line; and the remainder of Company "E" was in close support of "F" Company. It was just 12:55 p. m. when the first combat groups began to emerge from the woods. Immediately the enemy opened up on them with annihilating fire. Lieutenant Lewis of "H" Company fell mor- tally wounded while starting the first group of his platoon. Lieuten- ant Barr of the same company was seriously wounded an instant later. In "G" Company Sergeant Ramsey and several others fell be- fore they had made five yards into the open. In Company "F" the casualties were even greater than in the other companies. Sergeant Dozer had received a bullet through his body, but with set teeth he moved on toward the enemy. After almost an hour of the most bitter fighting during which our losses were exceedingly heavy, no weak point in the enemy defense had been discovered. Major Peatross ordered simultaneous advance along the whole line. He knew the losses would be great but there was no alternative. Assaulting waves started forward supported by Chauchat rifle and grenade fire but it was the accurate marksman- ship of the riflemen which accounted for most on the enemy in the attack. By three o'clock resistance was giving away and we were able to advance. Hardly had the Second Battalion cleared the woods when German artillerymen laid down a barrage along its edge. The Third Bat- talion had moved up and now were suffering severe losses. Never- theless, the men closed the gaps left by their fallen comrades and moved ahead. Every unit on the line was in action, firing to front and flank. The advance continued on the compass bearing 35 de- grees east of north. As we approached the high ground of La Torch- ette Hill we again encountered the deadly machine gun fire of the The 353rd Infantry Carries On to the Army Objective 135 enemy. The Germans were organized on the brow of the hill and were supported by minnenwerfers and 88 millimeter artillery. Our men were in an exhausted state and combat units had been badly broken up. We were compelled to halt and reorganize on the lower slopes out of the enemy field of fire. In checking up it was learned that the left of the line had been suffering severe machine gun fire from the left flank but "L" and "I" Companies in support had read their instructions well regarding the advantages of organization in depth and the duties of supporting troops. So far as they were able to determine, no other troops were advancing in the sector to the left. And they addressed their entire Tailly on the Army Line, Occupied by Second Battalion, November 2, 1918. attention to the machine gun nests in that direction with such telling effect that the general advance continued without delay. "While the reorganization was in process, a message was received that our artillery was now prepared to give some support and would begin firing at 4:30. At just that precise moment while the battalion commander was taking the message, big shells began to fall among the troops in our second wave. Lieutenant Couchman had his signal man ready and shot up a rocket before severe losses were sustained. It was now getting late. The army objective must be reached. In the misty darkness, the line once more moved forward. "L" Com- pany was in close co-operation with "H" on the right. "G" and "F" carried forward the center while "E" Company took over the ex- treme right and protected the right flank. The rest of the Third 136 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Battalion kept up in close support and guarded the flanks of the regiment. Still farther back the First Battalion was in reserve. Riflemen and Chauchat gunners in the leading wave opened fire at the points where flashes in the darkness betrayed the location of the enemy. At first it was slow going. Suddenly someone broke forth with a wild Indian war-whoop and shouted, "Give 'em hell!" The effect was electric. All up and down the line went wild shouts. Every man who could do so fired from the shoulder and the hip as he moved forward. Yells rang out over the hill and reverberated down the valley on the other side. From that moment demoraliza- tion of the enemy was complete. No German had the courage to operate his gun in the face of that mad, shouting, fire-spitting line. The men moved forward now in rapid, determined strides. For more than a kilometer the savage on-rush continued. With diffi- culty, commanders restored order and stopped the charge on the army line. The final objective was reached at 6:30 p. m. We immediately sent out patrols and stationed outposts to pro- tect our exposed flanks and consolidated our positions. A patrol from "L" Company under Lieutenant Underbill found the enemy leaving the town of Tailly. Troops of "L" and "H" Companies fol- lowing close behind the patrol immediately took possession. Shortly after, Major Peatross moved his P. C. into the town — the most ad- vanced point on the army line on the night of November 2nd. Col- onel Reeves promptly passed the word back to Division Headquart- ers and later in the evening in his shell hole P. C, he received the following message : 2 November, 18; 23:15 Hour. The Commanding General, 89th Division, wishes me to give you his thanks and congratulations for reaching the exploitation line. Bully work. Lee. The enemy made no attempt to shell us or dislodge us from our positions. Soon after midnight, however, a battery of our own heavy artillery, not realizing that we had advanced to this point, be- gan shelling the -hill. The suporting machine gun company had es- tablished themselves along the road and suffered several casualties. Rockets were promptly sent up. Major Blackinton was on the alert with the Third Battalion and saw the signal. After a few shots our artillerymen increased the range. Morning came and with it the first sunshine we had seen in two days. No units were in positions on our flanks and many detach- ments of the enemy were still well in the rear on either side but there were plenty of signs that the enemy had abandoned the field in rout. Rifles, machine guns, packs, helmets, and equipment of every sort lay scattered about in wild confusion. Doubtless the wild yells of the previous night had led the Germans to imagine that the safety of their scalps lay only in flight. At about ten o'clock combat groups The 353rd Infantry Carries On to the Army Objective 137 of the 355th Infantry appeared over the hill. For hours they and their supporting troops poured forward through our lines to carry on the work which we had begun. La Torchette Hill cut off the view to the edge of Barricourt Woods, but we knew that many of our brave men were scattered back over the field. Losses in the Second Battalion totaled approxi- mately forty men per company. We were told that seventy-five Ger- man dead had been counted immediately outside the woods. Cap- tain Boyce gives the following personal statement of the devoted attention of our Battalion First Aid men on this occasion : Looking Into Barricourt Woods From German Positions. "Early in the morning of November 2nd we moved up into the Barricourt Woods, arriving there about 10:00 a. m. We learned that the battalion was going to attack about one o'clock so we immediately prepared an aid station. The best place to be had was a large shell hole. We immediately took possession, put a few limbs across the top and stretched a shelter half over them. This construction was more in the nature of camouflage than protection against the rain. "I think it was about one o'clock when the attack was launched. Almost immediately the wounded began pouring in by the multiplied ten's. I had only five men with me, and most of the company first aid men and stretcher bearers had been killed or wounded. The infantry had orders not to leave any men behind to look after the wounded, and we had to use Ger- man prisoners and slightly-wounded men for stretcher bearers. Men were brought to us in horribly mangled condition. We worked as fast as we could, but still they came all afternoon and through the night. "It was so dark that it seemed the blackness could be felt. Having no light, we built a fire in the bottom of the shell hole, but we soon had to extinguish it. It could be seen by the enemy 138 Regimental History 353rd Infantry and heavy shells began coming over uncomfortably close. It was now necessary to do all the dressing of the wounded in the dark, which was a miserable and difficult task. It seemed al- most impossible to get litters back from the ambulance dressing station, and many had to be improvised from two poles and a shelter half. "Morning found us with only about five wounded men left on the battle-field, and they were in excellent condition considering their wounds and the weather. That day we were able to move up to rejoin the battalion at Tailly." But in battle men forget its horrors in their attention to the pressing necessities of the moment. We had profited by the exper- iences in the St. Mihiel offensive. Each man still retained a morsel of his reserve rations, even at the end of three days. The most press- ing need was for water. The contents of canteens had been poured down burning throats early in the conflict. Water details were soon on their way to Tailly. Those who were so fortunate as to possess a can of solidified alcohol lost no time in improving their rations. Everybody made himself comfortable as best he could. In the even- ing the kitchens came up and we had our first cooked meal since the afternoon of October 31st. While contact with the enemy had ceased earlier, every man of the 353rd Infantry agreed that the of- fensive continued until the "chow" line was formed in the evening of November 3, 1918. CHAPTER XXIII. On to Stenay The army line advanced rapidly during these days in early No- vember, 1918. By evening of November 3rd the 355th Infantry (178th Brigade) was in the vicinity of Beauclair and w^as preparing to move on into Dieulet Forest on the following day. Even while the 178th Brigade was passing through our lines, artillery was blasting the way for the advance of the 90th Division on our right. The enemy was in full retreat. We must lose no opportunity to exploit our suc- cess. However, during the evening, orders were received from the Fifth Corps that the First Division would send a column through our lines and that the 89th Division would be assembled in the rear. General Wright promptly asked permission to remain in the line and con- tinue the advance, at least until his Division was in possession of Dieulet Forest and possibly the bridge-head at Laneuville. His re- quest was granted. Hardly had the 353rd Infantry gathered in the vicinity of Tailly until orders were received to advance. The men of the First Bat- talion were busy with their shelters in the near edge of the woods just east of the town. Everybody was rejoicing in the prospect of a comfortable night. After darkness had set in, orders came to roll packs at once and be ready to move out. Many doubted their ability to move farther but soon they were on their way. The march con- tinued through the town of Halles, over swampy fields, to a position along the road just north and east of Beauclair. Here was an open field seeping with water. Troops of the 178th Brigade had left it shortly before. No one seemed to know the loca- tion of the front. Machine guns puttered away in all directions, and now and then distant very-lights could be seen floating through the air. Sectors were assigned to each platoon and soon the men were "digging in." This had been the battle field of the previous day. In the darkness our men stumbled over the bodies of the dead scattered about. By daylight everybody was well out of sight. Water had seeped into the miserable holes. Everyone was wet and the weather was chilly. But evening of the following day saw the kitchens lo- cated in Beauclair. Enemy shelling was not so terrific as it had been in Bantheville Woods. The First Battalion had known greater hard- ship even than this, so the men settled down to make the most of it. On the following day, November 4th, the Third Battalion, under command of Captain Postin of the Machine Gun Company, (Major Blackinton was now detailed as second in command of the regiment) also moved forward and occupied positions in the vicinity of Beau- clair. The Second Battalion took up a position on the steep slope in the western edge of Beauclair Woods. Major Peatross established his P. C, near the Forgettes Chateau, generally known to the men of the regiment as the "White Chateau" because of its color. There was 140 Regimental History 353rd Infantry good protection here from artillery and the woods provided ample camouflage against aerial observation. Here at last was a chance for recuperation. But the position turned out to be merely a new base of operations for the Second Battalion. In the evening of November 4th Com- panies "E" and "G," under command of Captain Dienst, were or- dered to move up and establish combat liaison between the 355th Infantry and the 90th Division on our right. The 355th Infantry had entered Dieulet Forest near Beauclair and the 90th Division units were reported somewhere north of Halles. It was a case of hunting the other outfit in the night. As soon as "chow" could be had, the march was begun around the point of the hill, across the swamps toward Beauclair. Captain Dienst and a party of runners had preceded on ahead to Halles and gathered such information as w^as available. It appeared that the troops of the 90th Division were that very evening to move for- ward. In Beauclair, the commander of the 355th Infantry was un- able to give any idea of the locations of the troops on the right. The explanation was clear. The troops of the 90th Division had not yet moved out. But inasmuch as they had expected to advance that evening, there was nothing to do but move on toward the front. If no other troops could be located on the right, the detail could at least protect the right flank of our own Division. The bridges over the Wiseppe River were out. Foot-logs were thrown across in a narrow place and crossing effected in single file. In the meantime patrols scouted the woods in the general direction of Wiseppe. After a long time they reported that troops of the 90th Division had just moved to Boulain Woods near Boulain Farm, about a kilometer away. At four o'clock in the morning of November 5th, communication was established with the 355th Infantry in Dieulet Forest and the troops of the 90th Division. Patrols penetrated the woods to the Meuse River near Laneuville. The enemy had evacuated the town and were now shelling it heavily. Civilians were hurrying toward our lines over the Laneuville-Beauclair road as rapidly as they could, carting all the personal belongings they could get together in baby carriages and push carts. As the advance continued, the troops in the forward positions effected their own liaison and at 2 a.m. on the morning of November 6th Companies "E" and "G" were ordered to rejoin the Second Battalion by daybreak in Beauclair Woods. Back in this position, considered so secure, had occurred one of the most pathetic disasters of the entire campaign. Company kitch- ens were in place under the fine, old trees around the "White Chateau." At about nine o'clock, November 5th, the noon meal was being prepared. Suddenly seven German planes appeared high up in the sky above them, then came tlie rapid succession of aerial bombs — zzing, zzing, zzing. This was the first direct aerial attack which the men had ever experienced. Before anyone could realize what On to Stenay 141 was taking place the deadly bombs — at least sixteen of them — were exploding in their very midst. When the death toll was counted, it was found that eight men had been killed and more than thirty wounded. Mess Sergeants Wright of Company "G" and Jud Gooden of Company "E" were among the victims. In fact, the entire kitchen force of Company "E" had been wiped out in this disaster and the incident at Eclis Fontaine. Barry, who had been the orderly of the Second Battalion commander from the days at Funston, was another victim. Scout Murphy, whom the men had come to love and trust, died as the ambulance pulled out. No other incident in the exper- iences of the Second Battalion so embittered the men toward the enemy as this wanton slaughter of these unarmed men. Chaplain Gray came back on the morning of the 6th and buried the dead soldiers in the same grave near a little clump of pines in the open. The rest of the men looked on from their positions in the edge of the woods above. Many were tired from the strain of recent days; many were suffering from dysentery and heavy colds, but this incident brought forth renewed determination to crush the forces of "schrecklichkeit." On the afternoon of November 8th, the Second Battalion again moved forward about four kilometers to positions in Dieulet Forest just north of Beaufort. This was one of the wettest, chilliest nights of the entire campaign. Hardly had the men settled when orders came to return again to the home position in Beauclair Woods near the "White Chateau." Such were the experiences of the men of the 353rd Infantry dur- ing these early days of November and again on November 4th the Division Commander declined relief. He was determined to drive the enemy across the Meuse. On November 6th the 177th Brigade was reported as fit for active duty and at approximately sixty per cent strength. Officers and men down in the companies realized that, in accordance with the policy of using up divisions, they were being driven to the limit. This was now the plan of winning the war. They would "carry on." On November 9th the First Battalion received orders to move back to Tailly. For six days the men had been weathering the chilly fall rains in the funk holes just outside Beauclair. Some were stiff from the effects of wet feet and clothing. All were worn out and ready for relief. Tobacco, too, had been short, and there had been scarcely any opportunity to smoke what little they had because of orders against lights at night. Shelling had increased and some cas- ualties were added to the list but surely this move meant a chance to get back in shape again. The march began on the evening of the 9th. Conversation in the ranks ran something like this : "Best, did you say. Hell, there ain't no such thing. We are shock troops. We'll get rest when we start to pushing up pop- pies." 142 Regimental History 353rd Infantry However, back in Tailly the billets and dried socks made every- body feel like he had been translated to a seventh heaven. Every- body was getting cleaned up. Some of the men were over in the lit- tle wash-house, the village laundry, so well remembered for the in- scription over the door, "Gott Strafe England." Suddenly, top ser- geants bawled out, "Come out of it. Get your packs ready for an- other move." The battalion must be ready to retrace its steps and go far beyond its old positions by evening. "A man's just nacherally has to have guts, that's all," remarked one of the men as he hastily drew^ on his clothing to get ready for the new move. The battalion was to stop at a point in the woods near the road- side to await orders. The men unslung packs; some unrolled their blankets to good advantage. Several hours passed and then came guides to take charge of the companies. The way led toward Laneu- ville. Guides gave information about the situation to the company commanders as they moved along. The Second Battalion was to re^ lieve two companies of the 355th Infantry in Laneuville and two com- panies of the same regiment bivouacked just outside of the town. Company "C" and "D" arrived in the woods just west of Laneu- ville late because their guides lost the way. Company "B" was bil- leted in Laneuville while Company "A" occupied a large dugout just beyond the railroad tracks. The whole of Company "A" together with one machine gun platoon were crowded into a dugout of three rooms. The tired men threw off their equipment to get what rest they could. Local information indicated that the First Battalion must cross the Meuse and enter Stenay. German snipers and machine gunners were active and artillery threatened at all times. One dare not show himself outside the dugout in daylight on account of the snipers. A major and his orderly were lying at this moment down the road. They had been picked off that very afternoon. The bridges across the river had been blown up, A patrol attempting to cross the river was stopped by machine guns. They had left their leader and sever- al dead on the banks. At this critical moment in the narration Cap- tain Dahmke, followed by Major Blackinton, entered the dugout. Then came the news which the men had anticipated. The calm, steady voice of Major Blackinton threw a pall on all listeners as he said, "Your orders are to be in Stenay tonight." It was hard to realize the possibility of accomplishing the mis- sion under the conditions. The Germans occupied the city of Stenay and the high ground beyond. They were prepared to hold their positions with machine guns and artillery. Moreover, there was the river and the canal to be crossed and only one boat available. It had a carrying capacity of thirty men. On the east side of the Meuse the 90th Division was advancing from the south. They were to have taken Stenay on the 10th and to announce occupation with a rocket signal. Close observation revealed no signal, and their location was unknown. The First Battalion must drive across the river for Stenay. On to Stenay 143 Meanwhile the Second and Third Battalions were on their way to co-operate with the 90th Division troops on the east side of the Meuse river. The Second Battalion left Les Forgettes Chateau in the early evening, never to return. The march led over the high hill in the heart of Tailly Woods, through Montigny and Saulmury, Near Ville-franche the engineers had constructed a pontoon bridge. Lieutenant Melvin with a patrol from Company "G" was on ahead. It seemed impossible to get definite information regarding the lo- cation of the 90th Division troops, but the battalion must be in po- sition to advance on Stenay in the morning. "Without a moment's hesitation the men moved across the bridge in single file. The meadows between the river and the canal, on the east bank of the Meuse, were stiff with a heavy hoar-frost. Move- ment was necessary to keep from freezing. Finally the battalion halted near the locks on the Meuse Canal about two kilometers south- east of Mouzay. Lieutenant Melvin reported that the town of Mouzay was filled with gas and that he had been unable to gain contact with the 90th Division troops. Major Peatross, Lieutenant Melvin, and a few run- ners again went forward while the men fell out along the steep banks of the canal. Some officers and a little party of men tried to kindle a fire in the lock-keeper's house. Someone had left a newspaper here. It was two days old but it gave the terms of the armistice. Everyone fully expected that fighting would continue. At 4:30 a. m. march was resumed to Mouzay where it was learned that a strong patrol had been organized to enter Stenay. Its mission was to de- termine the strength of the forces holding the town. The patrol did not accomplish its mission and the 90th Division did not attack in the morning. The Second Battalion took over the abandoned German billets and proceeded to forget about the war. But hardly were the men asleep when shells began to fall into the edge of the town. There were no orders to move and no one stirred. Presently word came from the 179th Brigade Headquarters of the 90th Division that the armistice was signed. Those who were asleep were not disturbed and those who were awake found a place to sleep. The men of the Second Battalion were so nearly "all in" that they must rest before they could realize the news. The experience of the Third Battalion was quite similar to that of the Second. Up until 2 a. m. of November 11th the Third Battalion held positions in La Haie Woods near Beauclair. At that hour, or- ders were received to join the Second Battalion across the Meuse River in the advance on Stenay from the south. The march of the Third Battalion led over the flooded roads along the Wiseppe River. Dawn brought them to W^iseppe. The enemy had destroyed the bridge. It was necessary to improvise a crossing. Only one man could make his way at a time on the treacherous logs. At last the battalion reached the pontoon bridge at Ville-franche. 144 Regimental History 353rd Infantry All was going satisfactorily until the mooring of the boats gave way. Several men fell into the cold, swift river. Difficulties could not be allowed to impede the progress. The bridge was hastily repaired and the Third Battalion followed the Second in the direction of Mouzay, While sitting alongside the road an officer drove up and an- nounced the news of the armistice, and gave orders to continue on to Stenay. The chief concern of the men now was to find a good place to rest. During these hours, the officers of the First Battalion continued their efforts to find a way across the Meuse River, Lieutenant Dris- Bridge Across Meuse at Stenay, Built by 314th Engineers, November 11, 12, 13, 1918. coll and Lieutenant Connors had not reported back with their pa- trols at 3 a. m. Lieutenant Chalmer with Private Cadue was sent out. The light from a burning barrel of oil at the water's edge en- abled him to locate Lieutenant Connors' patrol. No crossing could be found. When they returned Major Blackinton set out with Cap- tain Dahmke to confirm the information of the patrols. Lieutenant Hulen in command of "A" Company had posted sen- tries under cover to make observations. At nine o'clock Lieutenant Chalmer reported back that a crossing could be effected. The high embanked road leading over to Staney had been blown out in no less than eight places, and the bridges over the river, canal, and mill-race were destroyed. Some engineers had been trying to estimate the possibilities of a crossing, but were driven away by On to Stenay 145 enemy shrapnel. On the basis of this information, Company "A" was ordered to cross the river. Lieutenant Connors was to lead with the patrol, Lieutenant Chalmer was to follow with his platoon in fifteen minutes and prepare crossings. It was now 9:30 a. m. A heavy fog hung close to the surface. Nothing was visible but the broad expanse of the water which disappeared in the haze a few yards out from the shore. Every man wished he could look beyond. Surely the enemy was waiting to open fire at the first appearance of advancing troops. But this fog that had been so disagreeable served effectively as a screen for our activities. Nearer approach to the road showed mysterious rows of sticks driven in the ground parallel to the water's edge and at right angles to the road. These sticks stood some seven or eight feet high. Wisps of vegetation were tied about two feet from the top. Their use was apparent. Machine gunners knew the range to these sticks. They knew the intervals between the poles and could control their field of fire from right to left without being called upon to estimate it. Quietly and patiently the men worked their way forward. The gaps which had been blown in the embanked road were from fifteen to thirty feet across. Water rushed through the openings below. It was necessary to make a steep descent on one side, pass over the de- bris in the bottom, and then make the steep ascent on the other side to continue toward Stenay. After crossing five of these gaps, the bridge which spanned the Meuse loomed into view. One long girder lay suspended from its base on one side across the gap. Just beyond was the bank of the canal, covered with wire entanglements. The bridge across the canal was out, but fifty yards above lay the ruins of the lock-gates which afforded a passage. The mill-race was still to be crossed. Its bridge was completely down. Heavy timbers were soon adjusted into a foot-log. Only one man could cross at a time, but in the event of shelling this formation was highly desirable. The thought of machine gun fire was oppressive. On the battle- field there was a chance of flanking the enemy but here the men were at the mercy of the enemy. We could do nothing but move ahead. Safely across, the patrols reported that they were ready to leave. Lieutenant Hulen with the slightest trace of a smile on his worn face said, "It is reported that there will be no firing after eleven o'clock, but don't throw away your equipment!" At ten o'clock Lieutenant Connors reported the occupation of Stenay in the following brief message: "Private Gielow defeated for mayor of Stenay by three votes." He immediately set about getting the French civilians out of their cellars and rounding up the few Germans who remained behind. The town was still being bombarded in the southern section, but the patrols met no resistance in their operation. 146 Regimental History 353rd Infantry At 10:30 a patrol from the 90th Division entered the town from the south. Lieutenant Connors notified its leader, a Lieutenant Quinn, that the town of Stenay was in possession of the First Bat- talion, 353rd Infantry, 89th Division. Before 11a. m., armistice hour, all of Company "A" had made their way across and a line of out- posts was established on the heights above the town. There were no casualties, but the mental strain and physical exertion had been terrific. The men of the First Battalion had earned the right to the good billets of Stenay for their regiment. On to Stenay 147 I T A. T [ON A L- O f<:D ^] LI 3£"" CORPS d'A: EATJ^AIT r»: L ORDRE GENEi^AL cite- d/crdre da Co/p( d3yr/nee- ?S\I'[aiiinciirr*c.'njaiilrnc CITATION ORDER OF THE 32ND AKMY CORPS Extract From General Order No. 823, May 1, 1919. "The General commanding the Army Corps cites in the orders of the Army Corps the 353rd Regiment of American Infantry. This Regiment, in first class order, entered into battle August, 1918, under the com- mand of Col. James H. Reeves and gave proof in its initial service of keenness, tenacity which allowed it to force back numberless attacks of the enemy and to execute with success patrols of chief importance for the attack on St. Mihiel, in which it took a brilliant part. GENERAL PASSAGA, Commanding the 32nd Army Corps. CHAPTER XXIV. Stenay The 12th of November, 1918, found the 353rd Infantry concen- trated in Stenay. Since entering the Lucey Sector a hundred days before the men of the regiment had been sheltered in dugouts and fox-holes; now they occupied the homes of this French city. A summary of information had given these facts at the beginning of the advance on November 1st: "Stenay, on the Meuse, sixteen kilometers southwest of Mont- medy, 4,070 inhabitants, 598 houses, one mill, 200 wells, one nail factory, one sawmill, barracks for three artillery regiments, pas- senger and freight depots on the Sedan-Longwy railroad." This statement was brief, but to those in Stenay who had ad- vanced from shell hole to shell hole, wading marshes, and struggling through woods, it was the revelation of a task accomplished. The flooded Meuse was crossed. One line of the enemy's lateral com- munications, the Sedan-Longwy railroad, had been cut. The great American Objective — the Sedan-Mezieres railroad — was within grasp; the German forces were divided — the victory w^as won. Only a few civilians remained in the city, mostly old people un- der the direction of the parish priest. They could scarcely believe the presence of the strange but kindly Americans. With a great deal of interest the soldiers gathered the story of their city. Stenay fell into the hands of the Germans in August, 1914, and was held by them until November 9, 1918, when, under the pressure of the American troops they evacuated the city. Ten days before the armistice the civilians were given two hours to leave. This order synchronized closely with the advance of the Americans on November 1st. More- over, one of the first prisoners captured by the 353rd Infantry on the morning of November 1st, said that he had just been sent up from the Replacement Camp at Stenay. These apparently inconsistent actions of the enemy were explained in the condition of the looted city. The irresistible advance of the Americans in the early days of November had warned him that his long occupation was nearly over. So he pushed up replacements to hold his lines and, at the same time, ordered the civilians out in order to make sure of his escape with the booty. "Viewed from the distance Stenay seemed to have escaped the fate of nearly all other French cities in the battle areas. American ar- tillerymen had thrown their shells into the immediate vicinity but few if any into the city. The church, the most prominent of all the buildings, maintained its old time grandeur. The massive artillery barracks showed only the disorder of a hasty retreat; and the cha- teau where the crown prince had been quartered still retained its peaceful charm. Exceptions appeared along the river. Here the Stenay 149 bridges had been blown up, and the flooded Meuse had scattered de- bris in every direction. A glance within the city told the true story. Every shop had been looted and only heaps of refuse were left be- hind. Streets had been barricaded with furniture and household equipment; the lighting and water systems were completely out of commission; sewerage mains were blocked, and many of the best homes had been used for offices and workshops. The most malicious example of wanton destruction appeared in the laboratories and home of M. Jaudin. According to the aged scholar's own statement, two German officers with a detail of soldiers appeared at the last moment and smashed test tubes and apparatus and then entered the living rooms and tore the curtains from the walls. Even the treas- ured letters of a lifetime were destroyed before their eyes. Nor had the church, so grand in the distance, escaped pillage. The pipes of the organ had been carried away to German munition factories to be moulded into shells. These revelations shocked the Americans, but they were none the less surprised at the fine spirit of the returning refugees. Gradually and almost timidly they came to ask shelter and peace in their own homes. What sights greeted them — empty rooms, marred walls and ruined floors. But the sympathetic and hearty welcome of the Americans seemed to inspire them with new hope. Promptly and cheerfully they began life over again; some moved directly to places where they had concealed a few heirlooms from the invaders. A French lady dug up her silverware in the backyard. An officer who had been the town recorder before the war, pried up the stones of a basement floor and took out the city records. The greatest surprise of all was the sudden appearance of the Tri-Color from every house occupied by Frenchmen. Though stripped of possessions and hu- miliated by invaders, the traditions of the city, her spirit and pa- triotism, were stronger than ever. The situation, however, demanded immediate action. Company "G" was detailed to post the first guard and each organization moved into its quarters. The men needed no urging to make themselves comfortable. Within a day every man had "made arrangement" for a stove and a bed and then came the traditional order, doubly em- phatic in the 353rd Infantry, "Police Up!" Floors were scrubbed, backyards cleaned, streets swept and trash wagons put into ceaseless motion. Parties were sent out to bury the dead horses. Following the police order came inspections by platoon commanders, company commanders, regimental and higher commanders, and within a week the devastated and deserted city was a well regulated garrison. Of equal importance to this general police was the personal clean- up and re-equipment of the men. A new drive was on — this time against the cooties. They were strongly entrenched and the greatest difficulty seemed to be in their unlimited replacements. Change of clothing was imperative and so the surplus kits that had been left back at Transvaal Farm and in Bantheville Woods on November 1st had to be gathered up. The Regimental Supply Company beat all 150 Regimental History 353rd Infantry records for service. New suits replaced the ones that had been through the drives; underwear and socks were abundant; new shoes replaced for old ones. These shoes were mostly of English manufac- ture and not well suited to the feet of American doughboys. They were large enough but seemed to take no account of the difference in shape of an individual's feet. For the time it was a good joke on Tommy. "Odd, ain't it that 'e should 'ave both feet alike?" remarked a Yank as he walked out in a new pair of the heavy, box-toed, iron- capped boots. But the comedy changed to tragedy later. Rations, too, were generous. With new equipment, beds, to sleep in, mail from home, regular meals, and best of all, the hope of an early re- turn to the "Good Old U. S. A.," the men rapidly came back to old- time form. And when General Sommerall, the corps commander, came to express his admiration for the fighters he added a strong commendation for the soldiers of the 353rd Infantry. From some unknown source appeared a rumor about assignment to the Army of Occupation. This new duty was supposed to be at- tractive: first, it was an acknowledgment of efficiency; second, it afforded an opportunity to see Germany. The general feeling how- ever, among the men was — ^"The war is over, I want to go home." Private Trigg argued, "I joined the war, not the army, I want to get back in time to put in a crop next spring." To the American soldier the white flag of the enemy meant the end of the scrap. The miser- able task was done, he was anxious to take up life where he had left off when his number was called. During campaign days he gladly put his last ounce of energy into the struggle, scorning even the sug- gestion of a halt until the victory was his, but it had not occurred to him that there was still danger of losing the fruit of victory even after the victory was won. Because the American soldier considers the maneuvers and issues of battle it is not to be inferred that he hesitates in obedience. When the Training Schedule for the week beginning November 18th ap- peared, drill took on the "snap" of preparatory days : First Call, 6:00 a. m. Assembly, 6:10 a. m. Reveille, 6:15 a. m. Mess, 6:30 a. m. Inspection, 8:00 a. m. The schedule continued with setting-up exercises, close order drill and guard duty. "Lectures under the supervision of company commanders on pertinent historical and military subjects," were in- cluded; and, in addition, paragraph "B" provided "daily classes in the French language, compulsory for all officers, and recommended in each company for enlisted men." Finally, what seemed most por- tentous of all, was this requirement: "Practice march of at least twenty-four kilometers under full mobile equipment." Before the schedule was well under way, orders were received to begin the Stenay 151 construction of a target range; and soon one battalion was detailed each day to repair roads; the Third Battalion had already marched to Margut to receive returning prisoners of war and to take over enemy property. Surely, there was enough to do for the 353rd In- fantry in Stenay. Suddenly all activities were suspended. An order came from Regimental Headquarters requiring "All officers report at once." Colonel Reeves announced that the 89th Division was to form a part of the Army of Occupation, and read the following order. From: Rlustrious I. P. C. Stenay. To : C. O. 353rd Infantry. Hour: 12:00. Date, 11-22-18. The forward movement will begin the morning of 24th No- vember. No effort will be spared to prepare for it. Immediate report wall be made to these headquarters by phone of approxi- mate shortages of equipment. Inspections will begin at once and accurate report of shortages will be made to Immortal I through these headquarters. All training and work on target ranges will be subordinated to preparation and equipment. Signed: Illustrious I. Reed. 12:15. By Davis. November 24, 1918, came on Sunday, the regular moving day for the regiment. CHAPTER XXV. The March to Germany The enemy still had, according to the terms of the armistice, one day to clear out of the "invaded countries of Belgium, France, Al- sace-Lorraine, and Luxemburg," when the 89th Division began its march to Germany. Advance elements of the Army of Occupation were close on the heels of the retreating forces. "The enemy continued his withdrawal. The 3rd and 4th Corps form the advance of our pursuing forces. The 7th Corps forms the reserve." So read Paragraph One of Field Order No. 64, 89th Division. The word "pursuing" is marked out in the order submitted to the com- manding officer of the 353rd Infantry, but it is too expressive of the spirit of the occasion to be omitted from history. The 89th Division, along with seven other picked American di- visions, had been selected to form the Army of Occupation. With pride and confidence both officers and enlisted men entered upon this new duty. The terms of the armistice left nothing to be desired so far as immediate assurance of victory was concerned. They had overcome the enemy in battle, now they were to occupy his country. The situation was especially gratifying to the officers and enlisted men of the 353rd Infantry for their regiment was to form the advance guard of the 89th Division on the march. Briefly stated, the mission of the Army of Occupation was to in- sure compliance with the terms of the peace treaty. The doughboy was decidedly interested in the surrender of the German fleet, es- pecially the submarines. He was keenly delighted with the state- ment of German equipment to be turned over — 5,000 guns, 30,000 machine guns, 3,000 minennwerfers, 2,000 aeroplanes — the very thought startled him. Moreover, he realized that upon the accom- plishment of a satisfactory peace treaty depended his return to the United States, But neither armistice nor peace treaty concerned the soldiers so immediately as the personal appeal of General Pershing contained in the following order: G. H. Q. AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES General Order No. 218. France, Nov. 28, 1918. In view of the extraordinary conditions under which that part of the American Expeditionary Forces which constitutes the Army of Occupation of German Territory is serving, the Commander-in-Chief desires to acquaint the officers and men composing it with the expectations which he entertains as to their conduct. You have come not as despoilers or oppressors, The March to Germany 153 but simply as the instruments of a strong, free government wiiose purposes towards the people of Germany are beneficent. Dur- ing our occupation the civil population is under the special safe- guard of the faith and honor of the American Army. It is, therefore, the intention of this order to appeal directly to your pride in your position as representatives of a powerful but righteous nation, with the firm conviction that you will so conduct yourself in your relations with the inhabitants of Ger- many as will cause them to respect you and the country you have the honor to represent. While you appear among them as a conquering army, you will exhibit no ill will towards the in- habitants. On the other hand you are warned against conduct unbe- coming your position as instruments of military rule. So long as a state of war continues, Germany remains enemy territory, and there must be no intimate personal association with its in- habitants. A dignified and reserved attitude will be main- tained on your part at all times. It is not believed that any acts of pillage or violence will be committed by members of the American forces, but, should any persons prove themselves unworthy of this confidence, their acts will be considered not only as crimes against the sufferers, but as dishonoring the American Army and as a direct insult to the flag of the United States. Such transgressions, should they occur, will be punished with the severest penalties known to our military law. By Command of General Pershing. Official : James W. McAndrew, Rorert C. Davis, Adjutant-General. Chief of Staff. This order was read at formations and came as a personal mes- sage to each man. American soldiers recognized in the new task the fulfillment of their mission in the American Expeditionary Forces and willingly "carried on." Every man understood at the outset that assignment to the Army of Occupation meant duty, not participation in a touring party. The conditions of the march itself were exceedingly difficult. Field Order No. 64, 89th Division, contained this instruction: "Strictest attention to march discipline will be paid and dis- tances maintained. Orders on this subject will be carefully studied and rigidly adhered to. The march will be begun ha- bitually at 7:00 hours throughout this advance. A halt of 15 minutes will be given from 7:45 to 8:00 except at noon, when one hour will be given." Some of the orders referred to are as follows : 1. The highest posible standards of march discipline will be exacted at all times. The following will govern : 154 Regimental History 353rd Infantry (a) The habitual formation for marching will be the column of squads, the present organization of units conforming thereto as nearly as practicable. (b) Whenever units march in column of squads, except during ceremonies, company, battalion, and regimental commanders will, from time to time, march in rear of their respective units and will check every breach of march discipline. The company commander responsi- ble for the pace of a column will march at the head of the company to which he belongs. Commanders of cov- ering detachments, advance guard, etc., will march as contemplated in F. S. R. for such units. (c) Marching troops will habitually cover a mile in twenty minutes, two and one-half miles during the fifty min- utes of marching time in the hour. An officer will set the pace. He will constantly check the rate by counting his paces against the watch. Each company officer by pacing over the measured mile, will determine the num- ber of paces per minute required to give the desired rate of a mile in twenty minutes. (d) The elements of the column will cover accurately in file and will keep accurately dressed toward the side of the guide. Rifles will be carried either slung vertically or in such manner on the shoulder, muzzle up and ele- vated, as not to interfere with the soldier next in rear. (e) No one will fall out of ranks on the march except with the specific authority of his company commander. Authority will be given only for the most urgent reasons. The equipment of a soldier authorized to fall out will be left with his squad. (f) No one will ride on any horse-drawn vehicle, except the necessary driver. A brakeman may be assigned to a wagon, where necessary, but will only be permitted to ride on down grades, when the setting of the brake is needed. Drivers of machine gun carts and ration carts will walk. All personnel of animal-drawn transporta- tion, either artillery or trains, will wear full equipment and carry the same pack as the infantry. Drivers are the exception to this rule as to packs — the team drivers placing the pack on the off horse. All personnel, other than section commanders, drivers and brakemen, will be formed and marched in one group under the senior present at the tail of each battalion section. The prac- tice of hanging on to a vehicle while walking is pro- hibited. (g) Marching in cadence at ease will be the normal practice in the division. The March to Germany 155 In addition to complying with tliese stringent orders it must be remembered that each man carried equipment weighing approxi- mately seventy pounds. Shortage of transportation added to the hardsliip of the march. Immediately preceding the assignment of the 89th Division to the Army of Occupation almost all the transportation facilities of the regiment had been turned over to divisions already on the march. When the Supply Company of the 353rd Infantry started to move on November 24th, there were scarcely animals enough to pull the kitchen and ration wagons, and only four Ford trucks were available for hauling surplus kits and baggage. In spite of unceasing effort the surplus kits and baggage had to be left behind after three days movement. But two weeks of recuperation in Stenay had put new life into the men, so after a final police they made the start on schedule time and in high spirits. It was hard to believe these were the same men who had dragged themselves into the city less than two weeks be- fore. Every man now wore a complete uniform. Helmets fairly glistened with their new coats of oil and divisional insignia. The full packs, rolled and fashioned to the variation of a centimeter, seemed utterly out of proportion in comparison with the light packs carried in the field. But it was too early to feel their weight. One man, however, did remark at the moment of leaving, "Boys, we're no longer soldiers; we're government mules now." The First Battalion, commanded by Major Schutt, formed the ad- vance party; the Second, commanded by Captain Adkins, was in support; the Third, commanded by Captain Postin, was already at Margny and maintained its station. Colonel Reeves rode at the head of the support and was in command of the advance guard. The route led out of Stenay northeast over the national highway. Along the way were new scenes of depredation. The Germans had cut the fine trees on either side of the road, and, in preparation for a rear guard action, they had "dug in" behind the trunks. The ques- tion arose at once, "How could we ever have gotten up this road with Fritz still in those holes?" The answer came back, "Flank him." Down at the foot of the hill lay a pile of German helmets. Fritz had foreseen this reply several days earlier and had abandoned his hel- mets as well as his holes in his flight across the Rhine. Fields along the way were barren except for occasional bushes that had grown up during the many seasons since there had been any cultivation of the soil. The country appeared to be a continuation of "No Man's Land." Occasionally parties of refugees greeted the marching columns. Nearly all of them walked and carried their possessions on their shoulders or pushed them along in carts. In spite of the weariness so evident in their faces, they were forging eagerly on to their homes. It was fine fall weather, just right for vigorous exercise when the march was begun; by 1:30 p. m. the distance for the day — twenty- 156 Regimental History 353rd Infantry six kilometers — had been covered. Captain Eades, the regimental intelligence officer, sent in this report to Division Headquarters : "First Battalion moved from Stenay to Geronville; Second Battalion, Headquarters, Supply and Machine Gun Companies moved from Stenay to Margny; Third Battalion remained in Margut; Regimental P. C. established in Margny." Margny was typical of the towns in this area. The ragged walls of buildings destroyed in 1914 looked already like ancient ruins. Only a few civilians remained. Not a cow or a chicken was in sight for the Germans had carried away everything with them on their retreat. This little town of possibly five hundred inhabitants before the war now furnished but scant shelter to the men of a battalion for the night. The most persistent questioning brought out but few details of war experiences in Margny. It seemed that drunken German soldiers had turned machine guns on civilians, but accounts differ; one said that sixteen had been killed, another said forty. Most of the buildings had been dynamited by the owners themselves in order to prevent their contents from falling into the hands of the enemy. Perhaps those who knew best had not been left to tell the story. Billeting parties had preceded the companies to the town and di- vided up the shelter. Only barns were available, but the men asked no questions. Another day's march would begin in the morning, and quite a few were anxious to investigate the burning spots on their feet before dark, so no time was lost in making arrangements for the night. In order to effect a concentration, the march was delayed on the following morning until 8:00 a. m. The second day seemed marked for disaster. Colonel Reeves made his final inspection a few min- utes before time to fall in; the police was not satisfactory. Com- pany commanders maintained that their men were not responsible for the conditions. The town must be policed! Consequently the march began with a bad start. The First Battalion had gone beyond Margny to Geronville on the first day and thus had a lead over the Second Battalion of almost eight kilometers. An engineer wagon train joined the column in the vicinity of Geronville and took position between the First Battalion, still in advance, and the Second Battalion and other troops of the regiment in support. The First Battalion troops were fresh and struck out at regulation rate. The wagoners of the engineer train lost distance and then made up at a trot. Captain Adkins had specific orders to keep within five hundred yards of the last wagon. The race went on at an irregular rate for a time, but the men in support soon lost heart; General Winn drove up as they were dropping out by the wayside. A staff officer had recorded one hundred and three names by the time the column reached St. Marie. No one gave up; as soon as the hourly halt was made by the column those who had fallen out straggled back to their companies and the The March to Germany 157 road resembled a street fair scene. The march was only two kil- ometers farther than that of the preceding day but the men were completely used up. The following extract from a report reveals the conditions responsible: Headquarters Company: Blistered feet .- 30 Bad arches and degrees of flat feet 12 Sore cords 6 First Battalion : Blistered feet 25 Swollen feet and fallen arches 9 Second Battalion: Blistered feet 54 Strains 15 Corns and bunions 7 Weak arches 15 It is reported that in most cases where blisters appear, they are caused by new English shoes, which were issued recently. They do not fit well and invariably blister and strain the foot. This second day's march, disastrous as it had been, brought the regiment into Belgium. The First Battalion and Regimental Head- quarters were stationed at Buzenol; the Second Battalion, Supply Company and Machine Gun Companies at Chantemelle; the Third Battalion at Fratin. Timely information in the evening of November 26th stated "The Regiment will remain in its present location until further orders." The civilian population of Belgium welcomed the Americans as deliverers; arches of evergreen spanned the entrance to each village. Over the arches and even in the windows were written in bright letters these words : "Honneur a nos allies." Flags waved gayly, but the Americans could scarcely recognize Old Glory in her variety. Local seamstresses had added stripes according to supply of material and stars by guess. Billeting officers were received as deliverers and church bells welcomed the American columns. Homes were wide open and the 353rd Infantry, tired and foot-sore, settled down to a quiet celebration of Thanksgiving in Belgium. After a three-day rest the regiment proceeded a short way on its march. Regimental Headquarters were located at Fouches with the companies in adjoining towns. A memorandum from corps head- quarters several days earlier had ordered: "In addition to suitable outposts each unit down to and in- cluding the company, will have a designated assembly point to which all members of the unit shall repair, without delay, in case of alarm. 158 Regimental History 353rd Infantry The alarm signal for units of this corps will be the "To Arms" on the bugle, or the firing of five shots in quick succession from a pistol or rifle. At each halt for the night, or for longer periods, at least one practice alarm assembly will be held. In each bivouac, can- tonment, or garrison alarm assemblies will be held whenever di- rected by higher authority." The peaceful conditions of the country had led company com- manders to believe that no alarm would ever be necessary. Couriers brought the word from Regimental Headquarters about midnight on December 2nd. Buglers blew the high, thrilling call, "To Arms", and company commanders added five shots a few minutes later. The men awoke with the startled feeling of campaign days. It was hard work to find their scattered equipment in the dark and when they rushed to the doors they found themselves locked in. What could it mean but a plot against the American forces! Efforts to reach the station caused a general alarm among civilians as well as soldiers. The Americans had not counted on the European custom of locking houses. In several cases a full half hour had passed before the com- panies could be formed. After this experience everyone made sure of his equipment and the exit from his billet before turning in for the night, and assembly was accomplished within five minutes, often three. On December 3rd the Regiment continued on into Luxemburg. In spite of the heavy packs and sore feet the men began to take great interest in the scenes along the way. Summaries of information from the Divisional Intelligence Department increased this interest. This little country of Luxemburg had less than 1,000 miles of area and a population of 275,000. Its fields were well cultivated and its roadways lined with evergreen. Modern houses and store buildings spoke of prosperity and an occasional castle or ruins added a touch of historical interest to the natural beauty of the country. The inhabitants spoke what was called "Luxemburg Deutsch," but through close contact with both Germany and France, most of them spoke the language of each of these countries with equal flu- ency. They were noncommittal with regard to their sympathy, pre- ferring, however, to be considered with the French. Evidently they had profited by the German occupation and now wished to maintain the same business relations with the American and Allied Forces. A few of the Home Guard, dressed in gay uniforms, were stationed in each town but the country itself seemed to be normal and the Amer- icans felt that, in Luxemburg, at least, they were European tourists rather than soldiers in the Army of Occupation. December 5th, Company Commanders read General Order No. 103, 89th Division, at retreat. On the following day the 353rd In- fantry was to cross into Germany. This order contained the final instructions: The March to Germany 159 "Tomorrow this division marches into Germany. Every man is proud of this division, proud of its fine record, proud it has been selected to represent the United States on hostile soil. The Commander-in-Chief has called on us to deal fairly with the German people. Our great nation entered this war to give to oppressed people a square deal. With our Allies, we have won the victory which guarantees this square deal. Our Army of Occupation is here to secure this square deal. We demand it, we enforce it, and we will also give it. Security and protection of troops on the march or at halts, must never be neglected. Until further orders, enlisted men will not go beyond the out- posts established by their command, except on duty. Officers will not travel without arms, and troops will habitually be form- ed and marched under arms. The unpoliced portions of larger towns must not be frequented by individuals. Single individ- uals will not, as a rule, be sent on any duty. The use of light wines and beer is not prohibited, but intoxi- cation will be punished severely and the use of strong drink of whatever kind prevented. The beverage called "Schnapps" is prohibited. In all dealings with the German people, their homes and their families, will be respected." Reports from the troops in advance indicated that the attitude of the Germans was not altogether friendly. Quarters were to be had only upon forced requisition. Even the children were said to play machine gunners as the columns marched along. So it was with some foreboding of evil that the regiment crossed the Sauer river at Echternach in the forenoon of December 6, 1918. The river at this point was scarcely more than an American creek and the road leading down from the Luxemburg territory to the little stone bridge continued on the German side just as if all were under one government. Some American soldiers were guard- ing the bridge. They saluted the officers and the ceremony of oc- cupation was complete. So this was Germany. The town of Echternach was clean and orderly. Its adjoining fields showed the most intensive cultivation. Rows of fruit trees on either side marked the improved highways, rough from the recent heavy traffic, but still showing the thorough- ness of German construction. The American soldiers could not but contrast the scenes before them with those they left behind in France. Here thrifty families still lived and kept their homes in good order; in France the people had abandoned their homes in ruins. Here the fields, laid out like gardens, showed signs of a recent harvest; in some places, plowing had already been completed for the planting of another season; in France fields had lost their boundaries and were still covered with 160 Regimental History 353rd Infantry wire entanglements, cut by trenches, and torn by shell holes; several seasons would be necessary to clear many of the fields of battle. Here the villages were all intact; there they were in ruins. And the question arose whether or not the demand for an armistice on the part of the German people had arisen out of the contrast. Contrary to anticipation, the German civilian population proved very friendly. Army orders required all returned soldiers to put on civilian clothing immediately, but many of them had complied with- out waiting for the order. This was threshing season and almost to a man they were back at their work. The only signs of the once mighty military machine into which had gone the energy and life of the nation, were the wrecked automobiles and abandoned; equipment along the road side. The German people were all tremendously interested in the American soldiers. They admired the uniform and gazed with eager eyes when rations were unloaded. Here was white bread, the first they had seen in months; and whole quarters of fresh beef. They could scarcely believe that such provisions still existed in the world, but it was all "verboten" to them. Instructions upon the necessity of military courtesy in Germany had been very emphatic before the march was begun. The Germans being a military people would expect something of their own iron discipline in the American army, but they were quick to note the contrast of relationship between officers and men in the American army and their own military machine. They had never seen officers march along with the men, nor could they understand how officers lived on the same rations as the enlisted men. Another surprise to the German people was the presence of so many in the American forces who spoke to them in their own language. They told of their relatives in America but they did not expect to find them in the ranks of the forces arrayed against the Vaterland. Hardship grew as the season advanced to the winter time. The weather was now cold and foggy. The roads were rough and cut with deep ruts. Shoes were badly worn and the pack seemed to get heavier each day. On the 9th of December the 353rd Infantry reached Gerolstein. This was said to be the end of the march. Gerolstein had been a health resort before the war, noted for its mineral water called "sprudel." There were six large hotels and many other buildings easily adapted to billeting. The railroad shops had fine shower baths; rations came in regularly on the trains; the supply company soon managed to bring up the surplus kits and baggage; the people were friendly and delighted that their city was in the American rather than in the French or British zone of occupation. The sol- diers looked upon Gerolstein in terms of the American real estate man as "a city of homes." In addition to the large possibilities for comfort in this city there was also much of educational interest. All about were the volcanic formations of earlier ages; upon the hill was The March to Germany 161 the ruin of a castle which Napoleon had wrecked a hundred years before; down in the valley was the beautiful Church of the Emperor. Chaplain Gray had plans made for a big Christmas celebration with- in its beautiful walls. Gerolstein was a real town, almost worth the long march from Stenay. But no sooner had the companies completed arrangements for comfort and settled down to the enjoyment of the city when word came that the regiment must move to a new area. Billet in Weinsheim, Germany "The 353rd Infantry will be billeted in the following towns : Weinsheim, Gandelsheim, Willwerath, Olzheim, Neudorf, Reuth. The First Battalion will continue on railroad guard from Erdorf Junction to Lissingen. Towns will be assigned to the battalions on the return of the billeting officer." When Captain Dahmke, the regimental billeting officer, returned, he reported that the dispersion of the regiment could not be more complete. The highways connecting these towns were bad and none of the towns to which the regiment was moving were on railroads. The calamity seemed even more final when the troops reached their stations. These towns were simply aggregations of buildings grouped together along the highways. Many of the buildings had thatched roofs; not infrequently the men preferred the barns to the houses. But the men of the 353rd Infantry had learned to make the best of bad as well as good situations. What these villages lacked in com- 162 Regimental History 353rd Infantry fort their people made up in good will. They were of the large simple class that had borne the brunt of battle as well as war. Wein- sheim with less than three hundred population had sent forty sol- diers into the German army. Thirteen out of this forty would never return; some were still suffering from wounds; several others were held as prisoners of war. Experience had revealed to these people the vanity of their nation's program; now hatred and bitterness were submerged in grief. The crime of the imperialistic caste against these poor people seemed to the Americans even baser than that com- mitted against the peoples of other nations. Not only the hardship of the inadequate shelter but the inconvenience to these people made both officers and enlisted men anxious for change of area. The movement to these towns had been made in a blinding snow storm and the weather grew steadily colder. When living conditions became all but intolerable, readjustment within the entire divisional area saved the day. On the 21st of December the 353rd Infantry was assigned to Prum, Niederprum and Romersheim. The scattered ele- ments of the regiment were concentrated in this, their final area of occupation and the long march of two hundred forty kilometers, be- gan on November 24th from Stenay, France, through Belgium and Luxemburg into Germany, was over. CHAPTER XXVI. The 353rd Infantry Area and Relations With Its People The area held by the 353rd Infantry in Germany was on the ex- treme left of the American zone of occupation and finally included almost the entire "kreis" (circle) of Prum. It was bounded on the west by Luxemburg and the British area; on the east by the Prum river; it extended from the town of Stadkyll in the north to Obers- gegen in the south. Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters and Supply Companies were permanently located in Prum, a little city of some 2500 population. The battalions changed about in the small- Prum, Germany, Headquarters of 353rd Infantry and First Battalion During Occupation Period er towns until the 354th Infantry was assigned as Army Troops and moved to Trier in early February. After this time the centers of occupation for the regiment were as follows : Regimental Head- quarters, Headquarters and Supply Companies and the First Bat- talion in Prum and Neiderprum; the Second Battalion in Waxweiler; the Third Battalion in Neuerburg; the Machine Gun Company in Weinsheim. The area occupied by the 353rd Infantry is a succession of large hills with an average altitude of five hundred fifty meters. From the great amount of snow in this section of the country, it received its name, "Schneifel." To the Americans it was known as "the Si- beria of the American zone." Inhabitants described the climate as "rauh," which the Americans freely translated "raw." A common saying about the weather was, "Seven months winter and five months bad weather." 164 Regimental History 353rd Infantry The rigor of climate and ruggedness of country had left their impression on the people. From the youngsters who crowded the streets to the old people who still hobbled along at their daily tasks, they were a red-faced, sturdy lot. Life centered in the villages and each little "dorf" presented a cross section of the life of the entire area. Long years of discipline in church, school and army had devel- oped in the people great patience and respect for constituted auth- ority. Civilians lifted their hats to the venerable burgermeister : and teachers were always honored. With the exception of a few of- ficials and returned officers, the people cheerfully paid the same Waxweiler, Germany Headquarters of Second Battalion, Occupation Period respect to the Americans that they had been accustomed to pay to their own authorities. The American salute was immensely popular with the children — models of precision and snap. Agriculture, stock raising, and leather manufacture were the main industries. During this time of occupation by the 353rd Infantry, conditions were gradually becoming normal. Farmers drove out to their strips of land in the morning and returned in the evening to the social life of the village. Once each month was market day and the town of Prum, "kreistadt," was filled with busy traders ex- changing their stock and wares. The manufacturing industries were much slower in returning to normal activity. The mill in Prum op- erated by water power had a capacity of 2,000 pounds daily. In an interview, the miller stated that grain was scarce and at present the output was scarcely at half capacity. Clean wheat was one hundred marks per 100 pounds. Flour from this wheat retailed at three The 353rd Infantry Area and Relations With Its People 165 marks per pound, and was still sold only on food cards. The tan- nery had two hundred fifty-six vats each with a capacity of thirty- eight hides. Only fifteen men were employed at this time. Before the war the average price of the leather produced was 1.8 marks per pound; at the present time it was six marks per pound. The woolen mill was now used by the Regimental Machine Gun Company as a stable. Its owner said that as many as two hundred men had been employed before the war in the manufacture of blankets, socks, and cloth. At the outbreak of the war the government had taken over the plant and removed the machinery and the operator, at the age of forty-seven, was drafted into military service in 1917. These con- ditions found a close parallel in the domestic life of the people. The intelligence section made the following summary of reports in January, 1919 : ECONOMIC SITUATION PRUM : "The clothing worn by the people of Prum seems of good quality. One noticeable feature, however, is the heavy, shape- less shoes worn not only by the men, but also by women from outlying towns. Leather is very scarce, and a poor substitute is seen in all the shops. The shoe stores have no leather shoes on display. Store windows contain only wooden shoes, and inner-soles of straw or matting material. Men's shirts at the present time supplant full shirts to a great extent. Women's wearing apparel, such as silk waists, knitted blouses, etc, are mostly all pre-war products and very expensive. Beer is plen- tiful, but of a poor grade — selling from 20 to 30 pfennings the glass. Wine is also of a very poor quality and priced from 12 to 20 marks the bottle." WAXWEILER : "The farmers in this area are short of seed potatoes. A few of them have none whatever to plant. They are far from being satisfied with the way the government is dealing with them. For instance, a certain amount of potatoes has to be delivered to the German inspectors for which they get seven marks a cent- ner. When the time for planting comes, many of them are so short that they must buy their own potatoes back, but for a price of from 20 to 22 marks a centner. They do not know who gets the profit. After the armistice when the German army passed through this area, the hay and grain was all taken from the farmers. The small farmers are therefore very short of feed for their cows. This has an effect on the amount of milk and butter se- cured each week. They claim the poor farmers are fined from 50 to 150 marks when they fail to turn in the full amount of but- ter required of them by the government and the rich farmer in like cases is fined only a few marks." 166 Regimental History 353rd Infantry The people in this area were, nevertheless, intensely loyal to the government in the war. Many of the women still wore the iron lockets which they had received in exchange for their gold jewelry. These lockets were inscribed, "Gold for iron in iron times." Not only had they given up their jewelry and denied themselves even the necessities of life, but they had taken over the work of the men. It was not unusual, even at this time, to see women driving ox teams and lending a hand in the heaviest manual labor. Three hundred fifty men of the town of Prum had been called into the army. Rec- ords showed that eighty had been killed and the Burgermeister stated that very few of the others had escaped being wounded at least once. Such were the conditions in the area occupied by the 353rd In- fantry. In a calm, business-like manner the regiment marched into the town. The writer of this statement in a local German paper might well have had men of the 353rd Infantry in mind: "Four Americans are walking down the street. All four are in khaki. Cloth is made of good wool; shoes are of good leather. Each of them seems 14 to 15 feet high. Their shoulders are broad and straight and they walk with the slow tread of meat- nourished power. An air of plenty surrounds them and speaks of bounty of the land from which they come." But the Americans did not stop to consider what was in the minds of the civilians. They had come to occupy the towns and nailed up their proclamations without hesitation : HEADQUARTERS 89TH DIVISION SECOND SECTION, G. S. Germany 19 December, '18. Proclamation to the German People: EXTRACT : "The American Army, in its administration, will act strictly in accordance with the people's rights, and the principles and uses of warfare recognized in civilized nations. On their side, the inhabitants must refrain from showing any enmity against the American troops, either by word or by action; nor must they place any difficulties in the way. It is now the duty of the inhabitants to carry on their usual occupations in an orderly manner, to restore normal conditions of their schools, churches, hospitals and charitable institutions, and to bring life to its former activity. In this, not only shall they not be hindered, but, they shall be helped and protected. As long as their behavior and attitude shall so remain, the courts, public offices and institutions will be carried on under the The 353rd Infantry Area and Relations With Its People 167 supervision of the American command, and the existing laws and regulations in so far as they are not prejudicial to the rights and security of American troops, shall remain in force. Every violation of the laws of war, every act of hostility and every deed of violence, as well as the non-observance of the or- ders of the military authorities, shall be severely punished. John J. Pershing. The first task was to find satisfactory billets for the officers and enlisted men of the regiment. Billeting or housing troops in civilian homes is an old practice in Europe, and especially were the Rhine- landers accustomed to sheltering troops in their homes. Some of the houses in the regimental area still told of occupation by the French soldiers a hundred years before; and in the city hall of Prum could still be seen the bust of Napoleon which the conqueror had presented to the city. Also the people spoke of keeping their own troops dur- ing maneuvers as well as more recently in war times. At first the civilian population were inclined to set aside what- ever rooms they thought they could spare for the American troops. These rooms, noticeably in the houses of the well-to-do, were attic rooms reached by zig zag or winding stairs. But as time went on the Americans became more and more disposed to select for themselves. On February 20, 1919, the following instructions were received from the army commander : "1. The attention of the Army Commander has been called to the fact that billeting is not equitably distributed in any of the towns occupied by American troops. 2. To obviate this state of affairs, provide suitable billets for American soldiers and equalize the occupation of territory upon all classes of enemy inhabitants, the following procedure is di- rected without delay : The billeting capacity of every available house including private dwellings, regardless of the social status or class of in- habitants, will be carefully checked up and no exceptions will be made in the case of any house. The use of kitchens will be left to inhabitants and sufficient sleeping quarters to permit of each female occupant over the age of twelve years having her own bed. Aside from this, no bed or separate room need be left for any adult male German between the ages of twelve and sixty years where such procedure would result in an American of- ficer or soldier not being provided with a bed. Based on the check made as directed in the preceding para- graph a redistribution of billets will take place with the least practicable delay, with a view to insuring the comfort, health and general sanitation of the American soldier and an equal dis- tribution of the inconveniences of a military occupation on the inhabitants of the country so occupied." 168 Regimental History 353rd Infantry It was no longer a matter of choice or disposition; company commanders set about to find rooms and they did not stop until they had complied with the spirit as well as the letter of the instructions. One state official, a veterinarian and meat inspector, found it hard to give up his office, and later, beyond endurance, to turn over his front rooms. In his exasperation he remarked, "The Americans can not make a pig pen out of my house." He was promptly summoned before a military commission and forced to pay a heavy fine as well as to turn over the rooms. The intimate conditions of associations with the civilian popula- tion brought a new word into the technical vocabulary of the Ameri- can soldier. This word was "fraternize." To fraternize meant to be on friendly terms with the enemy. All but the strictest business re- lations were forbidden. The evils of the practice had already ap- peared on the Russian and Italian fronts and officials determined to take no chances in the Armies of Occupation. Captain Eades with his intelligence section was constantly on the lookout to detect any breach of orders. The following report shows how delicate was his task on some occasions : Memo, to G-2, 89th Division: Herewith a letter, delivered to this office in accordance with orders to the German postal authorities, addressed to Pvt. "Bill." This letter is from a Fraulein B., PRUM. Fraulein B. informed an investigator that this soldier had been billeted in their home for one night only, that he spoke German. This soldier had written her three times — had promised to send his picture, and that this was the first time she had written to him. No further action deemed necessary." Carl G. Eades, Captain 353rd Infantry. But no casualties occurred in the regiment through fraterniza- tion in this or any other form. Under the terms of the armistice all arms and ammunition in possession of civilians had to be delivered to the American authori- ties as well as all military stores not removed from the occupied zone within the time allowed for evacuation. The 353rd Infantry had already taken possession of the personal property of this nature. Many fine swords and pistols as well as shot guns made up the col- lection. It was not uncommon to find arms of other nations in the lot; a large Russian sword always claimed the attention of eager souvenir hunters. Some held back their prized weapons for a time, but after a few houses had been searched and the owners fined, de- liveries were promptly completed. One of the most interesting col- lections of material had been assembled in the towm hall. It con- sisted of copper kettles, lamp fixtures, candle-sticks, and other precious keepsakes that the people had contributed to the govern- ment for its munitions factory. At the town of Halschlag was a mu- The 353rd Infantry Area and Relations With Its People 169 nitions factory. Large stores of high explosive material and shells were located at this place. All of this property fell to the care of the 353rd Infantry. One of the most important relations with the civilians was the control of circulation within the area. All civilians and returned soldiers were required to register and everyone going out of the area or coming in must present a pass. Returned soldiers were closely questioned with regard to their organizations and service. The information they gave shed a great deal of light upon interest- ing phases of the war. One man who had seen three years in the German service claimed that he saw the first American prisoners that were taken by the Germans. He stated that these prisoners boasted openly that they were the forerunners of three million men that would be in line within a year. He added, "It seemed prepos- terous but it made us think, and moreover, we had never seen such strong fellows as these Americans." A German marine who returned to Prum on January 28, stated that he was in Antwerp at the cessa- tion of hostilies and saw the mutiny of the naval forces; thirty-five officers had been killed by their own men. One soldier had been with the forces opposing the 353rd Infantry on the morning of Sep- tember 12th. He was wounded in the engagement but escaped with three comrades, the only ones of his entire company that were not captured. The inhabitants of the occupied territory were very ready to co-operate in the control of circulation. These people had saved their earnings and were opposed to any form of soviet rule. They realized that protection in their rights and property was now in the hands of the American troops rather than in the hands of their own soldiers. While circulation within the area was carefully guarded, public assembly was encouraged, especially assemblies for the discussions of political measures. All meetings were attended by a representa- tive of the intelligence department. In this area the population was approximately eighty-five per cent Catholic. The main issue so far as discussion indicated was the question of separation of the school from the church. When the election of delegates to the national as- sembly took place on January 19, 1919, extra guards were added to give full assurance of order. To the surprise of the Americans, men and women cast their ballots as if they had been accustomed to democratic election all their lives. But immediately after the elec- tion followed the contrast to the American interest in government. All public meetings ceased and the business of state was turned over without further thought to the national convention. They had not yet learned to check up the actions of their representative. The most persistent difficulty came about in the enforcement of sanitary regulations. When the American troops came into their area of occupation they found the refuse which had accumulated during the four years of war. Fences had fallen down, every yard had its trash piles and the streets were strewn with the litter of many days of traffic. And since the population of the town combined 170 Eegimeiital History 353rd Infantry with that of the country, the problem was one of rural as well as urban sanitation. Every farmer carefully conserved the manure of his barnyard on the parking. If the civilians cared for the appear- ance and sanitary conditions of their towns they were inclined to let them take care of themselves while the country was occupied. Colonel Reeves placed the responsibility for sanitation upon the town majors. Town majors notified civilians through proclama- tions issued by the burgermeister. Individuals were given so many hours to clean up about their premises. In most cases, men, women and children turned out with brooms and shovels. Occasionally a civilian would disregard the warning; he was promptly brought up before the provost marshal, and unless satisfactory reason could be given for his failure to comply, a fine was added to the intensified Neuerbukg, Germany Headquarters Third Battalion, Occupation Period requirements. Within a few days manure piles were covered with branches of cedar and with the coming of spring all were hauled at least a thousand meters outside the town. Trash piles and tin cans were unknown; fences were repaired and streets kept clean and or- derly. The regulations were rigid but at the same time they con- cerned the welfare of the civilians as well as soldiers. Before the end of the occupation period, towns in the area of the 353rd Infantry had begun to take pride in their appearance, and sanitation became a matter of rivalry. The enforcement of the various regulations brought the Ameri- cans into control of every phase of German life, private as well as public. The town major advised with the burgermeister on all mat- ters relating to the civilian population, but when more rooms were needed, the town major went through the houses and made w^hat he considered a fair allotment of space. If there was any doubt whether The 353rd Infantry Area and Relations With Its People 111 the owner of a cafe was selling "schnapps" the town major or in- telligence officer investigated his stock. Extra guards reminded the people of their duty when the band played "to the colors" or the Star Spangled Banner. These were conditions of occupation; they must be enforced. The Americans continually wondered how the people could submit to an Army of Occupation. "The only way we could do it in America," concluded Pri- vate Allen, "would be to give the occupying forces part of our country and let us move out, and even then they would have to take our pocket knives away from us as well as our fire arms." The Americans were lenient in their dealing. The difficulties lay in the situations and conditions of the problems to be solved. Credit is due to the local officials for their appreciation of the duty of occupying forces. The Landrat, Dr. Bergraef and his bur- germeisters, especially Herr Scheer of Prum, accepted the fortunes of war and co-operated with the Americans in every way possible to make the best of a bad situation. Those who gave the Americans trouble w^ere usually the ones who had slacked duty with their own people. "He did his duty in the w^ar," was favorable testimony in behalf of an accused. Slackers even among the enemy found no sympathy with the Americans. The civilian population and local officials came to have a great confidence in the square deal of the Americans in the area of the 353rd Infantry. From the first, the policy of the regiment was to give as well as to demand strict justice. When the notary of Wax- weiler refused to salute the American flag, he was promptly arrested and fined 1000 marks; when the railroad employees within the area refused to work on the railroads they were considered unemployed and set to work on the public highway. At the same time when an American soldier fraudulently extracted a fine from a German shop- keeper, the American was punished. Not a single act of violence oc- curred throughout the entire occupation of the 353rd Infantry; and when the regiment left for home on May 6, 1919, after almost five months of duty in their country, civilians and officials were present at the train to express their satisfaction with the treatment that they had received. CHAPTER XXVII. Service in the Army of Occupation General Pershing said in his message of commendation to the sol- diers of the American Expeditionary Forces immediately following the armistice : "Our armies, hurriedly raised and hastily trained, met a veteran enemy, and by courage, discipline and skill always de- feated him. Without complaint you have endured incessant toil, privation and danger. You have seen many of your com- rades make the supreme sacrifice that freedom may live. There remains now a harder task which will test your sol- dierly qualities to the utmost . Every natural tendency may urge towards relaxation in discipline, in conduct, in appearance, in everything that marks the soldier. Yet you will remember that each officer and each soldier is the representative in Europe of his people and that his brilliant deeds of yesterday permit no action of today to pass unnoticed by friend or by foe. You will meet this test as gallantly as you have met the tests of the battle- field. Sustained by your high ideals and inspired by the heroic part you have played you will carry back to our people the proud consciousness of a new Americanism born of sacrifice." This message was filled with prophetic significance to the men in the Army of Occupation. Since entering the service months before, officers and enlisted men of the 353rd Infantry had "carried on" under the feverishness of war-time activity. Peaceful pursuit of civilian life had suddenly given way to double time and vicious thrusts at imaginary enemy in training. The long journey overseas with its ever changing scenes was full of excitement. All of this experience culminated in the most strenuous climax of campaign days. At the signing of the armistice, the war machine was suddenly thrown in to the reverse. The men found it impossible to exercise the same control over their nervous system. Moreover, victory had taken motive out of all military activity. The full effect of the change appeared when the men attempted to settle down to duty in the area of occupation. Neither the intensity of effort and training, the weariness of travel, nor the hardship and danger of campaigns proved so trying as the service in the early days of German occupa- tion. Morale took a slump, exposure to weather had put the equip- ment in bad condition and shortage of transportation limited new supplies. Officers and enlisted men felt the situation keenly but seemed helpless for the time to find the remedy. Authorities proceeded upon the theory that in order for soldiers to be happy it was necessary for them to be busy, so in the early day of occupation, drill, inspection, practice marches, and maneu- Service in the Army of Occupation 173 vers took up the main part of the time. As interest failed in these activities, entertainments, leaves and schools were introduced to bring variety into the life and enable the officers and men to read- Just to the new conditions Training bulletin No. 1, January 1, 1919, Headquarters, 89th Division announced the Division Plan for a period of four weeks be- ginning January 6. Paragraph 4 specified, "Minimum of five hours a day for five days each week. Saturday mornings will be used for regular field inspection of all equipment and quarters." Under para- graph 24 provision was made for the establishment of schools for This Buddie Sleeps in Prum, Germany officers and non-commissioned officers also post schools for men who had not had the opportunity of schooling at home. Programs and schedules were required just as in the periods of intensive training. The day began at 7:50 a. m., with assembly of officers and non-commissioned officers for instruction as to the day's work and continued with the school of the soldier through the Infantry Drill Regulations. Training dragged; the men had been over this instruction and through the drill so many times that the whole performance was now mechanical. It was not unusual for a soldier to execute the wrong movement in the manual of arms without being aware of his action until it was called to his attention. Practice marches had little more interest than a tread mill. The attitude toward other forms of duty was quite different; for example, men preferred long hours of walking post on railroad guard or watching about the huge muni- 174 Regimental History 353rd Infantry tions plant or even patroling the border to shorter hours on the drill ground. The national army soldier had been working along direct lines of achievement in civilian life; he could not endure busy-work or even simulation of real work. This condition was very apparent to inspectors who appeared on the drill ground for a few moments to pass judgment and then go on their way to new scenes. Correction was demanded. The Regi- mental Schedule for the last week in January contained this in- struction : "Every effort must be made to correct listlessness and apathy. It is of decisive importance that all instructors improve their forcefulness in giving commands. Enthusiasm of the highest The Sample Box of Pamphlets as It Was Opened in THE Army of Occupation degree is a prime requisite. Precision and snap must be insisted upon and the minutest errors must be corrected." But the combined forcefullness and enthusiasm of instructors failed to produce the required "precision and snap" in performance. Careful rating was originated to develop competition between the battalions and among the companies. One thousand points made up the list with ten topics considered. The rewards for first, sec- ond and third place was an inlay in the Divisional insignia. This plan brought increased interest at the end of each month; while the inspections were being made, the men rolled packs to within a frac- tion of the required seventy centimeters length. They no longer put "dubbin" on their shoes but gave them the gloss of German pol- ish. Tin hats shone with new coats of oil. Competition was real, and Colonel Reeves and his staff found it difficult to name the win- Service in the Avinij of Occupation 175 ning organizations. But when the winners had been announced in- terest again dropped below normal. In March, Training Bulletin No. 46, 89th Division came out in answer to this question: "Why should we drill?" The final para- graph summarized the answer in these words : "The "89th" drills, then, because it is the "89th," and be- cause the "89th" sees things through. The additional effort required to finish the task will soon be forgotten but the pride of each man in the thought that he "carried on" to the end will remain with him a life-time." Results continued unsatisfactory and new means were sought. All officers and non-commissioned officers below the grade of lieu- tenant-colonel were required to pass examination in Infantry Drill Regulations. Seventy per cent was the proficiency mark. Officers and non-commissioned officers set to work on their Infantry Drill Regulations as if they w^ere cramming up for a school examination. But when the time came for examinations, as many as could make arrangement found excuses to be absent and only a small percentage of those who were present passed. A new^ date was set for the ex- aminations a month later. When everybody was present and the majority passed the efficiency mark. However, the problem had not yet been solved. There has al- ways been a saying in the service, "As are the officers so are the men," and now the officers were to come up for special instruction. General Orders No. 33 followed on April 6, 1919. HEADQUARTERS 89TH DIVISION Germany 6 April, 1919. GENERAL ORDERS NO. 33. CORRECTED COPY (Destroy copies previously received) 1. In addition to existing requirements governing training and schools, all Infantry officers will receive practical instruc- tion for one half hour, between 7:00 and 8:00 a. m., daily, ex- cept Sunday, in the Infantry Drill Regulations. The special instruction will be given by, or under the immediate supervision of regimental and battalion commanders. The officers will be formed in detachments and required to drill, going through the various close and extended order evolutions, each in turn giving the commands and explaining the movements, and all in ranks taking the positions that they would take were the troops pre- sent. Particular attention will be given to the correct explana- tion of movements and to the proper method of giving com- mands. 176 Regimental History 353rd Infantry 2. No leave or other special favor will be granted officers until they are proficient in the Infantry Drill Regulations as demonstrated by written examination and practical application at drill. The Regimental commander will state by indorsement over his own signature, on the retained copy of each leave order, that— "This officer (Rank) , (Name) , (Organization), is proficient in the Infantry Drill Regulations." ....(Name), (Rank), (Organization), Commanding Regiment. By Command of Major-General Winn. John C, H. Lee, Colonel General Staff, Chief of Staff. Official : Burton A. Smead, Major of Infantry, Adjutant. Distribution : Down to include companies. But the same reaction was common to all alike. Officers as well as enlisted men were stale and no amount of pressure could re- vive the interest and enthusiasm of preparatory days. Difficulty, however, was largely with drill-ground activities. On the range officers and enlisted men went in for marksmanship with the enthusiasm of sportsmen. 1495 of the 2500 men qualified in the course; fifty were expert riflemen. "B" Company led with seven expert riflemen, nineteen sharp-shooters and one hundred two marksmen. The work on the range had been hastily constructed and the ground was muddy, but the men thought nothing of taking a prone position and painfully trying for high records. But this range work was sport rather than military drill. Again, when the Regiment was to appear in the Divisional re- view before General Pershing, work immediately took on new life. The competition of inspection disappeared; each battalion did its best for itself and other battalions to make a good showing for the Regiment. The men pressed their clothing and there was consider- able argument about different shades of paint on the helmets even to the blue in the Divisional insignia. Officers studied the copious instructions with the greatest care and arrived at common under- standing of the terms in frequent conferences. The following un- usual message from the Divisional Commander shows the result: PHONED MESSAGE From: C. G. 89th Division. To: C. O. 353rd Infantry. No. 47 C. G. The Division Commander wishes to convey to all officers and men his deep appreciation of the hard work and fine spirit which were strikingly in evidence to-day. Service in the Army of Occupation 177 The splendid appearance of the men and excellent conditions of equipment and transportation fully measured up to the stan- dard desired. The Commander-in-Chief had told you that the Division, while in the line, was unexcelled by any. It must be a source of pride and satisfaction to all as it is to me to give him a final review worthy of the occasion. Winn. Hq. 353rd Infantry, American E. F., April 24th, 1919, To Bn. & Separate Organization Commanders. Forwarded. 1. For your information. By Order of Colonel Reeves:" Meanwhile an intensive recreation policy w^as put into operation. Fortunately, Prum had a good theater; and buildings were adapted for entertainment purposes in other towns. An investigation brought to light quite a bit of theatrical equipment which the Germans had been holding out and a regular costume dealer was glad for a chance to put his wares on the market once more. Room and equipment were now both available and entertainments multiplied with time. Each separate organization formed a regular troupe. Lieutenant Downing was in charge of the regimental troupe. He had had exper- ience in entertainment work in civilian life. And, as in every other case, the right men were found within the regiment to take over the important work of the entertainment. Regimental and division- al entertainment officers co-operated in booking programs. In ad- dition to soldier troops, the Y. M. A. C. entertainers helped to bring cheer in to the garrison. Many of these people were thus doing their "bit" in the war. They had left their positions at home and come with an appreciation of the soldier's need. These entertain- ments included valuable lecturers. Men like Dr. Stevenson of Prince- ton Theological Seminary brought a message of the importance of the work in the Army of Occupation and helpful suggestions along the lines of future progress. Others acquainted the men with the new conditions which they would have to meet in the homeland. A lecture course was organized to familiarize the men with the his- tory of the 89th Division. Effort was made, also, to provide opportunity for self-improve- ment. Each town had a reading room and a small canteen. What- ever the form of entertainment an enthusiastic crowd of doughboys packed the house to capacity, and almost before they were aware new stories had rested their minds from infantry drill regulations and the morale had begun to improve. Announcement of the army educational policy met with enthus- iastic response on the part of both officers and enlisted men. Many applications for the scholarships in the French and British Univer- sities were received. The purpose in the minds of most of those who applied was in line with the intention of the arrangement; men were anxious to get a thorough understanding of the allied countries. However, high standards of qualification shut out many from the ad- 178 Regimental History 353rd Infantry vantages of the foreign universities. Two representatives from the Regiment were sent to British Universities and nine to French Uni- versities. Captain Bond who was at Cambridge submitted his opin- ion in the following terms : "I have profound respect for Cambridge, and increasingly greater respect for our own American institutions. Life is per- haps a little more calm and rational here than in America but it is also proportionately. However, expenses are high, I pay two pounds a week for breakfast and a place to sleep. Englishmen seem to be very anxious to cultivate what they call friendly re- lations. Our welcome has been splendid. I am glad to have had the opportunity of study here." Sergeant Herbert R. Laslett who was at Montepelier, France sum- med up the benefits of the course in a letter. "There are several hundred men from various branches of the A. E. F. here in the University. Every state in the Union except Arizona, Vermont, and New Hampshire is represented. Officers and enlisted men attend the same classes. Though some of them pronounce "army," "ahmy" and "idea," "idear" they are all Americans and becoming more so by reason of this contact with one another in this foreign environment. The courses are rather superficial but we are gaining ideas of the French and their intensely interesting history." Enthusiasm was equally as strong for the A. E. F. University as it was for the foreign universities and the courses were much great- er in variety. Fifty-one men from the regiment were permitted to attend. Lieutenant Harrison gives his experience in the following extract : "We arrived at Beaune on March 8th. The next morning they marched us out to Allery, a little town about tw^enty four kilometers from Beaune. At this place I was assigned to the command of a company of students. I am still on duty with no sign of relief. After about a month of unloading coal, wood, and quartermasters supplies, they brought us back to Beaune. The men all felt pretty sore but are gradually getting over it. The school is organized in regular military form. There are one hundred fifteen men to a company and five officers. These officers and enlisted men function in regular capacity. This system throws the bulk of the company work on a few, but all do fatigue work around the Regimental area and one hour a day is devoted to such work as building roads and making athletic fields. The University offers a great variety of courses. A good many of the instructors are officers and enlisted men but some Service in the Army of Occupation 179 are Y. M. C. A. men just over from the States. Many of the latter gave up profitable positions for this work. The classes are held in barrack buildings of the usual type. I am taking a course in Commercial Law, Economics, and American Government and Politics. The classes are at 8:20, 9:20 and 10:20 each morning; in the afternoon I spend my time on company administration; at night I study and prepare the work for the coming day; the rest of the time is all my own! The men are all in good spirits and consider the A. E. F. University a success. Little by little the material and equipment is coming in and the next term should find the school in good shape." Three Divisions Schools were organized — in agriculture, tech- nical training and liberal arts. The Liberal Arts College was estab- lished in the Convent building in Prum. This building had been used for a preparatory school and was easily adapted for the pur- pose of a Divisional School. Nearly tw^o hundred enlisted men of the 353rd Infantry were given the advantage of the Divisional Schools. Sergeant McKenzie gave this account of the school of Liberal Arts in Prum : "During the week of March 8, the students began to arrive in groups with all their equipment strapped on their husky backs, for the school is to be their home until they sail for the United States. The school day is divided into six periods of fifty minutes each — three periods in the morning and three in the afternoon. Students are required to carry at least three studies; the re- maining three periods are for study in addition to the evening hours from 6:30 to 8 o'clock. From 4 to 5 p. m. is drill. The students keep physically fit by strenuous setting up exercise each morning. Classes are conducted five days only; following physical drill and inspection Saturday morning the men are free until the following Monday morning. The men in the Liberal Arts College receive many benefits in addition to those derived from study. Each student sleeps in a bed — a real bed with white sheets and feather pillows — and these beds are in large airy rooms with white tile floors. Down in the basement are hot showers and porcelain bath tubs. Then there is a mess hall, the men have never eaten in such a place as this since they were issued 0. D.; moreover, they eat at real tables and the food is served on china dishes by regular waiters. Recreation is not overlooked; the men have a smoking room where the German billiard table works overtime. Lec- tures and moving pictures find a place on the entertainment program. A real American woman makes the "Y" room, with its pretty curtains, phonograph, and plenty of magazines and papers, seem like home. 180 Recfimeiital History 353rd Infantry Never have the doughboys been treated so kindly. And every man of us is making the most of his opportunity," Two hundred forty seven men of the 353rd Infantry attended these schools on foreign soil. The plans were not fully developed but the men co-operated enthusiastically in the effort tow^ard their improvement. Generous leave policies did more perhaps than anything else to help the men of the 353rd Infantry back to themselves again. The special leave trains always carried the full Regimental quota to Coblenz and to various other leave areas in the allied countries. While the leave policy w^as generous the qualifications of candidates were usually high. Orders ran : "Before leaving each soldier will be inspected to see: 1. That he has leave paper in duplicate (one sheet, to be separated in Coblenz or Trier). 2. That he is clean and properly dressed. 3. That he carries no arms or ammunition. 4. That he is instructed in the rules prohibiting fraterni- zation with Germans and those prohibiting the purchase of food from Germans. 5. That his freedom from venereal disease is established by examination and that he had full knowledge of the prophylactic regulations. 6. That he is not lousy and that his clothes are free from vermin. 7. That he has no communicable cold or similar ailment." Transportation accomodations, however, scarcely measured up to the standard required of passengers. Cars were crow^ded; meals uncertain and there was no end of trouble with the transportation guards; but the doughboy brushed aside all these minor inconven- iences and difficulties on leave and forgot that he w^as a soldier. When he arrived at his destination he was a guest, interested in everything about him; w^hen he returned he passed his story on to his pals and they were more than ready to join the next party. Leaves, always at a premium, increased in demand throughout the entire period of the Army of Occupation. The full significance of these leaves may be read in the com- ments of the soldiers themselves. Sergeant Scott, of Headquarters Company, expresses the value of the Coblenz trip in the following extract : "Every doughboy in the A. E. F. felt that his foreign service was incomplete until he had seen the Rhine. He wanted to tell the folks back home that he had actually crossed the sacred river of the Germans. Moreover, he had read about the castles along its banks and the vineyards on its hills. Quite a few remembered Caesar's bridge and the Lorelei. And, like t2ie fisher of old, he didn't know just w^hat it all meant but he niust see the Rhine. Service in the Army of Occupation 181 One day in April a hundred of us from the regiment were fortunate enough to receive a three-day pass to Coblenz. For a half day our train followed along the Moselle River. "Moselle" had a new significance for us now, never before had we seen such intensive cultivation. Even the steepest hillsides were covered with well-kept rows of grape vines. While we won- dered how the keepers made it up to their plats and tried to fig- ure out how many bottles of wine could be produced from the millions of vines, the train brought us to Coblenz. The Coblenz Leave Club directed us to our billets and fur- nished us with meal tickets. All we had to do was to see the sights — no reveille and no retreat, the time was all our own! The first afternoon we spent wandering about the town and along the Rhine, seeing places of historical interest. While I looked down into the clear blue water of the Rhine I remem- bered that just a year had passed since I had joined the army. It was almost impossible to believe that so many things had happened in the meantime; seemed to me I had been away at least ten years. The next morning at 9 a. m. we took the forty-five kilometer trip on the Rhine. Our boat was a fine excursion schooner fly- ing the Stars and Stripes. A "Y" man lectured at intervals and pointed out places of interest. The weather was fine, we had abundant opportunity to take pictures. Here it was — all that we had read about and dreamed about and more. Little vil- lages with their backgrounds of vineyards clustered along the water's edge so close together that it was almost impossible to tell where one left off and the next began. The castles were built high up on steep cliffs; each had a history of its own and held itself, even in its ruins, aloft from the present commercial life below. The Lorelei rocks and riffles were natural, but we had to hand it to the German poet on his imagination; we couldn't hear the thing that sounded like "Die Lorelei." The next morning we climbed up 300 feet to the fort on Ehrenbreitstein. It is said this fort can house 20,000 troops with supplies for eight months. An American artillery outfit was in possession at this time and the American flag was flying from the mast. In the afternoon we visited the Ex-Kaiser's castle, "Stolzenfels." Everywhere American soldiers were in charge. After all, this trip made us feel that it w^as pretty good to be in the Army of Occupation." From the account of Private Moss the men seemed to have had equally as interesting time in Annecy, France. "March 8, 1919, I received a pass to the Annecy Leave Area and was told to report to the regimental infirmary for physical examination. The following morning 100 of us enlisted men lined up in front of the regimental headquarters for inspection 182 Regimental History 353rd Infantry and roll call. Every man was present; we executed "Right Turn" and headed for the depot. In a few minutes the express arrived; we piled into the "match boxes," each man made sure of his own place. In Trier we were checked in by the A. P. M. at the depot and marched through the town to West Trier where w^e were assigned to barracks for the night. Each man had a cot and six clean blankets; the barracks were well ventilated and we slept until 5 a. m. the next day. We were told the Red Cross would be at West Trier station to give us coffee and sandwiches. The troop train pulled in but the Red Cross forgot us and we were assigned to sections in the cars, six men to one compartment — second and third class only. The train consisted of twenty-eight German coaches. The route paralleled the Moselle River until we arrived at Metz, where we halted for thirty minutes. We had heard of this city at the time of the St. Mihiel offensive and were eager to see the much talked of forts which were located on large hills around the city. There were plenty of shell holes and camouflage roads and bridges, and villages a few kilometers south of Metz. At 4:30 we came into Neaufchateau w^here the Red Cross put over a barrage of sandwiches and coffee, the first we had to eat since the pre- ceding day. Sleeping in cramped positions all night long made us anxious to stretch our legs, and at every stop all would get out and take a run. Our train pulled into Aix-Les-Rains at 11:45 and at 3:15 we arrived at Annecy. Annecy is situated thirty kilometers south of Switzerland and thirty kilometers west of Italy. It is a sum- mer resort with a very large lake at the foot of the Alps. One could see the snow-capped peaks with the clouds hanging be- low them. This was my first view of the mountains and I was anxious to go on a sight-seeing trip. We were marched in formation to the infirmary and were given the "once over" again, checked into the town, given a card with a name of a hotel on it and told to report at the boat. It took forty-five minutes to cross the lake. In Annecy each man got a room to himself with a brass bed- and clean linen. At 6 p. m. we had a very good meal; every- thing in the hotel was first class. We did not care to go to town because we were tired from our long journey of 500 kilometers. The mountain air was good; we slept with the windows open and were surprised to wake up the next morning at 9 a. m. Or- ders were to shave every morning, but we had developed this custom long ago. There was plenty of hot water and every man looked his best. The manager announced the meal times — break- fast at 10 a. m., dinner at 12 noon, and supper at 6 p. m. Every one took the boat at 1:15 for the city. Most of the men went straight to the commissary to lay in a supply of choco- late, cigarettes and cigars. In the Y. M. C. A. hotel were three Service in the Army of Occupation 183 reading rooms with magazines of every description, a tjureau of information and a large hall where we could get all the hot chocolate we could drink. I counted fifteen Y. M. C. A. girls who were there to help the doughboys enjoy themselves. There was, also, a large hut that had a writing room, games of all kinds and canteens in the wing; in another wing was a large theater where a vaudeville show was on every afternoon from 4 until 6 and 8 to 10 p. m. Each day the bill changed. Many took an eleven-hour trip to Mt. Blanc. The program here was one of intensive enjoyment. Our stay in Annecy lasted seven days. These seven days passed almost before we realized they were gone, but we could scarcely remember anything about the World War any more. This was called a "Class A Leave," better known to us as an "H — 1 Leave." Everyone agreed that this was the best seven days he had seen in Europe; or probably ever would see again." These accounts were collected at the time with a view toward helping later contingents to get the most out of their leave. There were many areas including Brussels, Rome, Paris, London and other cities in the allied countries. But it became increasingly difficult to secure statements from those who enjoyed the leaves. As Captain Delaney remarked to Colonel Reeves, "It spoils a man's leave to write all he did while he was gone, especially if he tells the truth." So the real record of the leaves was registered in the improved morale of the men. While leaves, schools, and entertainments tended to bring variety into activity and increased interest in life, there w^as a correspond- ing increase in army paper work. Lights burned brightly at Regi- mental and Battalion Headquarters and the company orderly rooms until late every night. Each school announcement called for "a survey of troops to determine number of applicants for each course." This information must be in the hands of the division adjutant by a certain hour of a certain day. So, too, with leaves, companies must be notified of time and place of examination. Schedules and in- structions for entertainments covered pages. The climax in paper work came with fully fifty pages of instructions for the review in Trier. Wide dissemination of the regiment increased the problem for the 353rd Infantry, but in spite of all difficulties company clerks and adjutants got the information across and "carried on." Schools and leaves helped men back to normal thinking and vision, at the same time every means was applied toward physical restoration. As soon as the 353rd Infantry arrived in the area of occupation, a delouser was put into operation and kept busy until the day of departure as an initial effort toward the extermination of the invincible cooties. Companies were brought up in formation; each man carried his blanket and extra clothing, and while the clothing was being disinfected in the delouser the men put in their time in the bath room. It was a motley bunch of men that returned 184 Regimental History 353rd Infantry to their billets after this experience. Some of the clothing faded; some had shrunk, and some increased in size. Overseas caps were scarcely recognizable in their shapelessness. Surely one experience was enough for the men, but the cooties survived. The medical de- tachment continued their warfare by the well-known policy of at- trition. Whenever later inspection revealed a cootie, both soldier and cootie were returned to the delouser. The Delouser As time went by inspections increased in variety and number. Company officers made the rounds each night to see that the rooms were properly ventilated and to check up whether the men were sleeping head to foot. An officer was present at meal time to check up the quality of food and make sure that mess kits were properly washed. In addition to these preventive measures, positive action con- tinued along many lines. Dental surgeons worked longer hours now than ever before. Enforced neglect during campaign days had caused marked deterioration in the men's teeth. Inspection was made and record kept in the case of each man. Captain Crawford alone treated approximately 2400 patients, involving attention to 4200 teeth. When the dental surgeons closed their field equipment, the men of the 353rd Infantry had the unusual high rating of 80 per cent efficiency in mastication. (Mess sergeants insisted, however, efficiency in appetite was never below 100 per cent.) Service in the Army of Occupation 185 Every effort was made to protect the men against venereal dis- eases. Literature in great variety came from many sources. Moral stories, moral suasion and instruction in the use of phophylaxis mingled w^ith threats of court martial under the 96th article of war, involving transferral to labor battalions were used. It must be said to the credit of the men of the 353rd Infantry that they kept them- selves free from this pernicious evil. For a time these recurring inspections and persistent regulations seemed to antagonize the men, but they soon recognized in them their own welfare. Co-operation followed. And the men who came out of the campaigns with the lines of hardship and exposure in their faces, glowed again with health. Only five deaths occurred in the 353rd Infantry during the entire five months of German occupation. Physical restoration along with change in thinking had succeeded in making the men over again. On March 21st an investigation of the morale of the men brought the following reports from battalion and separate company commanders: First Battalion — Captain Dahnike, Commanding. 1. a The morale of both officers and enlisted men is generally good. b Any instances of low morale are usually due to homesick- ness. c Most frequent comment is: "I wouldn't mind staying if I felt I was accomplishing anything." 2. Recommend extension of educational advantages to men in battalion. A great many men who are not qualified to enter divisional schools would welcome an opportunity for study. Three schools are in progress within the bat- talion, but the work is hampered by lack of text books. Second Battalion — Captain Adkins, Commanding. The morale of the men of this battalion has never been higher. The recent announcement from headquarters fixing the sailing date for the division has made everyone more con- tented on that score. Third Battalion — Captain Beaman, Commanding. Would report that the morale of this battalion is very good. On a recent twenty-kilometer march the men sang and joked all the way. This improvement in morale is due to several causes. Rations have been better balanced of late. Some new clothing enables the men to make a better appearance. Recent announcement from head- quarters fixing the sailing date for the division has made everyone more contented on that score. 186 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Headquarters Company— Lieut. Vernon D. Hunter, Commanding. Report that the morale of the men of this company is very high. The men are satisfied with the mess and billets. Prospect for an early return to the U. S. has cheered them up immensely. Supply Company — Lieut. Carl H. Paris, Commanding. The low morale of the troops of this company noticeable during December, January and February was due to the uncertainty of their stay in Europe. These men are not soldiers by profession; they have families and vocations to which they are anxious to return. The official an- nouncement of a sailing date has brought a great deal of satisfaction to the men. Machine Gun Company — Lieut. William J. Lee, Commanding. 1. The morale of the men in this organization is very high at present. The addition of a recreation room, athletic competition and frequent entertainments seem to account largely for the improvement. Most of the remarks of the men off duty appear to be about what they expect to do at home. 2. Recommend increase in athletic equipment and larger and more varied supply of books and magazines. Decorating the 353rd Infantry Colors With Croix de Guerre Prum, Germany General Winn Standing to Left Service in the Army of Occupation 187 The time for return to the homeland was only a few weeks away. Every day the morale improved. It was evident now that the 353rd Infantry would finish strong. Announcement of the month of sail- ing brought satisfaction; the announcement of May 7, 1919, as the day of entrainment was an occasion for celebration. The decoration of the 353rd Infantry by the French government came on Sunday, May 4th, as a fitting close to the service of the regi- ment on foreign soil. Practically all of the men were back with their companies. Trucks brought the Second and Third Battalions from Waxweiler and Neuerberg and the Regiment w^as concentrated for the first time in many months in Prum. In the name of General Passaga, Commander of the 32nd French Army Corps, Commandant De Mange of the French general staff with Maj.-Gen. Frank L. Winn, the divisional commander presented the Croix de Guerre to the col- ors of the 353rd Infantry. This award was for service in the St. Mihiel sector but there was no less of pride in the fact that the regi- ment had come back and "carried on" throughout the period of German occupation. CHAPTER XXVIII. Return and Demobilization This was to be the final move of the 353rd Infantry. In the pre- ceding changes of position there was some possibility of return; at any rate, another move would be sure to follow. But when the regi- ment left the area of occupation in Germany, demobilization was to follow and service ended not merely in the Army of Occupation but ^.^i Good Ship Leviathan in the Army of the United States. So this move involved not merely a change of position but a return to civilian life. Even a change of position means a busy time but never before had the officers and enlisted men of the 353rd Infantry experienced such a rush as during the final days in the Army of Occupation. The regiment must be ready on schedule time, and woe to the man who would look back once the movement was begun. Ready to move meant that the men were personally inspected, thoroughly equipped and properly recorded; that all surplus property had been turned in; Return and Demobilization 189 that the billets had been set in order and the towns policed; that all accounts had been closed; that provision had been made for the trip. All these things must be done to the satisfaction of G. H. Q. inspectors. These gentlemen must approve the past and present and place their guarantee upon provisions for the future. Any slip-up might cause the division to lose out on the sailing date, so each man accepted full responsibility for his bunkie and all agreed to see that the 353rd Infantry was ready to move on time. The first instructions read: "An intensive campaign should be started at once to com- pletely delouse the organization, for the final physical inspection will be made at three-day intervals and men infected, including contacts (bunkies), wdll be deloused." The medical detachment had waged unceasing warfare against the cootie for many weeks and so far as humanly possible to de- termine they had succeeded, but the inspectors appeared with mag- nifying glasses. By the aid of these instruments a few were still found. The discovery resulted in the transferral of some valuable medical officers at the last moment and a renewed attack on the cooties until not one could be found, even with double E field glasses. Personal inspection went on to hair-cuts. One inch was the maximum length. Quite a few of the men had carefully clipped their locks to civilian proportions. They had hoped that only a civilian suit w^ould be necessary to reinstate them completely in civ- ilian life, but according to this regulation they would have to out- grow a military hair-cut. No one cared to take any chances at the port of embarkation over such a trivial thing as a hair-cut, so they reluctantly went back to the barber for a "hair-cut" instead of a "trim." The final inspection and the one upon whose findings depended the passport for each individual was the venereal inspection. A man might be deloused or have his hair cut at the last moment, but if he was found to be venereally infected, he must bid his comrades farewell and remain on foreign soil. No less searching was the investigation of equipment. Orders called for, "An actual physical check by officers under the super- vision of divisional inspectors of each article of clothing and equip- ment in the possession of every man of the enlisted personnel." Shortage lists were compiled so that equipment might be completed at the port of embarkation. The painful part about this check on equipment came in connection with souvenirs. Orders had appeared repeatedly since the days of the St. Miliiel offensive demanding signed statements that all enemy property had been turned in. But some of the men still retained precious keepsakes of the campaigns — a Luger, a pair of field glasses or perhaps a sword. They had carried these on the long march and hoped to show them as they told their 190 Regimental History 353rd Infantry story to the home folks. Reports had come back of "show down" inspections at the dock. It was enough to endure the hardship of war and at this late date no one cared to take chances on a court martial, so souvenirs went with the surplus. These matters concerned the men as individuals; there were re- quirements equally exacting for the organization as a whole. On April 23, Lieut. H. F. (Light) Browne issued the following memo- randum to supply sergeants: "The Regimental Supply Company must turn in all surplus Q. M. property of this regiment in Bitburg at nine o'clock on April 26. In order to do this, surplus property now held in com- panies must reach the Supply Company by noon April 25. Ord- nance must be ready by noon April 26. This schedule has been set by the division and we must comply with it. Do not stop until you have turned in all your property, even though it is necessary to work all Thursday night. "Attention is called to a change in the list of property to be retained. Only one pair of shoes will be kept by each soldier instead of two pairs. Shoes turned in should be tied together." The special precaution about tying shoes together is slightly in- dicative of the value set on time during these days. Animals must be turned in at Trier and Wengeroth on May 1st and 2nd. This in- creased the problem of collecting material and distributing rations but the Supply Company of the 353rd Infantry was on hand at the appointed hour. With the surplus property out of the way, policing billets and towns became a simple matter. The men carefully rolled their packs so as to make sure of their possessions and carried them to the street. When they returned they had nothing to do but "make a cleanin' " and they did it with a vengeance. Another skirmish through the streets completed the police to the satisfaction of the inspectors. It remained now to square accounts with the civilian population. Proclamations had been posted notifying them to turn in all claims for damage. Officers were required to pay for messes and kitchen. Final settlements were largely in the hands of the town majors. These town majors must have clearance receipts from the burger- meister within their area. All claims must be settled before leaving the posts. When the train pulled in every man, town majors and all, were waiting to go aboard. The first trains were made up of forty cars (hommes-chevaux type), one coach for officers together with two of the former type, sleeping cars for officers, one kitchen car and two baggage cars. Each train carried approximately nine hundred men and fifty of- ficers. The first train left on the evening of May 6th; the second followed early in the morning of May 7th, and the last train with Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Companies "A" and "B" and some artillery troops at 8:07 p. m. May 7th. Return and Demobilization 191 "Come and Git It" Everybody was glad to go and good feelings spread to those who were left behind. Mother Fitzgerald and Miss Heermance had gone to Brest several days earlier to arrange for a "Y." Miss McCrossen and Miss Roth, Red Cross workers, and the nurses from the evacua- tion hospital distributed handkerchiefs, toilet bags, and doughnuts by the ambulance load. During the occupation period the personnel of the evacuation hospital and the personnel of the 353rd Infantry had become fast friends. For a time there was some misunderstand- ing about the regulations forbidding nurses to associate with enlisted men, but this came to be understood as other army regulations for which those immediately concerned were not responsible and mu- tual appreciation grew with acquaintance. Even the civilian popu- lation was on hand, though they were prevented from expressing their good wishes they looked them at a distance. The Americans had taken their beds, they had forced them to sweep streets; they had made them pay respect to the national hymn; but experience had taught them confidence in the American sense of justice and good will. Enemies as well as friends waved good-bye until the train rounded the hill. Train orders were rigid. A non-commissioned officer was in charge of each car and sentinels were detailed to maintain order. The Troop Movement Officer reported : "Two men have each lost a leg, one man his life and the Paris Express has been derailed through failure to comply with orders." Officers as well as enlisted men were determined that no accident should occur on this final trip to the port of embarkation. Car doors toward the opposite 192 Regimental History 353rd Infantry track were kept closed. Men left and returned to the cars at the bugler's call. Each train of the 353rd Infantry came into Brest with- out a casualty. Information was vague as to the route and schedule but the various station masters had orders along the way and kept the train moving which was enough to satisfy the men. Chaplain O'Niell, who had already become famous for his ability in "making arrange- ments" for supplies with various auxiliary organizations, had lined up a double portion of doughnuts at Trier. It was a rough and tumble ride to Conflans where breakfast was served the next morn- ing. But the outfit was on the road home and any sort of "goin' " was good. Spring was in full sway throughout the rest of the journey. Trees w^ere in bloom and peasants were working their fields. The route led through Etain to Verdun — practically the line of German ad- vance into France. The train halted on the heights at the outskirts of the city for dinner. The loose chalky hill side mingled with rock and cut through trenches seemed to indicate the work of an internal upheaval rather than the destruction of artillery from the surface. Here and there a wretched stubby tree with only an occasional branch told the violence of shell splinters that lay everywhere. Down with- in the city one group of German prisoners was clearing away wreck- age and another was shaping up the graves in a French cemetery. Men and nature combined to restore the devastation of war. Settin' Up ExEnciSES on the Way From Prum to Brest Return and Demobilization 193 When the train pulled on through and crossed the Meuse, the men looked back at the defenses of the irreducible salient. Hills to the front and on either flank protected the low plain to the rear. Everywhere within this area were openings to underground shelters and along the way were still the signs of shelling that had all but cut off the approaches to the city. It was clear that the real de- fenses of Verdun were not hills and forts but the unconquerable men who had said, "They shall not pass." The route continued down the Meuse through wire entangle- ments and strips of No Man's Land to St. Mihiel. Barges were rot- ting in the sluggish canal that paralleled the railroad. Both railroad and canal had been cut by the Germans from the earliest days of the war until the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient on September 12, 1918. St. Mihiel was peculiarly interesting to the men of the 353rd Infantry, for the name itself reminded them of their first time over the top. Life seemed to be ebbing back into the ruined city. Some homes showed signs of recent repair and one could scent the fresh dug soil of gardens. But the creak of the train and the resounding voices of the soldiers in the stillness of the evening still brought feelings of desolation. It was still light when the train pulled into Commercy. Battle- fields were passed. Here all was activity and industry. Seven months before the 353rd Infantry had moved through this city for a part in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The men talked over the wild night ride from Jouy to Becicourt and the experiences that followed. Always they reached the same conclusion : "The greatest exper- 194 Regimental History 353vd Infantry ience of a life, I wouldn't have missed it for a million but I wouldn't go through it again for a billion." Steadily the train rolled on through Florentine, Auxerre, Cosnes, and Bourges toward Brest. The country here showed few signs of war. Many fields were already planted and others were being culti- vated. Surely France would soon recover from the war. And then came the reality — worse than ruined fields was the loss of the na- tion's man-power. Everywhere women held the plow or drove the team. But the scenes before them suggested more to the Americans than the mere possibilities of economic restoration. They forgot fields and harvest, towns and industries in their sympathy for those who remembered loved ones, "Morts pour la France." They, too, were leaving comrades behind and must try to carry a message of consolation to neighbors back home. The next stop was Gievres, the baggage depot of the A. E. F. Cities were now coming to be of interest because of the part they played in American activities. At St, Aignan was the last of the great replacement camps. Here were the insignia of all divisions. Civilian tradesmen crowded along the train at every stop. They had come to take advantage of soldier's appetite and American's gener- osity. Oranges sold seven for five francs, but the doughboy must have the oranges even though he felt that he was being held up by his ally. As the train pulled into Brittany, peasants lined the trains and called out "cegarette," "choclat." Whether they received gifts or a dash of water they answered "Mercie" and waved farewell. At about noon on May 11th the last train reached Brest and the entire regiment was again assembled at Camp Pontanezen, about five kilometers out of the city. Ships were already in the harbor, so without delay preparations began for embarkation. Camp Pontanezen appealed strongly to the men of the 353rd In- fantry. Activities here were on a big scale and distinctively Ameri- can in spirit and function. Here were 1100 buildings and 6000 floored tents with a capacity of 20,000 permanent and 60,000 tran- sient troops. Each soldier was provided with a bed and a mattress and as many blankets as he wanted. Twelve troop kitchens were in operation, each capable of feeding 8500 men in an hour. The bath- ing plant accommodated 2500 men per hour. From a small camp for 10,000 soldiers in December, 1917, it had grown under the stress of necessity to the largest camp in the world. Everything was done on a grand scale; battalions lined up for physical inspection and delousing. The men laid out, checked up, and rolled equipment "by the numbers" — ten minutes to the com- pany. Records and company funds went through a similar schedule. Lieutenant Scanlon gathered up thousands of loose francs in the regiment and converted them into brand new American money. Al- most before the men could realize what had happened in this big busy camp, orders came at noon on May 12th to go aboard the fol- lowing morning. Return and Demobilization 195 By noon of May 13th, the 2533 enlisted men and 135 officers of the 353rd Infantry were aboard U. S. S. Leviathan, the biggest ship afloat. They were the first troops aboard. Colonel Reeves w^as promptly appointed, and remained throughout the entire voyage. Troop Commander. Many things had to be done at once. Guard must be posted; mess must be arranged and police must be begun im- mediately. But officers and men were accustomed to dealing with new situations. Major Masseck was made ship's chief of staff; Capt. C. S. Turner, the ship's adjutant; Lieutenant-Colonel Peatross was placed in charge of the guard; Captain Dienst, police officer; Cap- tain Keim, mess officer; Captain Eades took over the information bureau, and Lieutenant Underbill became the Army-Navy liaison officer. Each with his book of instructions began to "carry on." All w^ent well until the "chow" line started. Through error or ef- forts for "seconds" it had gotten into an endless chain until a dough- boy said to Captain Keim, "Will you tell me, sir, how to get out of this line? I have been around four times already and I can't go any more." In the evening of May 13th, the 356th Infantry came aboard. Troops of the 33rd Division and other organizations, together with casuals, followed, and at 8 p. m., May 14, 1919, the return voyage be- gan with a grand total of 12,000 troops on board. The sea was quiet and everybody felt safe and content. Just a year before the 353rd Infantry had set sail from Hoboken. At that time hostile submarines were active along the American coast. The regiment was moving toward the western front for action. Now the ocean was clear of submarines and the men were looking forward to peaceful pursuits in the homeland. To the satisfaction of a task well done, were added all the comforts of life on this big ship, the Vaterland, that had been the pride of Imperial Germany. Moreover, it was with genuine pride and gratitude that officers and men read this final overseas order : G. H. Q. AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES France, Feb. 28, 1919. GENERAL ORDERS NO. 38-A. My Fellow Soldiers: Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Forces is about to terminate, I can not let you go without a per- sonal word. At the call to arms, the patriotic young manhood of America eagerly responded and became the formidable army whose decisive victories testify to its efficiency and its valor. With the support of the nation firmly united to defend the cause of liberty, our army has executed the wull of the people with resolute purpose. Our democracy has been tested, and the forces of autocracy have been defeated. To the glory of the citizen- soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust, and in a succession of brilliant offensives have overcome the menace to our civilization. 196 Regimental History 353rd Infantry As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in the sum total of our achievements. Whether keeping lonely vigil in the trenches, or gallantly storming the enemy's stronghold; whether enduring monotonous drudgery at the rear, or sustaining the fighting line at the front, each has bravely and efficiently played his part. By willing sacrifice of personal rights; by cheerful endurance of hardship and priva- tion; by vigor, strength and indomitable will, made effective by thorough organization and cordial co-operation, you inspired the war-worn allies with new life and turned the tide of threatened defeat into overwhelming victory. With a consecrated devotion to duty and a will to conquer, you have loyally served your country. By your exemplary con- duct a standard has been established and maintained never be- fore attained by any army. With mind and body as clean and strong as the decisive blows you delivered against the foe, you are soon to return to the pursuits of peace. In leaving the scenes of your victories, may I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue to live as you have served — an honor to the princi- ples for which you have fought and to the fallen comrades you leave behind. It is with pride in our success that I extend my sincere thanks for your splendid service to the army and to the nation. Faithfully, John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief. Official : Robert C. Davis, Adjutant-General. The voyage itself was uneventful. Except for guard duty, police, and abandon ship drill, the men had little to do but read and play games and think it all over. The presence of some 1400 wounded and disabled soldiers aboard reminded everyone, in spite of effort to forget, of the whole grim business in which he had been engaged. The sympathy of buddies went out to these men for whom the war would never end. And then, too, the joy of return was tempered by the thought of separation. Never before was it so apparent that these returning veterans who had left their homes as boys were now returning as men. The days went speedily by. Information from the naval auth- orities assured schedule progress. In accordance w^ith instructions, reports had been submitted, "showing the number of officers and men destined for each camp or cantonment, destination given in each case to be the camp or camp unit nearest the place to which indi- viduals are entitled to travel pay ***** These lists to be used as a basis of separation of the unit upon arrival in United States." It seemed probable, therefore, that the voyage would conclude the existence of the 353rd Infantry as a military unit. In anticipation of this event Colonel Reeves issued his final order aboard ship : Return and Demobilization 197 HEADQUARTERS 353RD INFANTRY U. S. S. Leviathan May 22, 1919. GENERAL ORDERS NO. 11. The 353rd Infantry lands in America today after an absence of one year, less twelve days. The mission of the regiment in the World War has been accomplished. Demobilization will be- gin at once, each man going to the camp nearest his home. In taking farewell of the regiment the Regimental Commander finds it impossible to express the joy and pride that have been his in being so fortunate as to be the commanding officer of such an organization, and much less is he able to express his profound gratitude and appreciation of the loyalty, faithfulness and co- operation on the part of officers and men, without which noth- ing could have been done. The regiment is less than two years old. It was organized Sep- tember 5, 1917, and left the United States for France, June 4, 1918. The life of the regiment has been essentially one of ac- tivity. There have been no periods of unnecessary waiting in training camps nor of labor in rear areas. It has been from first to last a clean-cut fighting unit, organized, trained and equipped for that purpose, and right well has it fulfilled its mission. No words of the Regimental Commander can add to that reputation. The record of its deeds is written in the im- perishable history of the country. It is a record that every man may well be proud of and proud to transmit to posterity. We were of that great mass of "doughboys" whose fame is immortal as the one part of the army that functioned at any and all times, gave no excuses and made no explanations. Constant accomplishment was their part. The regiment has been especially characterized by a spirit of comradeship that has made possible our achievements. The Regimental Commander points to this with more pride than to any other attainment, great as the others have been. Vain-glorious boastings and invidious comparisons are alike — harmful and inconsistent with the spirit of the regiment. The Regimental Commander begs each and every one to avoid all such. As a final word the Regimental Commander wishes every one happiness and success for the future and is confident that they will attain them if there be carried to civil life that noble spirit of self-sacrificing assistance which has always been exhibited in the military service. (Signed) — James H. Reeves, Colonel, Commanding. Official: C. S. Turner, Captain, 353rd Infantry, Adjutant. Distribution : To every officer and man in the regiment. 198 Regimental History 353rd Infantry No returning soldiers ever received a finer welcome. Gaily dec- orated boats loaded with friends and relatives pulled up alongside. General Wood was there to greet his returning division. Bands and steam whistles helped to express the joy of the occasion. But almost to a man the doughboy gazed away, afraid to look into the eyes of his buddie lest he should reveal something of the emotion that filled his soul. CHAPTER XXIX. The Story of Headquarters Company Adjustments in the American Army to meet the needs of World War conditions brought up many difficult problems of organization. Increase in the personnel and equipment of Infantry Regiments de- manded larger provision for over-head control. The staff had to be enlarged to include a greater number of officers and enlisted men and the infantry had added certain auxiliary weapons to its equip- ment, which required specially trained personnel. The Stokes mortar had been adopted from the British Army, and the 37 mm. gun had come from the French Army where it, too, had proved its value. It was not possible to have one of these guns with each com- pany of infantry but one platoon of the regiment with two or three guns could be specially trained in handling them, and, under direct orders of the regimental commander, could be used in any part of the regimental sector at any time. Among the many innovations, therefore, in the organization of an infantry regiment, that of princi- pal importance, perhaps, was the creation of a Headquarters Com- pany. Only the regimental band, a small enlisted staff and mounted orderly section had heretofore been attached to regimental head- quarters, but now the Headquarters Company was to be the largest single company in the regiment and would consist of the following: MAXIMUM STRENGTH HEADQUARTERS COMPANY From Tables of Organization of May, 1918. OFFICERS MEN Headquarters Staff -- 2 42 Orderly Section 29 Band - 1 49 Signal Platoon 1 76 Bombers and Sappers Platoon 2 48 Pounder Platoon - 1 38 Pioneer Platoon 1 54 Total - 8 336 The task of organizing this body was doubly difficult because men had to be trained in both infantry warfare and in the diversi- fied lines of their specialties. The personnel was chosen from the entire regiment and assigned to the different platoons on the basis of special qualifications. Lieut. Thurman E. Keim, who had early been given command, fearlessly undertook this difficult task. At first, it was "squads east, west," the same as in the letter com- panies but all the while officers were carefully studying their spec- ialties and planning the instruction of their platoons. Lieut. R. A. Ballweg took command of the Bombers; Lieut. Morton B. Shepard, 200 Regimental History 353rd Infantry the Pioneers; Lieutenant Biggs, the Intelligence Section; Lieutenant Benning, the Signal Platoon. Capt. George W. English commanded the company for a short period, but on receiving his majority was placed in command of the First Battalion. Lieutenant Keim again resumed command and was made captain. On June 24th we arrived at Manois, France, for our final equip- ment and training before moving up to the front. Each platoon com- mander now drilled his men in their own specialty. Captain Keim with the able assistance of his first sergeant, Lloyd E. Craig, devoted Headquarters Company Chow Line, Phum, Germany. most of his time to the big task of equipping the company. The 4th of August found our regiment occupying its first sector of the trenches with Regimental Headquarters in the hillside P. C. at Jack- sonville, half a kilometer north of Manonville, and Headquarters Company in the old chateau in Manonville. Now the Headquarters Company, as a company, ceased to exist. "The greatest of all is the servant of all," expresses the case of the company. With the bombers and pounders at the front, the signal platoon scattered all over the regimental area keeping up communi- cation, the pioneers doing construction work at the various points in the sector, and many men detailed as clerks, stenographers, ob- servers, messengers, sergeants-major, etc., at regimental headquart- ers and with the three battalions, the company was literally scattered The Story of Headquarters Company 201 to the four winds. From now on until the signing of the armistice, the units of the company w^ere to be widely separated in the per- formance of their duties. For this reason it is necessary to record their activities individually. The Adjutant's Office To be historically correct an account of the Adjutant's Office should include the statements of four or five diverse departments into which the Adjutant's Office developed in the course of the American Army's reorganization. Originally the sole purpose of this office was to provide the machinery for the supervision, command, and check of the manifold duties involved in the existence and operation of an Infantry Regiment, As the war progressed, special departments to cope with the di- verse problems became imperative. Consequently, from the Adju- tant's Office with its increased personnel sprang the Intelligence, Operation, and Personnel Sections to take care of the duties indi- cated by their names. It must not be inferred, however, that the Adjutant's Office through these dispensations became an insignifi- cant part of the regiment, for the Adjutant's Office retained the first and last word and was forced to hold itself responsible for the trials and mistakes of the new-born sections. When the day for entraining , May 25, 1918, came, the "indispen- sable" contents of the spacious quarters in Camp Funston were crowd- ed into a few cubic feet of boxes and shipped for the A. E. F. Cases and field desks were stuffed to capacity. We were sure then that this limited supply of material would hamper our operations, but this was the period of apprenticeship. Later when an order came to move, the sergeant-major would stick the "indispensable" papers in his coat pocket, sling his pack, and away would go the Adjutant's Office. It is freely admitted, how^ever, that this mobility was ac- quired only after intensive training as well as bitter experience. "Over There," the Adjutant's Office was the first to experience a barrage. It was a barrage of shipping lists, service records, memo- randa, and orders of all descriptions. The ordeal was trying but the personnel of the Adjutant's Office survived and advanced to com- parative rest as the regiment neared the line. In the Toul sector the possibilities of incurring casualties in the Adjutant's Office was markedly reduced. The entire force was cut to two persons — Captain Turner, who succeeded Captain Masseck, and Sergeant-Major Davis, Nevertheless, this personnel must have a place of business and an immense room in the old Chateau Manon- ville was reserved for its quarters. The Adjutant's Office of a regiment is always, in the opinion of the staff, a target for enemy registration, but orders must be written and streets policed. The personnel must function in spite of enemy artillery. It is a fact well worth recording in the annals of the 353rd 202 Regimental History 353rd Infantry Infantry and well worth the consideration of those critics who de- clare that the specialty men of Headquarters Company do not get the necessary training in self-defense, that on several occasions visitors to this office would have searched in vain in the usual places for the personnel of the Adjutant's Department. They were under cover of the furniture and in posture prescribed by the I. D. R., while some "barrack bag" whistled on to its destination. The zero hour of September 12th found the Adjutant's Office safely packed away in a forty-foot dugout in the town of Minorville, fourteen kilometers from the front lines. Close scrutiny of the in- structions pertaining to the duties of Regimental Headquarters, the nerve center and brain of the organization, not only justified this location but made it a matter of actual requirement. However, we did not remain there long. Amid the heavy rain of shells from a watchful enemy, the office was packed into the Winton and moved to Bouillonville. With the reassembly of forces and organization of positions came a flood of work. When the 353rd Infantry shifted to the westward, the Adju- tant and his personnel followed on to Beney, Here the staff felt the true bitterness and danger of the front. Incessant shelling day and night rendered movement impossible. Residence in a P. C. at the front can alone give an appreciation of the humor and tragedy of the situation. Colonels, adjutants, clerks, sergeants, and runners nervously fishing about for this order and that, clicking away on Coronas, diving for safety at irregular intervals, operated and co- operated. The experience was intensive but interesting. By this time packing up had become a matter of little conse- quence to the personnel of the Adjutant's Office. W^hen the 353rd Infantry shifted to the Argonne-Meuse sector, the Adjutant's Office finally landed in a shell-shocked, riddled, old barn of Ecles Fon- taine. Captain Turner was now placed in command of Headquarters Company and Captain Biggs became the new adjutant. In addition to his other duties, he was in charge of the rear echelon of the regi- ment and had surveillance of all liaison w^ith the advanced troops. The salvage which had been collected in Ecles Fontaine was straight- way dedicated to the comfort of the men in the rear echelon; and though the song of passing shells kept the mind in a nervous state, the physical man had some opportunity for rest. With the armistice on November 11th, the Adjutant's Office again came into full and proper sway. The personnel marched or rode in fitting authority to the city of Stenay on the Meuse River. Upon ar- rival, boxes were pried open and contents poured out in the form of orders and memoranda upon a weary, waiting regiment. Then came the long, slow march across Belgium and Luxemburg into Germany. The Adjutant's Office had learned to spread its wings at a moment's notice. Captain Biggs was made operations officer while the regiment was on the march into Germany, and Capt. C. S. Turner was again detailed as adjutant and remained as such until the regiment was demobilized. New officers came with lightning rapidity, so that the enlisted personnel grew facile in the art of The Story of Headquarters Company 203 adaptation to new adjutants. Moreover, the personnel learned to occupy the best possible places with the greatest possible expansion, and the meanest places with the least possible inconvenience. So far as known, the personnel of the Adjutant's Office suffered no casual- ties except through "fair wear and tear." But always whatever the situation, the personnel of the Adjutant's Office found a solution and "carried on." The Band Bandmaster Meyers said it himself, "I raised that band from pup- pies up." And it was true. Mr. Meyers had transferred from the old Band Men Burying the First Dead in the St. Mihiel Offensive. 13th Cavalry to 353rd Infantry at its very birth. He chose for mem- bership in his band the best talent available from the great mass of civilians that was being formed into this new regiment. Mr. Meyers belonged to the classic school, having received his musical education in Europe. A few weeks under his instruction enabled the band to give Sunday evening concerts in the Kansas Building and on the 9th of March, 1918, a tour was made of the state of Kansas. Twenty-nine concerts in twenty-three days on this trip established the reputation of the 353rd Infantry Band. "While our regiment was in training at Manois, France, the band was rehearsing and giving evening concerts for the men. On the 13th of July, the First Battalion and our Regimental Band were 204 Regimental History 353rd Infantry chosen to represent the 89th Division in a parade before General Pershing at G. H. Q., Chaumont. The A. E. F. Commander was satis- lied from the showing made that our division was capable of hold- ing its own in the line. No small credit was due the band for this good showing. The bandmen were instructed in first-aid, for this had previously been the duty of musicians in time of war. But just as our regiment was moving up to its first sector in the line, this policy regarding bandmen was reversed. Knowing well the recuperative value of music for the worn-out doughboy with shell-shocked nerves and the stiinulus of livening tunes on the morale of a man just before he goes into battle, the American Commander had decided to keep the musi- cians of his fighting units where they could render their most valu- able service. Hence the band was held back in Manonville in the pic- turesque, 12th century chateau to give concerts for the men having their turn in reserve. But even in Manonville the bandmen were not exempt from shell- ing. One sunny afternoon while the band was engaged in the lower end of the village, Fritz evidently spied them from his observation balloon. He sent over a token of his love in the form of a large shell that exploded a short distance from the gathering. But the concert ended with the usual rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." On the 8th of September the band was ordered to Minorville and told to be ready for any emergency which might arise in the coming drive. The emergencies appeared promptly. It w^as found necessary to send twenty of the bandmen to Toul to bring back forty horses. Those remaining worked all day and night transferring ammunition from Manonville to Minorville. September 12th, the day of the drive, was spent in "watchful waiting," but soon after an order called a number of the men for a burial detail near the village of Limey. Later, the entire band w^as ordered out, part of them to bury their dead comrades and the rest of them to salvage equipment that had been lost by the Americans or captured from the Germans. From this time on, these were almost permanent details for the musicians. From Bouillonville the band returned to Minorville for a few days to give concerts for the sick and wounded in the nearby evacuation hospital. Thus, after the St. Mihiel offensive, the bandmen brought cheer, as they continued to serve on special details. One of the duties of the band now was to search for the lost and missing. Under the leadership of Chaplain Carpenter, every yard of the sector covered by the regiment during the drive was thoroughly searched. All bodies found were given proper burial service. While Regimental Headquarters were at Ecles Fontaine, in the Argonne, the band remained in the dense woods several kilometers to the rear. The instruments were stored in an old concrete dugout, used by Captain Sichterman for a regimental personnel office. There was no kitchen here, so the bandmen had to spend most of their time searching for food. When the Regimental P. C. moved up to the The Story of Headquarters Company 205 Romagne Road, the band moved to Ecles Fontaine and "dug in" on a hillside. The band was now engaged permanently in burying the dead, not only of the 89th Division but of the 32nd Division as well. In this work they gained special commendation from the Commanding Gen- eral of the latter division. The following message will show the nature and extent of their work in this sector : From Lt.-Col. Boschen. At Ecles Fontaine How sent Date October 22. Hour No. Phone To Colonel Reeves, 353rd Infantry, Advance P. C. Band, under command of Chaplain Carpenter, now being used to bury dead — ten bandmen on duty with Captain Keim should be replaced. ***** Boschen, Lt.-Col. On this duty the bandmen were frequently exposed to shell-fire. "While in a 354th Infantry "chow" line in the village of Gesnes, a shell struck the kitchen, killing fifteen men and wounding as many more. Luckily all of our bandmen escaped unharmed. Following the drive of November 1st and 2nd, the territory from Romagne to Beaufort was thoroughly searched for the dead. Under the leadership of Chaplain Ashmore, the band buried sixty-one men, friend and foe, on the 7th of November. This was the record for any one day. Later the detail worked under shell-fire from Beau- clair to Beaufort. Armistice day found the band, a very thankful outfit, in Tailly. The instruments had arrived from the woods. At the eleventh hour some snappy tunes were played for the tired men. All music ceased when the Chief-of-Staff of the division drove up in his car and in- formed the players that even though the armistice was in effect, the war was not yet over. As a penalty for their celebration, the entire band was sent that afternoon to bury dead horses. But the armis- tice soon put the band again on its old-time footing as the entertain- ers of the regiment. And in the days that followed the band had a large share in bringing the men of the 353rd Infantry back again to normal life. Bombers The Bombers Platoon is equipped wuth six light Stokes mortars, arms especially designed for infantrymen. The limits of its range are 100 and 1800 yards, and it is most effectively fired at an angle of 45 degrees. This short range indicates that it must be employed in close support of the infantry. Its principal use is in the defense of a sector. 206 Eegimenial History 353rd Infantry The first opportunity of the Bombers occurred on the morning of August 31st when the Germans sent over a silent raiding party against "L" Company. The outpost had orders, in the event of an attack, to fall back on the line of resistance unless cut off by artil- lery. As there was no shelling on this occasion, they dropped back down a communicating trench. When the Germans appeared, Corp. E. A. Westfall and two men were stationed with a mortar about two hundred yards to the rear of this outpost. The retiring infantrymen informed them of the raid. They opened fire with a rapid succes- sion of about twenty shells. Observations revealed the raiding party advancing on the flank. The three men grasped their rifles, jumped out of the trench, and joined the infantrymen. Suddenly a voice said in perfect English, "Don't shoot, Three Fifty Fourth." Thrown off their guard by this unexpected warning, the party hesitated for a few seconds. But the sound of some Ger- man jargon banished all doubts and the men opened fire. The Ger- mans were driven back with a loss of nine killed and twelve wound- ed. From this time on, the infantrymen, whatever their opinion of the Stokes mortar, never doubted the effectiveness of this individual bomber. In further confirmation of this staying quality, the Bomb- ers relate this story of one of their members. While his crew was near Limey, Chief Deibo, an Indian, was wounded by a piece of shrapnel which remained in his leg. The doctor asked, "Will you have an anaesthetic?" "No, give me a cigarette," was the stoical answer. On the night of September 11th, the Stokes mortar sections, al- ternating cursing with coaxing, made their way through the jam and confusion of troops to positions north of Limey. At two o'clock the guns were in position. At "H" Hour the crews went over the top, lugging their guns and ammunition. The barrel of a Stokes mortar weighs 51 pounds, its stand 20 pounds, its base-plate 20 pounds, and the bombs approximately 11 pounds each. This weight had to be distributed among the men of a squad already loaded down with rifles and rifle ammunition. Be- fore they had gone very far in their attempt to keep up with rapidly advancing doughboys, the Bombers became discouraged with the prospect of missing the fun. They left the mortars behind in the charge of one man and advanced as ordinary riflemen, overtaking and assisting the assaulting battalion as far as the fifth objective. The Bombers remained in Bouillonville with Begimental Head- quarters until their mortars could be brought up. They took over a spacious dwelling that the former Boche occupants in their flight had left in fairly good condition. It had many of the comforts of a club house and was well furnished, even boasting a good piano. For three days, the Headquarters Company had been without a kitchen, and so naturally the efforts of all Bombers were directed toward the perfection of their mess, where their resourcefulness found its best expression. The Story of Headquarters Company 207 In order to show their appreciation, the Bombers prepared a ban- quet in honor of "Mother" Fitzgerald and Miss Hermance. Other guests were Lieutenant Leedy, their platoon commander, Lieutenant Ballweg, and Chaplain Carpenter of the Second Battalion, An artil- lery outfit donated a quarter of a fresh beef and a nearby garden furnished potatoes, green cabbage, green beans, and squash. The feast was placed upon a linen-covered table with china plates and real silverware. The occasion was the source of much pleasant re- trospection during the trying days which followed. In the St. Benoit sector the Bombers suffered their first severe casualties. On the night of October 2nd the gun emplacement was struck by a shell of a large caliber. Pvt. Cecil E. Dillon was killed and Corporal Crebo seriously wounded. Our artillery was now en- gaged in heavy bombardments of German positions. On the night of October 3rd Fritz retaliated with a severe gas attack on our sector, claiming 11 Bombers as victims. At Ecles Fontaine the Bombers received replacements from the 86th Division and were put under the direct command of Sergeant Aldrich, one of their old veterans. While the 89th Division was in reserve, the Bombers trained their new men and re-organized the platoon. In the Bantheville Woods, which were subjected to continual shelling, the platoon learned more hardships of war. Kitchens were forced to remain far to the rear, and "chow" details could scarcely get through without casualties. Water was scarce and the men would sometimes, in spite of orders to the contrary, drink the seep- age water from a shell hole. But regardless of trials, the Bombers "stuck it out" and "carried on." As soon as Bantheville Woods had been mopped up and our lines established on its northern edge, the Bombers began preparations for the coming drive. By midnight the crews were in position, and at 4:30 a. m. they added their four guns to the barrage, firing a hun- dred and sixty rounds in an hour's time. Just before "H" Hour they hammered targets directly in front of our lines. At 5:30 the Bomb- ers stepped off with the front wave and encountered little resistance in the first lines of the enemy. The advance proceeded about two kilometers. Our lines w^ere now receiving direct fire from enemy artillery at very close range. Due to the heavy fog and smoke, the gun could not be located at once. However, one of the Stokes mor- tars was ordered into position in a shell hole behind the narrow gauge railroad. In the meantime, Sergeant Aldrich reconnoitered the situation and definitely located the target. Private Hamilton fired the mortar. The third bomb completely knocked out the artil- lery piece and either killed or wounded every man of the enemy crew. From the time of the drive until the armistice, the platoon con- tinued training and organization. It will be remembered that many of the men had joined the platoon but a few days before the drive. 208 Regimental History 353rd Infantry But the night of November 10th found the Bombers Platoon re- organized and thoroughly imbued with the spirit of service, again in position and ready to accompany the First Battalion in its drive across the Meuse River. Intelligence Section and Some Information In the beginning — which in this instance refers to the 353rd In- fantry training period at Camp Funston, Kansas — the Intelligence Section was without form and void, and, to continue the paraphrase, darkness reigned upon the face of the Regimental Intelligence Sec- tion. If anyone had knowledge of such work, that knowledge, in ac- cordance with strict injunctions, was kept strictly "SECRET." Lieut. Clyde H. Biggs, while Assistant Adjutant of the Regiment attended the Divisional School of Intelligence and received such in- struction as was to be had. Toward the end of April, 1918, Sergeant Noll and Corporal Quinn were selected as the nucleus of w^hat after- wards developed into the Regimental Intelligence Section. These men gained a slight inkling as to the nature and function of an Intelli- gence Section from a lecture given by Lieut-Col. Kilbourne, then Divisional Intelligence Officer. Several maneuvers, in which the Regimental Intelligence Section took part at that time, were funda- mentally liaison problems. And thus we found ourselves in the training area at Manois, France, in the early days of July, 1918, still unorganized and still hazy as to the part we were to play in the actions before us. How- ever, during this period of uncertainty, the personnel grew by the addition of Pvts. Irving T. Snyder as French interpreter, Jos. F. Shafer and Jos. L. Moss as mapmen, Pvt. George Baerg as German interpreter, and Pvts. George H. Ansdell and Irvin Dir as observer and typist, respectively. And the third week in July was profitably spent in Andelot, France, at the 4th Army Corps Intelligence School. Here w^e learned our mission and spent a week of intensive training under the able leadership of Maj. A. M. Johnson, whose wonderful enthusiasm inspired the men to put forth their utmost effort. The course included lectures and practical map work (reading co-ordinates held a prominent place), the location and construction of observation posts, landscape sketching, identification of prison- ers, camouflage, scouting and patroling, and a sketchy lecture on airplane photography — all crowded into one short week. Moreover, two terrain problems, one covering a period of twenty-four consec- utive hours, kept the pupils on their toes. The fact that Major John- son selected a report submitted by the Intelligence Section of the 353rd Infantry as a model for Intelligence and Operations reports shows the application of the men of this regiment. One thing im- pressed throughout the course was the importance of keeping in- formation absolutely SECRET. Experience proved this admonition. The Story of Headquarters Company 209 in part, a mistake, as too rigid adherence frequently brought more harmful than beneficial results in actual operations. On our return to the regimental training area, we pursued the course as outlined two weeks longer; and the early part of August, 1918, found us on our way to the front where our Division relieved the 82nd Division in the Lucey Sector. Shortly before leaving Ma- nois. Lieutenant Biggs was appointed Regimental Adjutant; Lieut. Carl G. Eades, Second Battalion Scout Officer, took his place and re- mained the Regimental Intelligence Officer until the demobilization of the Regiment. View of Trenches North of Chauvan and Hagemont Woods IN THE Distance. First Regimental O. P. "We were indebted to the officers and men of the 326th Infantry, whom we relieved, for much valuable assistance in the conduct of our O. P. (observation post), in keeping files and battle maps, in submitting reports, and much more which they had learned from ac- tual experience. Our section was now divided. Sergeants Noll and Snyder, and Privates Shaffer and Moss remained in the Intelligence Office in Manonville; Corporal Quinn, Privates Baerg, Dir and Ans- dell took charge of the 0. P. of the 326th Infantry in Hocquemont Woods. This O. P. was located on a platform in a tree. But the view of the enemy terrain opposite our sector was very limited. Nevertheless, a few days occupancy gave the observers a good grasp of their duty. The First Division, occupying the sector to our right had its 0. P. in the same vicinity. Both groups of observers used the same dugouts. When off duty, the First Division observers re- 210 Regimental History 353rd Infantry galed our men with wild tales of their experience at Chateau-Thierry and other active fronts. Environment as well as practice helped us rapidly on toward professional observation. Finding our staff of observers insufficient for the arduous w^ork in hand, we obtained three more men from the battalions; Privates Buhler, Scott, and Bleistein, from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalion Scouts, respectively. In addition to being a good observer. Private Buhler soon proved his value as a chef for the outfit. Even war could not make the American doughboy forget his appetite, and par- ticularly his love for "hot cakes." Shelling was intermittent, at times quite heavy. Nevertheless, the doughty doughboy would have his hot cakes, provided he had the necessary ingredients, and pro- viding a shell didn't upset his improvised cook stove. Reconnaissance revealed a much more advantageous O. P. in the town of Lironville, near the center of our regimental sector, to which we moved about the middle of August. This O. P. was lo- cated in the attic of a two-story building, the only one left in the town which offered a bit of protection from the elements. But it provided a good view of our own sector, also a splendid view of the terrain occupied by the Germans. Our view embraced on the extreme right, Regnieville, a mere shell of a town lying out in "No Man's Land;" continuing to the left, Remenauville, or what was left of it, within the German lines; directly opposite our sector, the Promenade des Moines, a high stretch of open ground overlooking "No Man's Land" on the front slope of which was located Anson- court Farm. The predominating features of the terrain, within the German lines, were dense forests hedging the Promenade des Moines; Mort Mare Woods on the left, and directly on the German front; Euvezin Woods to the rear of the Mort Mare Woods; the Haie r Eveque Woods about two kilometers to the rear of the German front lines opposite the center of our sector; and to the north of Re- menauville, the du Four Woods. The ruins of Remenauville and Regnieville, the three jagged lines of German trenches wath pro- tecting strands of barbed wire, the shell holes which dotted the surface, and the shattered trees lining the Metz Road, all combined to form a picture which measured up well to our preconceived ideas of a "real front." This splendid view^ of enemy terrain brought many distinguished visitors. Among others were Major General Wright, commanding the 89th Division, Senator Wm. H. Thompson of Kansas, and Major General LeJeune, commanding the Second Division. The O. P. in Lironville was equipped with a mounted, prismatic, high-power telescope of French manufacture, mounted maps showing our area, the German trenches and the area eight kilometers in their rear. Sleeping and mess arrangements were on the ground floor of the building, with a dugout close by. A field telephone in the O. P. made possible hourly reports of activities, together wath immediate report of any unusual movement or action within the German lines, directly to the Intelligence Office in Manonville. The Story of Headquarters Company 211 One day, the vigilant eye of one of the observers noted activity in a tree in the edge of the La Haie I'Eveque Woods about two kilo- meters behind the enemy's front lines. A Boche observer w^as making little effort to hide his work; he suffered accordingly. In- formation was transmitted through the office of Lieutenant Dahmke, in command of the one-pounder platoon. At the second shot, two Boche tumbled hurriedly out of a wrecked post in this tree. Later one of the observers picked up a party of Germans wending their way forward through the communicating trenches in the vicinity Flashlight Scene of Dugout in Lironville. of Remenauville. They were without equipment, except rifles; their steady movement towards the front line trench at dusk meant but one thing — a raiding party. This information promptly trans- mitted to the artillery resulted in the rout of their party before they had a chance to get into action. "While the men in the O. P. were securing the necessary informa- tion, the men in the somewhat less hazardous, but no less interesting post in the intelligence office in Manonville, were steadily occupied. Delays in reports caused the office force considerable embarrass- ment and brought forth a sharp reprimand from Colonel Reeves, then in command of the 177th Brigade. This matter was soon rem- edied when Lieutenant Eades secured permission to use one of the motorcycle orderlies each morning to bring in the necessary data from the front. 212 Regimental History 353rd Infantry tao Xi TS Eh a « w C/J ^ •> a» K- > o "aj K o ft >i ft •Is ^° £ c OS ^ « OJ O C o ^ ^ ■4^ Ol « rt d ^ d =« "^•w ^ fi O 60 +i (1> o 13 >.«■ CO to O . Clark, Gideon T. Couchman, Floyd H. *Covington, John W. *Cromley, Frank G. Dienst, Charles F. Dunn, Charles H. E. * Fades, Carl G. *Ferris, Carl H. *Fobes, Harry S. *Fraser, Harry C. Hannigran, John J. Houg'hkirk. William H. *Kermey, Leroy W. Masseck, Clinton J. *Penny, Harry C. Philips, Walter E. Pomarane, Milton C. Ray, Grover W. Smead, Burton A. Smith, Charles B. Wallace, Edgar D. *Wheeler, Sydney K. Wray, Harry C. LAST KNOWN BANK ADDRESS Capt. Van Wert, Ohio 1st Lieut. Stanford, Ky. 1st Lieut. Frederickstown, Mo. 3nd Lieut. London, Ohio 1st Lieut. Garden City, Kan. 1st Lieut. Esmont, 'Virginia Capt. Coldwater, Kan. Capt. Boise, Ida. 1st Lieut. Pittsburg-h, Pa. Capt. Lowell, W. Va. Capt. 319 N. 6th St., St. Joseph, Mo. 2nd Lieut. Elyria, Ohio Capt. Marquette, Mieh. Capt. Highland Falls, N. Y. 2nd Lieut. 483 Wash. St., Albany, N. Y. 1st Lieut. Bellevue, Ohio Maior The Weirs, N. H. 2nd Lieut. A. G. O., Washington, D. C. 1st Lieut. Rocky Moiuit, N. C. 2nd Lieut. Oskosh, Wis. 2nd Lieut. Alexander City, Ala. Lieut. -Col. 1281 S. Downing', Denver, Colo. 2nd Lieut. Alexandria, La. 2nd Lieut. Chicag-o Beach Hotel, Chicag-o, 111. Capt. Jtuiction City, Kan. 1st Lieut. 1105 N. Weber St., Colorado Springs, Colo. Adee, James I'., Mech., Manhattan, Kan. Albert, Herbert, N. R. *Allen, William D., Rock Creek. Kan. Allensworth, Clyde O., Bloom, Kan. *Anderson, James M., Maple City, Kan. Anderson, James, Mech., Burden, Kan. Anderson, Emil F., Rutledg'e, Minn. Anderson, Leroy, Strandquist, Minn. Andrew, Leroy E., Draper, Wis. 'Armstrong. Frederick G., St. Marys, Kan. Arnold, Isaac, Longton, Kan. *Armour, James W., Atchison, Kan. Arneson, George E., Boyd, Minn. Atcheson, Earl F., Ottawa, Kan. Atkins, John C, Sg't., Galena, Kan. *Babcock, Marion E., Winfield. Kan. Babcock, Robert H., Corp., Somerton. Ariz. •Baldwin, Lloyd H., Columbus, Kan. Barg-er, Alvin P., Montezuma, Kan. *Barner, George W., Greenleaf, Kan. Baum. John H., Chicago, 111. Beal, William 0., Mankato, Kan. Beckner, Eurie F., Gove, Kan. Bedessen, Henry C, Fond du Lac, Wis. *Behdoldt. Lee T., Galena, Kan. Benthuysen, William H., Elgin, 111. Berquist, Andrew G.. Superior, Wis. Best, Lee F.. Cook, Columbus, Kan. *Best, Lloyd W., Columbus, Kan. *Biesenthal, William F., Wheaton, Kan. Bill, Joseph G., Stanley, Wis. Biros, George A., Streator, 111. Blaesius, John L.. Watertown, Wis. Block, Isadore, Cincinnatti, Ohio *Blomberg, Harry C, Odgen, Kan. Bohlman, Alexander M., Fond du Lac, Wis. Bohlin, Carl O., Duluth, Mmn. Bollin, John W., Somerton, Ariz. *Bonjour, Chester L., Onaga, Kan. Botts, James A., Eldorado, Kan. Boucher, Louis, Weir City, Kan. Boyer, Arthur M., Marysville, Kan. *Brandville, Maud P., Duluth, Minn. 'Brasch, John, Weir City, Kan. *Braueh, Ernest J., Weir City, Kan. *Breedlove, FoiTest, Marysville, Kan. Bremyer, Andrew W., Sgt., McPherson, Kan. *Brewster. Claude W., Arkansas City. Kan. *Britton, William, Weir City, Kan. * Brooke, Stephen D., Topeka, Kan. *Broxson, Lowell I., Arkansas City, Kan. *Brunkow, Ernest J., Wamego, Kan. *Buatte, Lawrence A., Wamego, Kan. Buell, Clarence E., Eureka, Kan. Buerman, Edward F., Williamstown, Kan. *Burgess, Stanley W., Fostoria, Kan. •Burrow, Alfred A., Faulkner, Kan. Calba, Ernest E., Oconto Falls. Wis. Caldwell, Charles W., Kansas City, Kan. Campbell, William M., Sgt., Belleville, Kan. Carlson, Carl G., Clay Center, Kan. Carlson, Frank A., Sgt., Garfield, Kan. Carlson, Fritz G., Corp., Rockford, 111. •Campbell, Robert E., Wichita, Kan. •Cavenee, Carl F., Cedarvale, Kan. Chantelois, Arthur, Iron River, Wis. •Clark, Ralph W., Eskridge, Kan. •Claypool, Joseph R., Atwood, Kan. •Clay tor, Audley, Troy, Kan. Coffman, Thomas E., Horton, Kan. Collins, Stephen, Corp., Osage City, Kan. Connelly, Sylvester J., Dalton, Nebr. Conz, Frederick A., Corp., Blue Rapids, Kan. •Coffee, Floyd M., Galena, Kan. •Cooley, Clarence E., Galena. Kan. •Cook, Raymond D., Corp., Atchison, Kan. Copeland, Harold B., Goodland, Kan. Copp, Harry M., Topeka, Kan. •Costello, Peter R., Corp., Atchison, Kan. Coulson, Emmett, Arkansas City, Kan. •Coulter, Merle L., Centralia, Kan. Cramer, Charles C, Wellsville, Kan. Crandall, Albert L., Hebron. Wis. Craven, Peter A., Denver, Colo. Crawford, William C, Natoma, Kan. •Crosswhite, Meridth E., Centralia, Kan. •Crow, George C, Cambridge, Kan. •Cruzan, Jacob W., Hewins, Kan. Cummings, James H.. Sgt., Atchison, Kan. Curtiss, Robert S., Flag Staff, Ariz. Custer, Leroy F., Co. Runner, Peru, Kan. •Outright, Edward O., Galena. Kan. Czyz, Peter J., Milwaukee, Wis. •Dallas, George W., Hayden, N. Mex. Dalton, Thomas I., Sgt., Topeka, Kan. •Dalsong, Frank A., Centralia, Kan. Dancliff, Herman, Laveta, Colo. •Davis, Guy C, Bancroft, Kan. De Bord, Bermm E., Centralia, Kan. •Demay, Oscar, Scammon, Kan. Dennis, Robert R., Huston. Tex. •Delters, Bernard, Seneca, Kan. De Witt, Lewis M., Galena, Kan. Dexter, Lome T., Home City, Kan. Diax, Jose, Hays, Kan. Dick, Harry G., Clay Center, Kan. •Dickinson, Alonzo R., Concordia, Kan. Diedrich, Charles A., Denver, Colo. *Dix, Nicholas J., Williamstown, Kan. Dob.son, John, Red Rock, Ariz. Dortland, Herbert, Mitchell, S. D. Dossett, William F., Winfield, Kan. Douglass, Eustis A., Konorago, Kan. •Droge, George W., Sabetha, Kan. Drantman, Frederick G., Clay Center, Kan. Drum, Guy W., Williamsburg, Kan. •Ducheck, John G.. Irving, Kan. Dugger, Burt I^., Salina, Kan. 290 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry Dunning-, Dudley J., Elg-in, 111. Durazo, Casimiro, Red Rock, Ariz. *Dur,s, Frank, Bremen, Kan. Eag-en, Cecil K.. Sg-t., Arkansas City, Kan. Easter, Elmer J., Corp., Wehita, Kan. Eberly, Ray L,., Greely, Colo. Edler, John M., Cook, Leavenworth, Kan. Elbert, Herbert, Chicag-o, 111. Elliott, Floyd A., Baxter Spring's, Kan. Ellis, Ba.sil L., Clay Center, Kan. *Ellis, Orthel R., Cedarvale, Kan. Erickson, Karl A., Sg-t., Ashland, Wis. Esealante, Manuel, Temps, Ariz. •Evert, Fred, Bremen, Kan. Fain. Charles O., Tempe, Ariz. *Faith, Oliver W., Manhattan, Kan. * Earner, Fred T.. Peru. Kan. Farmer, Samuel D., Sg-t., Galena, Kan. *Fenton, William, Wheaton, Kan. Ferris, Glen D., S. Tacoma, Wash. *Fieg:aner, Ferdinand, Bigelow, Kan. Finnieum, Fred M., Erie, 111. *Fitzpatriek, James J., St. Marys, Kan. Flammer, Clarence G., Sgt., Prescott, Ariz. ♦Fleisch acker. Math, Ludell, Kan, *Flesher, Ben W., Havana, Kan. Fondron, Gordon O., San Saba. Tex. *Freese, Herbert E., Lavirence, Kan. Fudge, Russell O., lola. Kan. *Fulton, William F., Niotoze, Kan. * Gabriel, Jacob, Gueda Springs, Kan. Gaffney, Georg-e, Neosha Falls, Kan. Garbin, James P., Como, Tex. Garbiseh, Edmund H., Corp., Granton, Wis. Garinger, Truman O., Sg-t., Manhattan, Kan. Gerety, Paul P., Cook, Emmet, Kan. Gayer, William S., Onaga, Kan. Geyman, John A., Oxford, Wis. Gibbons, Andrew A., Somerton, Ariz. Gietz, Joseph, Hammond, Ind. *Glannon, Lawrence A., Wheaton, Kan. •Gordon. Eugene B., Blue Rapid, Kan. *Godfreson, John, Waterville, Kan. Grafel, John, Corp., Herdon, Kan. Gray, Edward J., Cook, Abilene, Kan. Grove, Chester R., Pastura, N. M. Gudenkauf, Henry J., Sg-t., Seneca, Kan. *Gulick, Eslie, E., Winfield, Kan. *Hale, David O., Baxter Springrs, Kan. Hancock, Joseph H., Taylor, Ariz. Hansford, Jo M., Phoenix, Ariz. Harri, Gus, Phoenix, Ariz. •Harris, Aaron, New York City, N. Y. •Hartman, John L., Weir City, Kan. Harvey, William A.. Galena, Kan. •Haworth, Cecil E., Galena, Kan. Hays, Elijah H., Prescott. Ariz. Helmuth, Frederick W., Plats Center, 111. Henke, William F., Nesh Koro, Wis. *Hill, Vfilliana G., Wichita, Kan. •Hillagoss, Joseph R., Sg-t., Atchison, Kan. *Hines, Thomas, Cedarvale, Kan, *Hoff, Benjamin J., Galena. Kan. •Hofflingrer, Emil H., Home City, Kan. Hoffman, Will G., Los Angeles, Calif. *Hohn, Joseph H., Flush, Kan. Hogan, Edward J., Leavenworth, Kan. Holland, Earl O., Norton, Kan. Holt, Curtis K., Sgt., Atlanta, Kan. Hong, Wong D., Tucson, Ariz. •Hover, Elmer E., Corp., Sedan, Kan. •Hudson, Herman P., Baxter Spring's, Kan. •Hunsaker, Everett L., Atlanta, Kan. •Hunt. Jo.seph F., Corp., Arkansas City, Kan. •Hutehings, James R., Arkansas City. Kan. Huth, Theodore F., Juneau. Wis. Imel. James M., Corp., Faulkner, Kan. Ingraham, William K., Galena, Kan. •Ireton, Robert W., Winfield, Kan. Isaacson, Peter M., St. John. Ariz. •Jacobson, Paul B., Waterville, Kan. Jenkins, Alexander, Kansas City, Kan. Jenkins, Herman P., Topeka, Kan. Jewett, Charles E., Waverly, Kan. Johnson, Carl A., Wasco, 111. •Johnson, James G., Kansas City, Kan. •Johnson, John T., Duluth, Minn. Johnson, Carl E., Corp., Chicago, 111. •Johnson, Myron E., Corp., Manhattan, Kan. Johnson. Samuel B., Corp., Manhattan, Kan. Johnson, Victor R., Claybunie, Kan. •Jones, Harvey B., Corp., Westmoreland, Kan. •Jones, Richard M., Waneta, Kan. Jones, Roy B., Corp., Wichita, Kan. •Joseph, Charley H., Oketo, Kan. •Kastler, David M., Valeda. Kan. •Kelley, Georg-e W., Sgt., Oxford. Kan. Kelley, Lester M., Onega, Kan. Kennedy, Joseph, Mosnee, Wis. Kennedy, Lester L., Peru, Kan. Ker.sey, Roy D., Eskridge, Kan. Kibort, Oscar, Chicago, 111. Kiethley, Leonard O., Beagle, Kan. •Kinnaman, Will D., Corp., Sedan, Kan. Kirkpatrick, Dean F., Winfield, Kan. •Kiroff, Rusco, Fall River, Mo. •Kistler, Harry F., Rock, Kan. Klettka, John, Chicago, 111. Kline, Daniel A., Topeka, Kan. Klock, Clarence E.. Chicago, 111. Klose, Alfred, Chicago, 111. Kling, Fred, Garden City, Kan. Knackart, John A., West Allis, Wis. Knudson, Knud C, Corp., Waterville, Kan. •Koebrich, Joseph H., Atchison. Kan. Kolshorn, William, Red Wing, Minn. Kramp, Jacob J., Corp, Aurora, 111. Kresin, George W., Paola, Kan. Krieser, Georg-e E., Riryson, Wis. Kubiak, Bronislaw, Chicago. 111. Kuhn. Forrest E.. Sgt., Arkansas City, Kan. Kulp, Ernest O., Santanta, Kan. Kurkowski, Frank M., North Grandon, Wis. Kadlec, Louis, Odell, Neb. Lamb., Robert W., New Orleans, La. Lamprecht. Edwin L., Elgin, 111. Lamprecht, Walter A., Elgin, 111. Lampson, Dwig-ht F., Little River, Kan. •Langley, Frank M., Topeka, Kan. Lansing, Ivan C, Lincoln, Neb. Laramore, Louie F., Top Ozark, Mo. Lauger, Gust R., Idaho Springs, Colo. Laxon, Hiram L., Topeka, Kan. Lea, Alonzo, Elkhart, Kan. Ledbetter, William D.. Kansas City, Kan. •Leddington, George W., Mineral, Kan. Lee, Stacey E., Sterling, Kan. •Leg-gett, Archibald, Wichita, Kan. Lehman, Elmer E. Neopet, Wis. •Lei Van, Earl F., Winfield, Kan. Leopold, John F., Jordan, Montana. Leonartz, Thomas J., Co. Runner, Arma. Kan. Lester. Clyde, Corp., Topeka, Kan. Levandowski, Frank M., Chicago, 111. •Lewis, Jack, Kansas City. Kan. Livingston, James W.. Oketo, Kan. Lockas, Harry V., Palmer, Kan. •Lockard, James W., Arkansas City, Kan. Lokof.ski, Michiel, Janeau, Kan. Long, Clyde, Manhattan, Kan. Londo, Lewis, Mamstique, Mich. Losey, Karl H., University Place, Neb. Ludington, Arthur I., Grand Island. Neb, Lmid, Earl A., Amery, Wis. Lynn, August W., Rosalia, Kan. Lyons, William M., Chicagro, 111. Lyons, James, Chicago, 111. Maas, Herbert G., Merril, Wis. •Madisin, Francis W., Atwood, Kan. Magden, Arthur I., Elgin, 111. Mahaffie, Earl P., Olathe, Kan. Mahancy, Claude F., Corp., Birchtree, Mo. •Mahair, James L., Winfield, Kan. Maher, Thomas N., Chicago, 111. •Manley, Homer W., Winfield, Kan. Manning, Lloyd E., Paxico, Kan. Marchiell, Frank, Chicago, 111. •Marshall, Harr.v W.. Hewon, Kan. Marten, Fred W., Onego, Kan. Marzicola, Emidio, Chicago. 111. Masten, Orvil J.. Mahaska. Kan. •Mayer. Albert E.. St. George. Kan. McBroom, Clarence B.. Topeka. Kan. •McCartney, Frank B., Arkansas City, Kan. •McClarren, Charles O.. Lewis, Kan. McClean, Corwin F., Wellington, Kan. McClellan, James L., Lyons, Kan. McClure, Carl C. Sgt., Baxter Springs. Kan. •McCullom. Jay, Winfield, Kan. McCullough. Ray S., Bellaire, Kan. Company G, American Expeditionary Forces 291 McDonald, Cleo, Corp., Westmoreland, Kan. MeDonnel, David B., Barksdale, Wis. *McGraiinalian, Theodore L., Emmet, Kan. *MeGuire, Kicliard, Dexter, Kan. McRae, Colin J., Co. Runner, King'man, Kan. Meade, William N., Moline, Kan. Meisinger, Fred, Otis, Kan. Miller, Andrew A., Lyons, Kan. *Miller, Cecil, Manhattan, Kan. Miller, Edward L., Leavenworth, Kan. Miller, Herbert H., Sgrt., Cleveland, Ohio. *Miller, William F., Buffalo, N. Y. *Mischler, Milton E., Sabetha, Kan. Mitchell, John A., Clay Center, Kan. Mitchell, John T., Clay Center, Kan. Mitchell, Ernest B., Corp, Jim Falls, Wis. Moberly, Eli T., Sgt., Winfield, Kan. *Moberly, Frank, Winfield. Kan. Moehlman, Ernest, Manhattan. Kan. Montoya, Libertato C, Chanita. N. Mex. Moore, Emmett, Niotaze, Kan. *Morg-an. George "V., Blue R.-tpids, Kan. *Morris, Harry C, Onega. Kan. *Morton, Virg-il F., Achilles, Kan. Moser, Harry M., Salem, Mo. Mullig'an, Dennis, Peoria, 111. Munday, Talmag-e M., Cedarvale, Kan. Nation, Walter E., Salina, Kan. Nestor. William J., Cook, Marysville, Kan. * Nichols, Ronald D., Onag-a, Kan. Nieland, Frank H., Handcock, Minn. *0'Donnald, Thomas W., Onag^a, Kan. Olson, Christ A., Arlond, Wis. Olson, Otto, Strum, Wis. *Osbom, Frank R., Westmoreland, Kan. *Packark, Grant L., Labette City, Kan. Padg-ett, Albert, La Salle, 111. *Parks, Clayton I., Fillsburg-, Kan. Parmenter, Glenard J., Co. Runner, Co- lumbus, Kan. Parrett, Joseph F., Campbellsport, Wis. ♦Patty, Leroy H., Galena, Kan. ♦Patterson, Charles E., Sg-t., Paola, Kan. *Patton, Charles F., Baxter Spring's,, Kan. Paulson, Harold E., Minneapolis, Minn. *Payne, James M., Burden, Kan. Pietros, Adam, Cook, Chicag^o. 111. Peterson, Clarence O., Maple Grove, Wis. ♦Phelps, Harry B., Sgt., Rock, Kan. Picklum, Charles E., McCook, Neb. ♦Pixley, Oren R., Stockton, Kan. Plats, Norton S., Rog-ers. Mich. Pretz, Claude C, Cook., Manhattan, Kan. ♦Prewett, Ralph, Weir City, Kan. Pruitt, Jess A., Sgt., Galena, Kan. Prockish, Edward, Corp., St. George, Kan. Qviartaro, Cuono, Lannon. Wis. Qviigley, Joseph V., Corp., Manhattan. Kan. ♦Reed. William W., Weir City, Kan. Relf. William E., Utopia, Kan. Remitti, Pietro, Columbvis, Kan. ♦Reyff, Lewis M., San Francisco. Calif. ♦Reym, Clare A., Baxter Springs, Kan. Riemenapp, Albert, Pefosia, Wis. ♦Robertson, Emry S., Riley. Kan. ♦Robinson. George, Columbus. Kan. Rooks, Charles E., Corp., Boulder, Colo. ♦Roth. Fred J., New York City, N. Y. ♦Rowland, Andrew L., Sgt., St. John, Kan. ♦Rumery, Clarence E., Columbus, Kan. Salsberry, Jasper C, Wells, Kan. Salyhouse, John L., McPlierson, Kan. Samuelson, Otto W., Olsburg, Kan. Sanborn, Orvil S., Sgt., Lowe, Kan. Sanchez, Benjamin. Slora, N. Mex. Sandow, Emil L., Milwavikee, Wis. ♦Sandstru, James P., Dexter, Kan. Schlegel, Herman P., Sgt., Wheaton, Kan. ♦Schlisler, John, Weimer, Ark. Seliowalter, Marcus M., Sgt., Halstead, Kan. Schupp. William N.. Metamora. 111. Schmidt, Albert C, Jr.. Elkhorn, Wis. ♦Sehuehart. John W., Waterville, Kan. Seffert, Frank J., Kansas City, Kan. Senteff, Peter, Chicago, 111. Shaffer, Logan B., Bn. Runner, Lebo, Kan. ♦Shaw, Glen C, Kansas City, Kan. Shea, Charles F., Hastings, Neb. ♦Shields, Jess A., Columbus. Kan. Shideler, Floyd Q.. Corp., Mineral, Kan. Sims, John A., Americus, Kan. Smith, Clayton C, Austin, Minn. Smith. Clarence W.. Weir City, Kan. Snyder, Neill R., Windom. Kan. Spainhower, Clarence L., Fall City, Neb. ♦Spaeck, Frank J., Emmet. Kan. ♦Spaeck, William H., Emmet. Kan. ♦Srbelj, Ignac, Kansas City, Kan. ♦Steinle, John F., Dorrance, Kan. Stewart, Harvey J., Walroth, Wis. ♦Stauifer, John L., Columbus. Kan. ♦Storm, Charley, Moose Leg. Minn. ♦Stout, Joel E., Arkansas City, Kan. ♦Stowers, William D., Labette City, Kan. Strike, Tony F., Wilmuth, Wis. ♦Stroble, James H., Winchester, Okla. ♦Stubinger, Walter, Atchison. Kan. ♦Samuelson. Arthur W., Fostoria, Kan. ♦Sutton, James I., Cambridge, Kan. Swaney, Roy, Niotaze, Kan. Szadezuzenes. Ignatz, Chicago. 111. ♦Tackitt. Fred M., Galena, Kan. Tanck, Edward, Brooklyn, N. Y. Taylor, Claude J., Sgt., Rock Island. 111. Terril, Newton E., Sgt., Winfield, Kan. ♦Theye, George H., Bird City, Kan. ♦Thomas, Ralph B., Columbus. Kan. Thompson. William R., Milwaukee. Wis. Todd, Cecil H., Sedan, Kan. Towne, Claude, Ada, Kan. Trezise, Reuben, Sgt., Belvue, Kan. Trigg, Benjamin F., Cedarvale, Kan. ♦Tubs, Lester G., Corp., Glade, Kan. ♦Turner, Wright E., Corp., Manhattan, Kan. ♦Uhlenhop, Henry, At wood, Kan. Upton, Ora, Speer, 111. ♦Vachuta, Joseph. McDonald. Kan. "Vandenberg, William H., Arkansas City, Kan. Vanderbloom. Paul, Belvue, Kan. ♦Van Dorn, Alvin C, Axtell, Kan. ♦Vandweille, Gilbert F., St. Marys, Kan. Vaubel, Lawrence M.. Marathon City, Wis. "Vauglian. Leonard J.. Kansas City, Kan. Voigt, Emil, Berlin, Wis. ♦Voile, Henry L., Somerfield. Kan. ♦Vukostish, Milo G., Jerome, Ariz. ♦Wall, Edwin, Onaga, Kan. Walsh, Francis, Mech.. Wheaton. Kan. Warner, Ara L., Hannibal, Wis. ♦Watson, Edgar R., Sedan, Kan. ♦Wax, Herbert E., Columbus. Kan. ♦Wege, Robert F., Westmoreland, Kan. Weidman, Alexander J.. Marshfield, Wis. Weidner, George A., Elgin. 111. Weisner. Leo L., Topeka, Kan. Wells, Ora, Co. Rvmner, Galena. Kan. Wertz, Lysle D., Mech., Star, Neb. Whalen, Dean E., Lincoln, Neb. ♦Whearty, Roy E., Westmoreland, Kan. Wheeler. Valentine, Cardiff. Ark. Whisenhunt. Strovid I.. Smithwell. Okla. ♦White, Orel E., Phillipsburg, Kan. Wilder, Mark A., Mech., Maxville, Kan. Willman, Albert A., Milan, Wis. Wilson, Ed, Arkansas City, Kan. ♦Winn, Homer A., Winfield, Kan. ♦Wingate, George L., Ogden. Kan. Woodard, Lloyd C, Olathe. Kan. Wueherpfennig, Rheinhold, Edgar, Wis. ♦Wuester, Joseph W., Home City, Kan. Yarnall, Raymond W., Danbury, Neb. Yonker, John A., Bloomer. Wis. Young, George L., Bn. Runner, Newton, Kan. Young. Walter W., Amery, Wis. Youngbauer, Edward, Corp., Clequet, Minn. Zima, Anthony H., Emmet, Kan. Zimmerman, Joe, Chipewa Falls, Wis. ♦Zochert, Oscar, Wausan, Wis. ♦Zoeller, Henry J., St. George, Kan. Company H, 353rd Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces NAME Atkiiis, W. D. Barr, Jesse W. Bennett, John W. Cavanoug'h, Jesse Covington. John W. Dorfmeier, V. Z. •Franshein, L. W. Goebel. William R. Goweniock. Thomas L. Harrison, Harry C. Johnson, Sebastian K. Lewis, J. C. Louis, Gilbert N. Meyers, W. M. Reese, Tom Rice, Leonard M. Scanlon, James E. Scriver, Fred M. * Sutton, Raymond C. Wickersham, J. W. Wilson, Tliomas E. Ackerman, Carl P., Burlmg-ton, Kan. * Adams, Frank. Pittsburg'. Kan. *Albertson, Ernest, Goodland. Kan. •Allen, Charles H.. Lebanon. Kan. •Anderson, Pearl F.. Goodland, Kan. Anderson, Plimmer A., La Crosse, Wis. Anthony, Dewey, Kensington, Kan. Armstrong, James B., Sgt., Columbus, Kan. Ashley. Sheridan Lake. Colo. •Atchison, Henry W., Agrieola, Kan. •Badenhoop, William F.. Herington, Kan. •Baghley. Joseph C, Elkhart, Kan. •Baker, Thomas A., Cullison, Kan. Bamow, William M., Corp., Alieeville, Kan. •Barrett, William F., Weir City. Kan. •Basinger, David L.. Missler. Kan. •Batton, William J., Scammon, Kan. Beighey, Clarence E., Columbus, Kan. Belcher, Guy T., Kingsley. Kan. Beneda, Frank, Agenda, Kan. Bennett, Norman, Phoenix. Ariz. Bergsma, Frank, Chicago, 111. Blaha, Charles, Chicago, 111. Blob, Joseph A.. Appleton. Wis. Blumstein, Oscar Frank, Palmyra. Wis. Blystone, Emmett L., Canorado, Kan. Bodine, Patrick J., Tuscon, Ariz. Boggs, Oak, Reedsport, Ore. Bohn. George, Bronz, N. Y. •Bohling. Charles L.. Meade. Kan. •Bolan, James, Fort Scott, Kan. Bolzenthal, Arthur, Manitowac, Wis. Borchardt, Ernest W., Watertown, Wis. Bowden, Clement M., Corp.. Chicago, 111. •Bowen, Carl, Konarodo. Kan. •Bowen, Ray L., Weir, Kan. Boyle, Patrick J., Tuscon, Ariz. Boys, Ralph R., Densmore. Kan. •Bradshaw. Clarence. Galena, Kan. •Breen, John H., Bellaire, Kan. •Brew. Arthur W.. Cullison. Kan. •Brewster, Frank L., Pratt, Kan. Brie, Joseph M., Sgt., Stratford, Wis. Brock, Eddie R.. Stafford. Kan. Brook, Samuel R., Sgt., Belvue, Kan. Brown, Romie C, Tuscon, Ariz. •Brown, Gordon M., Lebanon, Kan. •Brown, Lee I., Syracuse. Kan. Buchanan, John T.. Brandon, Miss. •Butler, Abner, Woodston, Kan. Camden. Otto O., Sgt.. Galena, Kan. •Chamberlain, Leon E.. Pratt. Kan. •Chapman, Frank P., Council Grove, Kan. •Chastain, Willard, Coats, Kan. Chamber, Frank A., Sedan, Kan. Champie, Fred J., Morristown, Kan. Christenson, Peter, Pottis, Kan. Clark, Harry, Pratt, Kan. Claypool, Homer C. Corp., Pittsburg, Kan. Clemmons. Marion S., Topeka, Kan. Clock, Prank W., Sgt.. Drummond, Wis. •Cogburn, John P., Goodland, Kan. Cole, Hubert E., Sgt.. Ellsworth, Kan. •Cole, Joseph A., Cedar, Kan. LAST KNOWN RANK ADDRESS Capt. Rogers Park, Chicago, 111. 1st Lieiit. Hope, Ark. 1st Lieut. Iroquois Hotel, New York City, N. Y. 2nd Lieut. Saratoga Springs, N. Y. 1st Lieut. Esmond, Va. 1st Lieut. 45 Riverdale St.. Dayton, Ohio 1st Lieut. Wheeling, W. "Va. 1st Lieut. Tyrone, N. Mex. Major Lytton Bldg., Chicago, 111. 1st Lieut. 1281 Oak Court, St. Louis. Mo. 2nd Lieut. 667 E. Town St., Columbus. Ohio. 1st Lieut. Columbus, Ohio 1st Lieut. Pittsburg, Kan. 1st Lieut. 29 Water St.. Tiffin, Ohio 1st Lieut. Jefferson City, Mo. Capt. Cleveland, Ohio 1st Lieut. Boswell, Ind. 2nd Lieut. N. R. 2nd Lieut. 2210 Greenwood St., Pueblo. Colo. 1st Lieut. 3416 Colfax Blvd., Denver, Colo. 2nd Lieut. 2940 Highland Place, Indianapolis, Ind. •Collins, Burrel S.. Burrel. Kan. Conarty, Everett W., Co. Runner, Norton, Kan. Cook, Han-ison R., Sgt., Concordia, Kan. Coyle. Joe, Corp., Toledo, Ohio. •Crosley, Clarence. Pratt. Kan. Crockett. Clyde F., Glendale, Ariz. Culver, James O., Liberal. Kan. Czajkowski, Bert, Albin, Wis. Czapanskiy, William F., Sgt., Clyde, Kan. Dalbow. Anthony. Corp., Isabel, Kan. Danevich, Steve, St. Charles. 111. Daniels, Francis L., Corp., Smith Center, Kan. Davis, Charles, Sgt., Meade, Kan. Davis, Howard M., Silverton, Colo. Davis, Thorp, Corp., Lebanon, Kan. *Denton. Raymond C., Byers. Kan. Diamond, Albin A., Corp., Kensington, Kan. Diamond. Douglas M., Sgt., Kensington, Kan. Dillon, Mearle E., Corp., Emmet, Idaho. •Dodson. Harry M., Cedar. Kan. Doefer, Frank, Goodland, Kan. *Dotts, WilUam T., luka, Kan. Dwyer, Walter L., Minneapolis, Minn. •Eastman, Walter P., Denver. Colo. •Edwards, John W., Burlington, Kan. Eisenhardt. Jack B.. Oklahoma City, Okla. Elam, Milo V.. Taft, Calif. Elmquist, Henry C. Marquette, Kan. •Emig, John L., Godland, Kan. Evans, Thomas J.. Friendship, Wis. Falk, Fred C, Chicago, 111. Fenton, John, Cook, Grant.sburg, Wis. •Field, Frederick M., Columbus, Kan. Fisher, Marion K., Corp., Clarksdale, Ariz. Flyim, John O.. Co. Runner, Wayne City, 111. Frank, Arthur, Oshkosh. Wis. Freeman. Earl, Lamar, Kan. Fritsch, George, Sabetha, Kan. Fritsch, Raymond J., St. Louis. Mo Fuller, Russel O., Corp., Chicago, 111. Gallegos, Benj., Torrance, N. Mex. G alleges, Pablo, Torrance, N. Mex. Garten, George R., Burdette. Kan. •Geisinger, Glen, Plains, Kan. •Gettes, John, Columbus, Kan. Gilbert, Roy, Leavenworth, Kan. Gilham, Charles B., Corp., Coats, Kan. Gill. Lew W., Mesa, Ariz. Gockel. Frank J.. Baileyville, Kan. Goff. Robert L., Topeka. Kan. Goodyear, George J., Chicago, 111. Gordon, Edwin L., Corp., Leavenworth, Kan. •Gough, Elmer, Leave worth. Kan. Gonzalos, Louis, Monte^iste, Colo. Gneisch, Albert G., Bobbins, Wis. Grasiana, And.v. Jenkitown. Pa. •Grauerholz, William C, Kanorado, Kan. Green, Maruo, Sadieville, Ky. Greene, Don., Bn. Rimner. Eldorado, Kan. Gregg, Hari-y F., Salina. Kan. Groff. Jacob R., Telford, Pa. Company It, American Expeditionary Forces 293 Grover, Boyd, Webster, Kan. Hag-eman, Aug-ust, Glenn Ulhn, N. Dak. *Hankey, Louis, Preston, Kan. •Hansen, James, Tonganoxie, Kan. Hanson, Phillip E., Edna, Kan. Hart, William D., Corp, Galena, Kan. Hart, Wilbur J., Galena, Kan. Harris, Clemmons, Beloit. Kan. Haslauer, Joe A., Corp., Abilene, Kan. *Hayden, Thomas L., Rueland, Kan. Haynes, David R., Baileyville, Kan. Hayden, Paul J., Sgt., Plains, Kan. *Helmke, George C, Pratt, Kan. Henning-, Harry W., Rosedale, Wis. Henrikson, Hans W., Chicago, 111. Heni-y, Bert C, Athol, Kan. Henselin, William, Appleton. Minn. Herkins, John F., Easton. Kan. *Herndon, Warren H., Lebanon, Kan. Hines, Freddie, Salina, Kan. Hines, Guy H., Goodwill, W. "Va. Hinkhouse, Roy, Palco, Kan. *Hodapp, Albert R.. Leavenworth, Kan. *Hoeme, Henry, Preston. Kan. ♦Holbrook. Roland R., Pratt, Kan. Holland, Frank, Corp., Scammon, Kan. HoUoma, John P., Sgt., Chester, 111. *Holman, Ma.rvin L., Weir, Kan. Hopkins, Joseph J., Protection, Kan. * Hosier, Harvey, Smith Center, Kan. Houltberg, Arthur T., Salina, Kan. ♦Hummel, Archie F., Burlington, Kan. *Humrick, Frederick O., Gaylord, Kan. *Hutton, Olin A., Pratt, Kan. Idleman, Charles L., Sgt., Lebanon, Kan. *Inkman, Joseph W., Leavenworth. Kan. *Isom, Bernard M., Lebanon, Kan. Jackson, Earl, Goodland, Kan. Jaggers, Ray F., Burlington, Kan. James, Jesse H., Joplin, Mo. Jameson, Rudolph, Tuscon, Ariz. Jenkins, Edgar S., El Paso, Texas Jennings, Harry W., Forest Park, 111. *Johns, Walter B., Goodland, Kan. Johnson, Carl M., Superior, Wis. ♦Johnson, George, Scammon, Kan. Johnson, John A., Monmouth. Ill ♦Johnston, Carmichael. Wichita, Kan. Jones, Bennett, Holton, Kan. Jones, Charles O., Burlmgton, Kan. Jones, Frank, Albuquerque. N. Mex. ♦Jones, James, Stockton. Kan. ♦Jones, J. F., Columbus, Kan. Jones, Noel, Camp "Verdi, Ariz. Kaiser, Lester S., Corp., Wichita, Kan. Kasten, Arthur C, Pesthigo, Wis. Kelley, Joseph, Boston, Mass. Kelly, William F., San Diego, Calif. Kelson, John S., Canby, Minn. Kemp, Charles O., Buckeye, Ariz. Keown, Wilbur F., Ashton, Kan. Kettner. Arthur L., Black Creek, Wis. Kiley. Edward, Belleville. Kan. ♦Kiley, Edward, Coats, Kan. Kimberly, Ralph, Moundsville, W. "Va. Kimmel, Simon, Chicago, 111. Kimsey, John C, Lebanon, Kan. King, William J., Popomas, Colo. ♦Kinyon, Joseph W., Kirwin, Kan. Kirston, John Peter, Malone, Wis. Kissel, Richard, Ozark. Mo. ♦Klock, Harley R., Eldorado, Kan. Koehicos. Nick, Miami, Ariz. Kolste, John, Prairie View, Kan. Koskv, Frank, Chicago, 111. Krebel, John, Cleveland, Ohio, Kuffel, Walter, Chicago, 111. ♦Kurtz, William, Burlington, Kan. ♦Lammey, Frank, Portis, Kan. Larsen, Cris, Tuscon, Ariz. Larsen, Marris, Tuscon, Ariz. Lawson, Charles J., Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa. Lawson, Lewis R., Corp., West Mineral, Kan. „ . ^ ♦Lawson, Loren H., Baxter Springs, Kan. Lawson, John S., Rice, Kan. Leon, Antonio, Klondyke, Ariz. ♦Lewis, Royal, Meade, Kan. ♦Lightbody, John M., Hagen, N. Dak. ♦Linch, Samuel G., Athol, Kan. List, William E.. Phoenix, Ariz. ♦Livingston, George C, Stockton, Kan. Llewellyn, Clarkdale, Ariz. ♦Logan, Jesse G., Lebanon, Kan. ♦Logan, Roy, Smith Center, Kan. ♦Loschen, John, Leroy, Kan. ♦Lowe, Claude, Baxter Springs, Kan. Loveall, Louis, Flagstaff, Ariz. Lozar, Andrew A., Sgt., New Ulysses, Kan. Lukens, Archie, Stockton, Kan. Malonas, John, Price, Utah Maloney, Gus T., Corp., Olathe, Kan. Maloy, Daniel H., Kansas City, Mo . Mangus, Alva D., Corp., Kanorado, Kan. Manne, Tony, Co., Runner, Phoenix. Ariz. Marquez, Pablow, N. Mex. ♦Marrick, 'Vernon E., Lebanon, Kan. Marshall, Arthur, Corp., Lilly, Wis. Martin, Harry C, lola, Kan. Martinez, Raphel A., Tuscon. Ariz. ♦Masterson, Edward J., Scammon, Kan. Mathews, Charles L., Concordia, Kan. Mata, Felippe, Bemalille, N. Mex. May, Guy C. Mesa, Ariz. ♦Mays, Ernest, Galena, Kan. ♦McCormick. Daniel P., Scammon, Kan. McCoy, James B., Fravel, Kan. MeCrairie, Lyons. Kan. McDaniels, Jesse D., Princeton, Kan. ♦McDowell, Hiram J., Fowler, Kan. Mclntyre, Don H., Sgt., Pratt, Kan. McKenzie, Ralph W., Corp.. Columbus, Kan. McKimmens, Wilder D., Wamega. Kan. McLain, James, Corp., West Mineral, Kan. McMillon. Archie S.. Topeka. Kan. McWhitney, Stephen W., Plains. Kan. ♦Meek, Fred C, Pratt, Kan. McAllister, Luther, Cook, Safford, Ariz, Michalski, Adam, Chicago, 111. Miller, Alexander H., Corp., Salina, Kan. Miller. Frank J., Chanute, Kan. Miller, Ira A., Corp., Baxter Springs, Kan. ♦Miller. Noah G.. Sawyer. Kan. Miller, Roy F., Smith Center, Kan. Miller, "Vincent S., Sgt., Louisville. Ky. Miles, Harry B., Carbondale, Kan. Miles, G-ilbert H.. Carbondale, Kan. ♦Mishler, Alonzo L., Baxter Springs, Kan. ♦Mitten, Frederick F., Miltonvale, Kan. ♦Moeller, Eugene C, Goodland. Kan. ♦Moeller. Rudolph. Preston, Kan. Moran, Arthur, Kansas City, Kan. More. George J., Kincade, Kan. Mork, Melvin, Avery, Wisconsin. Morrison, Andrew H., Morris, 111. Mounts, Omar, Wakefield, Kan. Mueller. Henry, Corp., Taylor Ridge, 111. ♦Murphey, Orin J., Pratt, Kan. ♦Mustgrove, Cortie J., Cullison. Kan. Neagle, Coakley T., Corp., Pratt. Kan. ♦Neale, William G., Centralia. Mo. Neiss, William H., Hope, Kan. Nelson, Frank J.. Rosedale. Kan. Nelson. George C, Augusta, Kan. ♦Newbray, Forrest B., Kirwin, Kan. Nitzband, William, Black Creek, Wis. ♦Noack, Arthur, Leavenworth, Kan. ♦Noll, William W., Pratt. Kan. Norby. Oscar M.. Bn. Rmmer. Cullison. Kan. Norden, Oscar L., Scandia, Kan. ♦Norris, Charles F., Pratt, Kan. O'Brien, David, Kansas City, Kan. O'Keefe, Arthur, Kansas City, Mo. Opperman, Morris D., Baxter Springs. Kan. ♦Ornsbee, Earl, Smith Center, Kan. Oswald, Frank, Lviray, Kan. Overholts, Edward R., Kansas City, Mo. Papst. Anthony. Bn. Runner, Louisburg, Kan. ^ Parker, Milton, Waterville, Kan. Parr. Lester, Corp., Rossville, Kan. ♦Pattinson, Thomas, Oswego, Kan. ♦Patmor, Alfred R., Lebanon, Kan, ♦Payne, Lewis, Garden City, Kan. ♦Pearson, George W., Cullison, Kan, Peak, Josiah, Erie, Kan. Peltier, Cyril, Clyde, Kan. Perrett, Emil, St. Joseph, Kan. Peterson, John D., Beatrice, Neb. Pilkenton, George R., Hadden, Kan. Pitchford. William T.. Tuscon, Ariz. ♦Plummer, Harry C, Columbus. Kan. ♦Post, David, Bellaire, Kan. 294 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry Pound, Georee L., Sg't., Fravel, Kan. *Pralle, Albert. Kanorado. Kan. *Pratte, Harmon G., Kensing'ton, Kan. Preyer, Ray R., Girard. Kan. Pterka, Edward M., Cuba. Kan. Pyles, Edward, Goodland, Kan. Reed, Earl H., Sg't., Goodland, Kan. Reed, Fred G., Sioux City, Ohio. Reese, John M., Barneveld, Wis. Reiman, Ernest, Sgt.. Byers, Kan. Renberger. Glen H., Sfft., Havensville, Kan. Renolds, Albert W., Ellsworth, Kan. Rayburn, Stephen B., Phoenix, Ariz. •Riddle, Earl A., Galena. Kan. ♦Roach, Joseph, Leavenworth, Kan. Robbins, Mearl E., Belleville, Kan. •Robin, Morris C, Detroit, Mich. Robinson, John L., Ellinwood, Kan. Roberts, Ernest, Pratt, Kan. Rogers, Clarence, Co. Runner, Barnes, Kan. •Rorabaug'h, Ralph L., Bellaire, Kan. •Roskilly, Rollie, Stockton, Kan. Ross, Frank C, Atchison, Kan. Ross, John H., Sgt., Abilene, Kan. Sanisky, Frank, Kansas City, Kan. •Sanford, George W., Isabel, Kan. Schott, Paul, Earlton, Kan. Schmolke, Ernest O., Waynoka, Ok!a. Schulte, Wendel J., Westphalia, Kan. Schurtz, Howard A., Topeka, Kan. Schutt, Harry W., Topeka, Kan. Schwahn, Stanley E., Scandia, Kan. Sehwalen, H. T., Corp., Roberts, Wis. •Schweizer, Charles L., Kickapoo, Kan. •Scott, Charles L., Gaylord, Kan. Scott, Joseph Beele, Plains, Kan. Scott, Dr. J. E., Wichita. Kan. •Seman, Henry, Kensing'ton, Kan. Seubert, Augiist, Marathon City, Wis. Shaffer, Scott A., Corp., Gridley, Kan. Shaughnessy, Joseph J., Madison, Wis. Shedden, Mack F., Meade, Kan. Shedden, Paul, Meade, Kan. •Sheppard, Charles F., Pratt, Kan. Simbach, John P., S. Milwaukee, Wis. Sipp, Fred, Chicago. 111. Sisco, Granville E., Fisk, Mo. Slad, Charles, Chicago, 111. Smith, Ewing M., Neodesha, Kan. Smith, Luther, Center, Kan. Smead, Nevin E., Olathe. Kan. Smith, James W., Goodland, Kan. Smith, Joseph C, Antioch, 111. Smith, Walter C, Maple Hill, Kan. Smith, Wilbur W., Rosedale, Kan. Snair. Arnold, Corp.. Grenola, Kan. Snellin, Elbert H., Fowler, Kan. Speropulum, Theodore C, Madison, Wis. Spencer, John J., Stratford, Wis. Spersrud, Olaf, Staug-hton, Wis. Spurgeon, Claude G., Corp., Montank, Mo. •Sechler, Samuel F., Meade, Kan. Stanley, Fred R., Hoisington, Kan. Stanton, Walter R., Wakeeney, Kan. Stephens, Charles F., Wellington, Kan. Steen, Herman M., Chicago, 111. Stiver, Milo C, Corp., Smith Center, Kan. Stock, Glen, Hoisington, Kan. Stoll, Edward. Greenleaf. Kan. Stoiber, Frank, Marshfield, Wis. •Stone, Fred C, Lebanon. Kan. •Stowers, Ralph W., Galena, Kan. Stuart, William E., Aplis, Kan. Sulzer, Henry, Marathon City, Wis. Susterka, Joseph, Chicago, 111. Swisher, Oliver F., Pratt, Kan. Szelogowski. Stanley, Milwaukee, Wis. •Tefortillery, Herbert, Columbus, Kan. Tesar, Frank, Chicago, 111. •Thayer, Luther, Columbus, Kan. Theel, Ernest, Leavenworth, Kan. •Thomas, Leo R., Baxter Springs, Kan. Torgeraon, Oliver, Wheaton, Minn. Tribby, Arthur J., Bvuiker Hill. Kan. Trinka, Frank, Sgt., Chicago, 111. •Trviax, John R., Coates, Kan. Turley, Tom, Galena, Kan. Tvedt, Elmer T., Mt. Horeb, Kan. Ulrieh. John, Chicago, 111. •Usher, Martin L., Scammon, Kan. Van Ree, Adrian C, Clearlake, Wis. Van Vleck, Mahlon A.. Wamego, Kan. Vasokasky, Prank, Cleveland, Ohio. Vix, Edward, Evanston, 111. Von Freling, William, Cedar, Kan. Voss, Christopher, Bush ton. Kan. Wadleigh, Harold, Phoenix, Ariz. •Wagaman, Robert S., Syracuse, Kan. •Wagner, Henry F., Smith Center, Kan. Wallace, James L., Concordia, Kan. Walter, Aneurin, Chicago, 111. •Walter, John D., Portis, Kan. Warren, Jesse B., Basehor, Kan. •Watson, George A., Mineral. Kan. •Weber. William A., Fowler, Kan. •Weisdorfer, Thomas E., Ellsworth, Kan. Weirick, Samuel H., Topeka, Kan. Welter, John M., Wheaton, 111. West, Arby. Corp., Cherryvale, Kan. Wildmg, Willie, Pittsburg, Kan. •WilUanis, Elbert C, Ellsworth, Kan. •Williams, Leo D., Galena, Kan. •Wilson, Charles R., Merrison, Kan. Wilson, Levi W.. Corp., Ellsworth, Kan. Winsby, Lawrence E , Corp., Ft. Scott, Kan. Witburler, Otto, Marathon City, Wis. Wolf, Lee H., Humbolt, Kan. Wolters, George H., Portis, Kan. •Wolverton, Fred, Barnes, Kan. •Worley, Claiide S., Lebo, Kan. Worner, Lewis, Redwing, Kan. Worner, Fred C, Reg. Runner, Leaven- worth, Kan. Wright, James B., Pittsburg, Kan. Wulf, Alfred J., St. Croix Falls, Wis. Wurst, Joseph, Chicago, 111. York, Charles P.. Pratt, Kan. Youngham, William, St. Marys, Kan. Zamremski, Chester, Milwaukee, Wis. Zelke, Adolph J., Neshkoro, Wis. Zolliver. Alonzo A., Stone Lake Wis. Company I, 353rd Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces N.\iIE LAST KNOWN BA: App, Leo B. 3nd Lievit. Baxter, Albert F. Capt. Davis, John E. 1st. Lieut. Dezendorf, Edward 2nd Lieut. Dorfmeier, Virgil Z. 1st Lieut. Finlayson, Allan 3nd Lieut. Green, E. G. 1st Lieut. Hewitt, James S. 1st Lieut. *Luehtenberg-, Carl O. 2nd Lieut. *Mitcheil, C. N. 1st Lieut. *Prindle, M. E. 2nd Lieut. *Preston, Frank D. 1st Lieut. Riley, Robert S. 2nd Lieut. Roberts, Clair C. 2nd Lieut. Sichterinann, A. J. Capt. *Sims, Ernest A. 2nd Lieut. Smith, Raymond 1st Lieut. Van Frank, Fred H. 2nd Lieut. Wellington, Marcellus B. Major Zipoy, Frank J. 1st Lieut. Albertson, Clarence A., Westbrook, Minn. Alexander, Roy, Pittsburg-, Kan. AUegre, Harold W., Burlingame, Kan. Anderson, Martin N., Cloquet, Minn. 'Anderson, Ingman O., Dwight, Kan. ♦Arthur, Ralph L., Sgt., Atchison, Kan. •Austin, Archibald W., Wayside, Kan. Bahr, William F., Corp., Neenah, Wis. Barnes, John C, Corp., Potter, Kan. Barto, Louis, Oglesby, 111. Bauer, Joe, Topeka, Kan. Baxter, John, Columbia, Tenn. Baxa, Mathew, Agenda, Kan. Bayerlein, Gregor, Milwaukee, Wis. *Beck, Drury J., Satanta, Kan. Bergman, Fred E., Duluth. Minn. *Berquist, Walter M., Burdick, Kan. *Bemhart, Fred, Atchison, Kan. Bevens, Clarence J., Hiawatha, Kan. Berslien, Gilbert O., Erskine, Minn. *Biffinger, George, Atchison, Kan. Black, George F., Corp., Huron, Kan. Blakey, Victor B., Corp., Great Bend, Kan. Blakly, Fred C, Byars, Okla. Blaser, David, Taylor Ridge, 111. Blasier, Herman H., Milwaukee, Wis. *Botkin, Harold V., Logan, Kan. Bouray, Thomas F., Colony, Kan. *Boyce, John, Chicago, 111. Boyd, Harvey D., Deep Water, Mo. *Bradley, Leo H., Atchison, Kan. Bradshaw, Ralph O., Corp., Altoona, Kan. Branch, Marion A., Atchison, Kan. Brenner, Bruce A., Co. Rvinner, Globe, Ariz. Brew, Harry, Wichita, Kan. Brickell, Frank T., Corp., Woodston, Kan. Brough, Leroy I., Great Bend. Kan. Bruce, Charles M., 1st Sgt., McPherson, Kan. •Brundage, Raymond, Kelso, Kan. Bruns, Phillip, Corp., Aplington, Iowa Buck, Frank W., Garfield, Kan. Bullock, Argyle, L. Cook, Sun City, Kan. Bumgarner, Harry, Pittsburg, Kan. Butler, Abner, Stockton, Kan. *Calhoun, James D., Atchison, Kan. Calloway, Asa B., Corp., Newton, Kan. Campbell, Winfield P., Altamont, Kan. Carr, John B., Co. Runner, Council Grove, Kan. Carson, Muriel J., Holly, Colo. Casper, Henry C, Runnymede, Kan. *Charles, Ralph E., Lancaster, Kan. Charles, Ray A., Midco, Minn. Childs, Alonzo C., Sgt., Atchison, Kan. Clare, Eugene, Sgt.. Seattle, Wash. •Claussen. Henry, Dorrance, Kan. *Clawor, Don, Emmett, Kan. Cleary, Leo A., Atchison, Kan. ♦Clements, Thomas J., Harper, Kan. *Closson, George K., Wabash, Ind. Coda, Andrew G., Princeton, Wis. •Colberg, John E., Delevan, Kan. Cole, Loren W., Corp., McPherson, Kan. Comilla, Mathew V., Chicago, 111. *Comstock, Clarence, Atchison, Kan. K ADDRESS 110 Easton Ave., Lynchburg, Va. A. G. C, Washinigton, D. C. Greeley, Colo. Columbus, Ohio 1471 Oak St., Columbus, Ohio N. R. 5637 Van Veison Ave., St. Louis, Mo. Bramwell, W. Va. New York, N. Y. Manhattan, Kan. Beloit, Wis. Cincinnati, Ohio Seneca Hotel, Columbu^s, Ohio Altoona, Penn. e-o Atlas Powder Works, Wilmington, Del. Columbus, Ohio Windsor, 111. Phoenix, Ariz. 450 Equitable Bldg., Denver, Colo. 524 N. 3rd St., E. Grand Forks, Minn. Connor, James W., Cheney, Kan. *Coombs, Harry L., Sgt., Olathe, Kan. Comer, John R., Atchison, Kan. Cornwell, Newton M., Kiowa, Kan. Cottier, Eddie, Allen, S. D. Crabtree, Miley, Vinton, Kan. Crandall, Cecil C, Corp., Hutchinson, Kan. Culkins, George A., Bugler, Plummer, Minn. * Cummins, Owen, Dover, Kan. Curren, Charles A., Aberdeen, S. D. *Curtis, George F., Grenola, Kan. Davenport, Thomas B., Atchison, Kan. Davis, Louis E., St. John, Kan. Davis, Walter, Kansas City, Mo. Dew, Henry V., New Ulysses, Kan. ♦Dietrich, Carl H., Herington, Kan. ♦Dilley, Alva N. Jr., Council Grove, Kan. Dolezal, James, Kanapolis, Kan. Donbarger, Arthur, Lincoln, Kan. *Dorson, George A., Lancaster, Kan. ♦Drislin, Louis A., Corp., Atchison, Kan. Drybread, Prentice, Independence, Kan. Duekett, Herman Bn. Runner, St. Charles, 111. "Duncan, Clyde W., Corp., Atchison, Kan. ♦Dunham, James A., Atchison, Kan. Dunn, Alvin, Bernard, Mo. Dunnigan, Edwin M., Dover, Minn. Echert, Alexander, Corp., Atchiison, Kan. Elliott, Frederick P., Co. Runner, Indianapolis, Ind. Emmert, Jesse L., Bern, Kan. Englehorn, Phillip J., St. Louis, Mo. Erickson, Matt, Byars, Okla. Erwin, Michael E., Eagle City, Okla. ♦Eshom, Frank, Cummingsville, Kan. Evans, Morris, Manhattan, Kan. ♦Evegen, Henry, Hayfield, Minn. Falk, Henry A., Corp., Atchison, Kan. ♦Farley, Albert J., Atchison, Kan. Fellay, Chester E., Madison, Kan. ♦Ferguson, Samuel, Atchison, Kan. Ferra, Fernando B., Tuscon, Ariz. Flagg, Donald A., Lawrence, Kan. ♦Fleming, Arthur G., Sgt., Norton, Kan. Foering, Helmuth K., N. R. Foltman, Michael, Cook, Medford, Wis. Freeland, James P., Corp.. Everest, Kan. ♦Garland, Sylvester G., White City, Kan. Gaston, Charles W., Seneca, Kan. Gehlert, Leroy. Menominee Falls, Wis. Gerety, Nicholas G., Corp., Nortonville, Kan. ♦Gibson, Walter S., Lancaster, Kan. Gigstad, Charles. Sgt., Lancaster, Kan. Gigstad, Harry, Lancaster, Kan. ♦Gilbert, Ottie, Emporia, Kan. Gillaspy, James T., Osage City, Kan. Glass, Robert W., Chapman, Kan. Glass, Wilbur E., Parker, Kan. ♦Golden, Reed H., Sgt., Lawrence, Kan. ♦Graves, Fred D., Atchison, Kan. Griffin, Hiram C, Clay Center, Kan. ♦Guild, Roy B., Auburn. Kan. ♦Gust, Arthur A., Cameiw. Kan. Haefele, Louis A., Seneca, Kan. Hadley, Harold V., Abilene, Kan. 296 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry HagTie, Alfred, St. Paul, Minn. Hall, Albeit, McPherson, Kan. ♦Hamilton, Jacob E., Huron. Kan. Hammel, Edwin J., Clay Center, Kan. ♦Hammer, Earl H., Corp., Council Grove, Kan. ♦Hanley, John W., Kan.sas City, Mo. ♦Hansen, Charles, S. Kaukauna, Wis. Hansen, Columbus C, Phoenix, Ariz. *Hape, Christopher C, Atchison, Kan. Happel, Roy E., Corp., Effing-ham, Kan. Harford, Dalphia, Fredonia, Kan. Harrah, James V., Elkland, Mo. ♦Harrington, Fred, Wameg^o, Kan. ♦ Harring-ton, Ed, Wameg^o, Kan. Hase, George K., Co. Eunner, Kansas City, Kan. Harsh, James A., Abilene, Kan. Haxton, Frank W., Lebanon. Kan. ♦Hayes, Bertie S., Medicine Lodg^e, Kan. ♦Hayes, Harold P., Corp., Atchison, Kan. ♦Healy, Oliver, Sg-f., Pittsburgh, Penn. ♦Heard, Thomas J., Wilson, Kan. ♦Heath, Homer, Bellaire, Kan. Heath, Benjamin F., Butternut, Wis. Helgerson, Oscar, La Crosse, Wis. Hendrix, Robert R., 1st Sgt., Atchison, Kan. ♦Heni-y. James Harrison, Luray, Kan. ♦Hernierick, Chris., Ellsworth, Kan. ♦Herzog, Frank, Atchison, Kan. Hesket, Noble W., Gueda, Springs, Kan. Hess, Andrew C, Corp., Tescott, Kan. Hiebert, Abraham, Marion, Kan. Higganbothani, Earl, Corp., Leroy, Kan. Higgins, Ernest L., Corp., Hutchinson, Kan. ♦Hiidman, James, Lancaster, Kan. Hindenach, Raymond P., Parsons, Kan. Hoggard, James M., Byers, Okla. Holdren, Benj. F., Bn. Pvunner, Hutchinson, Kan. Holland, George C, Kansas City, Kan. Hood, Kytle O.. Apache, Okla. Hook, Hugh L., Sabetha, Kan. Hooper, Earl P., Corp., Atchison, Kan. ♦Hopkins, Thomas, Atchison, Kan. ♦Howard, Forrest C., Savonburg, Kan. ♦Hubbard, Fred, Muscotah, Kan. Huey, Clarence M., Manhattan, Kan. Huff, Elmer L., Corp., Prescott, Kan. ♦Hughes. Elda E., Coimcil Grove, Kan. ♦Hunn, Frank L., Arlington, Kan. Hunsinger, Fritz., Conway, Kan. ♦Ikcrd, Lester Dell, Sgt., Kiowa, Kan. Iniholf, John, Kansas City, Kan. Ingram, Dean H., Corp., Garden City, Kan. ♦Ishom, Frank, Atchison, Kan. Jackson, John E., Corp., Atchison, Kan. Jaynes, Russel L., Havensville. Kan. Johns, Herbert, Prescott, Ariz. Johnson, Ollie, Florasville, Tex. ♦Johnston, Robert N., Lindsborg, Kan. Johnston, George F., Corp., Holcomb, Kan. ♦Jones, Albert, Atchison, Kan. ♦Jones, Bishop A., Liberal, Kan. ♦Jones, Leonidas J., Cummings, Kan. Jordan, Willie A., Bn. Runner, Corp., Cottonwood, Ariz. Justice, Oscar L., MeCune, Kan. ♦Kane, Harry J., Atchison, Kan. Kearney, John H., Sgt., Council Grove, Kan. Keck, Russel P., Sgt., Topeka, Kan. ♦Keller, Adolph A., Valley Falls, Kan. Keller, Martin E., Milwaukee, Wis. Kilts, Arthur E., Jefferson, Wis. Kimbark, Clifford, Corp., Big Rock, 111. ♦Kimple, Phillip S., Kiowa, Kan. ♦King, Clarence R., Garden City, Kan. ♦King, Roy R.. Lakin, Kan. Kinikin, Peri-y E., Corp., Garden City, Kan. Kinne.v. Leslie A., Enterprise. Kan. Kleinschmidt, George A., Fisk, Wis. ♦Knowles, J. Ross, Sgt., Atchison, Kan. ♦Koepsel, Edward F., White City, Kan. Kuhns, Fuller H., St. Paul. Minn. ♦Laird, Otto L., Atchison, Kan. Lamers, Peter J., Appleton, Wis. Landa, Louis, Red Lake Falls, Minn. Larson, John E., Devon, Kan. Leary, Leo F., Barneveld, Wis. ♦Leighton, William F., Atchison, Kan. Leisure, William B., Sgt., Pleasanton, Kan. Lesk, Warren D. L., Atchison, Kan. Lewis, Henr.v H., Sulphur Spings, Tex. ♦Lewis, Ray. Hardtner, Kan. Lane. Ray, Burlington, Kan. ♦Linde, William C, White City, Kan. Lockart, Walter L., Pittsburg, Kan. Lody. Charlie, Poynette. Wis. Lokit, Joseph, Chicago, 111. Lone.v, Alfred R., Dawn, Mo. Lorenz, Joe, Sgt., Atchison, Kan. ♦Lutz, Albert B., Atchison, aKn. ♦Lutz, Herman G., Atchison, Kan. ♦Mackay. Walter, Ransom, Kan. Mader, Willie, Reg. Runner, Medicine Lodge Kan. Mall, Anthone, Sgt., Rosedale, Kan. Malone. Clayton, Sgt.. Liberal. Kan. Marlatt, Harry G.. Sgt.. Alta Vista. Kan. Mayswinkle. Lloyd. Co. Runner, Kansas City, Kan. McClure, Fred, Sup. Sgt., Topeka, Kan. ♦McCormick, William C, Great Bend, Kan. ♦McCourt, John W., Atchison, Kan. MeCracken, Arlow O., Grenola. Kan. MeCrary. Benjamin E., Corp.. Springfield. Minn. McCulley, Jesse J.. Cook, Mound City, Kan. McDaniels, Sylvester E.. Effingham, Kan. McDonald, Aaron E.. Kiowa, Kan. ♦McGrew, Charles B., Salina, Kan. McKee. William H.. Cedarvale. Kan. McLaughlin. Phillip C. Huron. Ariz. McNeely. Thomas A.. Mech.. Bird City. Kan. McRoberts. George. Co. Runner, Silver Lake, Kan. Meador, Clarence, Sgt., Monrovia, Kan. ♦Mellgren, Otto S., Olsburg, Kan. ♦Merril, Charles A., Atchison, Kan. Metz., Barney A., Madison, Kan. ♦Meyer, Albert C, Atchison, Kan. ♦Meyer, Leroy. Bugler. Atchison. Kan. Mickelson. Arthur H.. West La Crosse. Kan. ♦Mieghem, John V.. Swyndriek. Belgium Miller. Otto W.. Sioux Falls. S. D. Mishler. Harry E., Watertown. Wis. ♦Mitchell, Ulysses, Michigan Valley, Kan. Montgomery, John L., Montrose, Kan. Moran, Joseph L., Chicago, 111. Morin, Vincent D., Florence, Ariz. ♦Morris, Henry R., Atchison, Kan. ♦Murray, John, Effingham, Kan. Mulholland, Edwin L., Minneapolis, Minn. Muellenbach, Mike, St. Cloud, Wis. Muninger, Fred E., lola, Kan. ♦Murphey, James, Atchison, Kan. Musich, Martin. Aurora. 111. Nelson. John W.. Lost Springs. Kan. ♦Nelson, Roland, Bugler, Wakarusa, Kan. Nelson, Walter M.. Galva. Kan. Nesmith, Henry W.. Scipo, Okla. Niemann, Lewis C, Nortonville, Kan. Noland. Albert L., Independence, Mo. Norris. Lester. 1st. Sgt.. Waterville. Kan. Oberg. John A.. Corp.. Marquette, Kan. O'Brien, William J., Huron. Ariz. O'Connor, John, Chicago, 111. ♦Olafson, Charles, Burdick, Kan. Oliver, Robert F., 1st. Sgt., Atchison, Kan. Olmstead, Cortes R., Great Falls, Mont. O'Rourke, Arthur E., Bloomer. Wis. Osw^ald, Oliver. Effingham. Kan. ♦Overhaulser. Juda, Belleville, Kan. Padilla, Martin, Springeri'ille, Ariz. Page. A. G.. Hayden. Ariz. Pantle, Charles, Hayden. Ariz. Pasewark. Willard H., Corp., Oak Mills, Kan. Patterson, Alvm E., Superior, Wis. Payne, Earl E.. Sgt.. Garden City. Kan. Perko. Frank. Globe. Ariz. ♦Peterson, Leroy H., Las Vegas. Kan. Peterson, Robert E., Reynolds, 111. Pettit, John W., Fenimore, Wis. Plummer, Lueullus N.. Atchison. Kan. Polkki. Emil. Minahga, Minn. Polzin, Louis H., Waterton, Wis. Porter, Samuel, AtchLson, Kan. Price, Leslie A., Camp Verde, Ariz. Pulver, Fred, Sioux Falls, S. D. ♦Peontak, Carl, Fitchburg, Mass. Ramm, Leon N., Baxter Springs, Kan. ♦Rath. Henry. St. Francis. Kan. ♦Rathgeber. Andrew. Kiowa. Kan. Reed. Ray H.. Lily Lake. 111. Reeves, Jay D., Mech.. Hutchinson. Kan. Company I, American Expeditionary Forces 297 *Reisner, Fred H., Monrovia, Kan. Rine, rialsey A., Washing-ton, D. C. Rippel, Filmore A., Mulvane, Kan. Robb, Elmer E., Atchison, Kan. Robinson, Henry H., Co. Rnnner, Los Angelas, Calif. Rodenbaug-h, Ernest, Almena, Kan. Rodriquez, Manuel, Tuscon, Ariz. Roehl, Mathias, Corp., Hopkins. Minn. Rog-ers, Clyde J., Ellsworth, Kan. *Romick, John H., Muscatoh, Kan Rosengren, Nels, Corp., Lindsborg, Kan. Rouner, Glen L., Luray, Kan. *Rowe, Clyde A., Atchison, Kan. *Rupp, Anthony C, Catherine, Kan. Salazar, Jose B., Springerville. Ariz. Saviers, Harold D., Hayden, Ariz. Schaefer, Charles H., Mess Sgt., Atchison, Kan. Schaefer, Edwin, Atchison, Kan. Schafer, David C, Burr Oak, Kan. Sehepmann, Hermann, Holyrood, Kan. Schmanski, Arthur J., Chicago, 111. *Scholts, George O., Atchison, Kan. Schrader, Ralph R., Corp., Farmington, Kan. *Schreiber, Emil, Atchison, Kan. Schrick, Fred W., Sgt.. Potter. Kan. Schroedar, Joseph, F'edoria, Wis. Schroeder, Otto F., Ellsworth, Kan. Schroeder, George G., Jefferson, Wis. Seitz, Urban J., Jefferson, Wis. Sesma, Antonio A., Phoenix, Ariz. Ses.sions, Edward L., Cherry Creek, Ariz. Sewell, Robert T., Alburquerque, N. M. *Shaw, Charles D., Crawford, Kan. Short, Orin L., Blue Rapids, Kan. Sitz, Albert R., Hayes, Kan. Skabatsky, John W., Florence, Wis. *Skaggs, Herschel, Medicine Lodge, Kan. •Slater, Louis M., Topeka, Kan. * Smith, Charles H., Kanapolis, Kan. Smith, Frank J., Winkelman, Ariz. * Smith, Peter E., Mech., Prairieview, Kan. Smith, L. L., Snowflake, Ariz. Smith, Leslie A., Corp., Sabetha, Kan. Smith, Robert A., Corp., Prescott, Ariz. Snodgrass, Orie, Corp., Effingham, Kan. Souders, Vernon M., Mech., Topeka, Kan. Spantideas, Thomas, Chicago, 111. Sprott, Morris B., Grand Junction, Colo. Stafford, Elmer G., Culver, Kan. Starry, Leslie J., Banieveld, Wis. •Sterba, John, Cuba, Kan. Stevenson, Charles, Gardner. Kan. Stoeeklein, Alexander, G., Mung-o, Kan. Stone, Edward C, Sgt., San Francisco, Calif. *Stumpf, Frank M., Atchison, Kan. Stutz, Charles F., Corp., Monrovia, Kan. Sullivan, Edward, Atchison, Kan. Suter; Jacob R., Sgt., Cawker City, Kan. Swaih, Alexander A., Corp., Prescott, Ariz. *Tabor, Charles Lee, Atchison, Kan. Tappan, Charles F., Florence, Ariz. Teare, Daniel, Corp., Farthington, Kan. Tesehner, William C, Chicago, 111. Thoman, Roy S., Mech., Bunker Hill, Kan. *Thomas, George S., RiTshville. Mo. Thomas, Anthony. Faribault, Minn. Thompson, Michael, Scandia, Kan. Thornton, Vern L., Centralia, Kan. Thunsee, Mathias, Wingar, Minn. Tomanek, Frank F., Reg. Runner, Gove, Kan. Tumbull, Willie, Mech., Stockton, Kan. Urrutia, Jose, Prescott, Ariz. Vanier, Milton B., Chicago, 111. *Vandiver, Charles, Atchison, Kan. *Vaughn. James R., Kiowa, Kan. *Vemette, Raymond E., Sgt., Atchison, Kan. *Viles, Alson L., Muscotah, Kan. •Vlazny, Joseph W., Lamos, Mo. Wade, Fred E., Sabetha, Kan. * Walker, Isaac B., Home City, Kan. *Walkup, Ralph B., 1st Sgt., Joplin, Mo. Wallenkamp, Harry J., Highland, Wis. Wang, Hans, Superior, Wis. * Warren, John, Winfield, Kan. Watson. James M., Shannon. Kan. •Weaver, Arley J., Beloit, Kan. ♦Weber, Leroy L., Westmoreland, Kan. Weline, Edwin C, Mason, Wis. Whitehead, Ralph W., Bn. Runner, Mound City, Kan. •Wilson, Estel W., Huron, Kan. Wolf, Joe N., Mungo, Kan. •Wulf, John C, White City, Kan. Yakaitis, John, North Chicago, 111. Yomig, Arthur B., Cook, Atchison, Kan. Young, Bernard L., Sgt., O'Neill, Nebr. Company K, 353rd Infanthy, American Expeditionary Forces NAME Bowler. John F. Chase, Erskui H. Ci'oIlu, John L. Davis, Charles O. Furlong. Harold A. Glaser, Hug:o W. *Gunb.v, Fred W. ♦Gowenlock, Thomas R. Hewitt, James S. Humphrey, James V. Husted, Elbert E. •Jones, Orris R. 'Johnson, Sebastian K. Messerole. George V. Jr, McDonald. Allen C. *Morg:an, Francis M, *Norvell, Clyde O. Nixon, James G. *Parrish, Robert E. Piatt, William P. Pine, Harry W. *Reiman, Russell A. Smitli, Francis T. *Starne, Paul L. Temple, William O. *Wheat, Alonzo E. Wilson, Henry W. LAST KNOWN RANK ADDRESS 2nd Lieut. Springrfield, Mass. 1st Lieut. 2215 Washingrton St., Toledo, Ohio Capt. Kansas City, Mo. 1st Lieut. 2608 Benton Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 1st Lieut. 2950 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Mich. 2ncl Lieut. Brooklyn. N. Y. 1st Lieut. Chillicothe. Mo. Major Lytton Bid?., Chicag-o, 111. 1st Lieut. Bramwell, W. Va. 2nd Lieut. 434 W. 3rd St., Junction City, Kan. Capt. Atchison, Kan. 2nd Lieut. Xenia, Ohio 2nd Lieut. Columbus, Ohio 1st Lieut. Palace Hotel, Long- Beach, Calif. 2nd Lieut. Bellows Falls, Vermont 1st Lieut. Ravenswood, W. Va. 2nd Lieut. Denver, Colo. 1st Lieut. Pottsville, Pa. 1st Lieut. Columbus, Ohio Capt. Junction City, Kan. 1st Lieut. .302 N. Border Drive, Bogalusa, La. 1st Lieut. Quinby Ave., Wooster, Ohio 2nd Lieut. Newark, New Jersey Major Springfield. 111. 1st Lieut. 928 Detroit St.. Denver, Colo. Capt. Wheeling, W. Va. Major Belief ontaine, Ohio Abdo, William C, Mankato, Kan. Adams, Harry J., 1st Sgt.. New Orleans, La. Adams, John C, Easton, Kan. Adamson, Harold W., Chicago. 111. Adamson, Max, Mess Sgt., Wetmore, Kan. Aeby, John A., Ransom. Kan. ♦Allison, Clarence E., Oswego, Kan. Anderson, John R., Glenwood, Iowa Andruizzo, Tony, Chicago, 111. *Balich, Fred, Par.sons, Kan. *Banis. George E., Hays, Kan. *Barrand, Lawrence W.. Leona, Kan. ♦Barton, Harvey L., Ellsworth. Kan. ♦Beard, Orley E., Mound Valley, Kan. Beasley, Edmund A., Parsons, Kan. ♦Beck, James F., Elk City, Kan. ♦Behler, Simon, Severance, Kan. Benson, Earl, Phoenix, Ariz. ♦Berg, Joseph W.. Altamont. Kan. Bergholz, Arthur, London, Wis. Berendts, Herman A.. Shiocton, Wis. Bernadisuz, Charles, Chicago, 111. ♦Billingsly, George F., Oswego, Kan. Bingle, Phillip, Minneapolis, Kan. Black, John W., Sup. Sgt.. Severance, Kan. Blevins, Jordan D.. Highland. Kan. ♦Boatroght, William L., Denton, Kan. Bohan, John E., London. Wis. ♦Boeh, Rudolph M., Wathena, Kan. Boner, Med G., N. Kaukauna. Wis. Bracken, Vincent J., Leona, Kan. Brandt, Joseph P., N. Kaukauna. Wis. ♦Borckmiller, George J., Westfield, Wis. ♦Broecky, Frank, Holyrood. Kan. Brown, Frank W., Ripon, Wis. Brown. Frank, Benton, Tex. ♦Brownlee, Kenneth W., Troy, Kan. Bruce, Marshall, Sgt., Amerieus, Kan. Bullard, Herman O., Leavenworth, Kan. ♦Bumgamer, Ralph, Council Grove, Kan. ♦Burke, Cornelius L., Denton, Kan. ♦Bums, George, Severance. Kan. Burt, Joseph S., Thayer, Kan. Burton, Bert, Bear Creek. Wis. Campbell, Harry M., Leavenworth, Kan. ♦Carter, William R., Iowa Point, Kan. Gary, Walter E.. Sgt., Edna, Kan. ♦Casper, Peter, Wilson, Kan. Gates, William R., Great Bend, Kan. Cave, Howard G., Sgt., Parsons. Kan. Chismar, John, Leavenworth. Kaai. Chaney, William R.. Dennis. Kan. Clark, Harvey R., Dennis, Kan. Clary. Charles, I., Troy, Kan. Cole, Amos G., Athol, Kan. Cole, Frank L., Cherryvale. Kan. ♦Collins, Clay, Wathena, Kan. ♦Condit, George, Troy, Kan. Cone, William H., Sgt., Pearl, Idaho Cook, George W., Barnard, Kan. Cornelius. Henry C, Dunlap. Kan. ♦Coy. Horace E.. Severance, Kan. Creamer, John, Chanute, Kan. Crotty. John, Chicago, 111. Crownley, William, Oberlin, Kan. Crown. Solomon L., Agra, Kan. Danford. Howard M., Kansas City, Mo. Dannevik, John M., Sgt., Troy, Kan. ♦Darr, Harry, Wathena, Kan. ♦Davies, George H., Troy, Kan. ♦Davis, Ben Joe, Leona, Kan. Davis, Richard J.. Stratton. Colo. Daye. Elmer L.. Westfield. Wis. ♦Dean. Frank, Edmond. Kan. Deibert, George, San Pedro. Calif. Delker, Henry W., Chapman, Kan. ♦De Long, William E., Coiuicil Grove, Kan. Delzeit. Edward N., Denton, Kan. ♦Denton, Benjamin H., Denton. Kan. ♦Devault. Clyde, Highland, Kan. Dilliner, Andrew J., Caney, Kan. Dobberstein, Henry F., Buffalo Lake. Minn. ♦Dobbs Henry A., Parsons, Kan. Doolittle, Benjamin F., Parsons, Kan. ♦Doro, Henry C, Troy, Kan. ♦Dorst. Clarence G., Salina. Kan. Doyle, Joseph E., S. St. Cloud. Minn. ♦Dunlap, George E.. Hope. Kan. ♦Eaton, Emile J., Severance, Kan. ♦Ebeling, Loviis J., Leona, Kan. Elbing, George L., Sgt., Leona, Kan. ♦Elmore, Frederick L.. Parsons, Kan. Elpers, Clem, Goddard. Kan Engberg, David E., White City, Kan. Engle, Amos F.. Esbon. Kan. ♦Englesman, John, Severance, Kan. Epperson, Donald F., Esbon, Kan. ♦Evans, Newton E., Sgt., Amerieus, Kan. Fagan. Joseph J., Newton. Kan. ♦Fahey, James E., Troy, Kan. ♦Falk. Fred W. C, Herington, Kan. Falloon, Frank J., N. Minneapolis, Minn. Farmer. Frajik C. Wichita. Kan. Faust, Englebert, Mech., Cross Plains, Wis. Feinstein, Nuta. Chicago, 111. Fenley, Franklin W., Sgt., Troy, Kan. Ferguson, Frank, Grenola, Kan. Fiederling, Harry, Kansas City, Kan. Pinueane, Daniel J.. Troy, Kan. Fisher, John L., Corp., Frontenac, Kan. Fitzgibbon, Tliomas E., Corp., Oswego, Kan. Fitzpatrick, James, S. Minneapolis, Minn. ♦Flatt. Francis. Creelsboro, Ky. ♦Fleek, Lawrence, Wathena, Kan. Flygarre, Harry C, Lafayette, Minn. Flynn, James P., Corp., Chicopee, Kan. Company K, American Expeditionary Forces 299 Foley, Emmett H., Sgt., Bendena, Kan. •Foster, Burl P., Chetopa, Kan. Foutz, Ellis H., Hudson, Kan. French, Leo M., Flint, Mich. Funk. Ralph E., Bug-ler, Miltonvale, Kan. Galloup, Lloyd, H., Lincoln Center. Kan. Garcia, Esaias, Bug-ler, Raton, N. Y. Garrett, Frederick, Bonner Spring's, Kan. *Gazacki, Frank, Manasha. Wis. *Gildersleeve, Quincy V., Severance, Kan. Gilmore, William B., Hig-hland, Kan. *Gitchel, Charles, Woodruff, Kan. Glantz, Jacob, La Crosse, Kan. Glascow, Lloyd M., Corwin, Kan. Gonnigrer, John L., Col. Sg-t.. Pureell, Kan. Goralski, Albert, Chieag^o, 111. *Gottsehalk, Otto, Hope, Kan. Grant, Zachary A., Burling-ton, Kan. Gray, Charles, Sheridan, Wyo. Gray, Robert, Wichita, Kan. Graves, Ray H., Norton, Kan. Gravensen, Fred, Chicago, 111. Gravensen, Peter, Chicago, 111. Gregg, Albert B., Utica, Kan. *Gregg', Leroy L., Utica, Kan. *Greub, Emil W., Wathena, Kan. Griesemer, Emanuel, Watonga, Okla. *Grooms, Duley S.. Collyer, Kan. ♦Gimter, Scott, Bartlett, Kan. Guth, Edward E., Corp., Carrollton, Mo. Guenther, George J., Decatur, Kan. Gelling's, Henry C, Atchison. Kan. Gregory, Jacob A., Oxford, Nebr. (Deceased) *Habbart, Joseph H., Wilson, Kan. *Hackler, Lloyd, Parsons ,Kan. *Halling, August W., Leona, Kan. Hammill, Arthur C, N. E. Minneapolis, Minn. *Handlin, William B., Geneseo, Kan. ♦Hancock, Walter D., Severance, Kan. Haney, David F.. Westfield. Wis. Harmon, Virgil E., Couch, Mo. 'Harness, Jess J., Iowa Point. Kan. Hart, Wilbur, B., Letart, W. "Va. Haskin, Elmer J., Hopkins, Minn. *Haugh, Lee S., Gretna, Kan. Hayes, Fred E., Little Rock, Ark. Heatlierins-ton, lola M., Jenning-s, Kan. *Heathman, Frederick L., Ellsworth, Kan. Heck, Waller R., Corp., Ft. Scott, Kan. Hedgegard, William, Chicago, 111. Heeney, Barney J., Sgt., Leona. Kan. Helms, Harvey E., Prescott, Kan. Helweg', Hugo W., Shiner. Tex. Hendry, Vernon M., East King, Ariz. ♦Herring, Bruce H., Sparks, Kan. Hessong, Orvan M., Mapleton, Kan. Hill, Carl P., Ft. Scott, Kan. ♦Hill, Harrison, Beloit, Kan. ♦Hichcock, Stanley, Highland, Kan. Hickey, Fred R., Corp., Washburn, Mo. Hilderbrand, Harvey S., Corp., Everest, Kan. ♦Hird, Lee Roy, Solomon, Kan. ♦Hoppas, Charles T., Parsons. Kan. ♦Hopkins, Joseph H., Parsons, Kan. ♦Hopkinson, Arthur A., Ellsworth, Kan. ♦Howell, John S., Labette City, Kan. ♦Howes, Emmerson R., Wilson, Kan. Howard, Erwin, Delton, Va. Howard, Richard, Manheim. Pa. ♦Hucke, Fred H., Mound Valley, Kan. ♦Hucke, John F., Mound Valley, Kan. Hudson, Leonard M., Kanapolis, Kan. Hvidson, William C, Berrien Center, Mich. Hvmtress, Harold, Delaven, Wis. Ible, Thomas, Alberquerque, N. M. ♦Ingram, George H., Corp., Chattanooga, Tenn. ♦Jacobs, Clarence B., Marysville, Kan. Jennings, Chai'les R., Chicago, 111. Jeschke, Walter, Melrose Park, 111. Johnson, Samuel A., Sgt., Troy, Kan. Johnson, Nelson R.. Hvmibolt. Ariz. ♦Johnson, Charles, Kanopolis, Kan. Johnson, Harold, Mech., Mellen, Wis. Johnsten, Paul B., Delphos, Kan. ♦Joles, George W., Hartford, Kan. Joyce, Alonzo, N. R. ♦Judd, Seth V., Wathena, Kan. Kalupy. Stanish, Princeton, Wis. ♦Keek, Carl, Blair, Kan. ♦Keck, Hermit, Eldorado, Kan. Keele, Everett, Eldorado Springs, Mo. Keiffer, Daniel F., Hope, Kan. Keller, Sylvester G., White Cloud, Kan, ♦Kesselhut, Robert, Tro.v, Kan. Kiesow, Henry A., Horieon, Wis. King, Frank, "Virgil, Kan. ♦Kinter, Frank E., Speed, Kan. Kline, Harry R., Abilene, Kan. Klover, John, Mech., Abilene, Kan. Kluth, Henry T., Freeport, 111. ♦Koehler, Gustav P., Troy, Kan. ♦Korby, Henry, Munjor, Kan. Kotris, James, Chicago, 111. ♦Kuhnert, Henry T.. Troy, Kan. Lamm, Charles L., Sgt., Dougthat, Okla. ♦Landrath, Frank L., Oswego, Kan. ♦Langerman, Edward N., Wilson, Kan. Larson, Emil, Sgt., Elmore, Kan. Larson, Peter, Milwaukee, Wis. Laurie, Rocco M., Chicago, 111. ♦Lee, Howard, Parsons, Kan. ♦Lee, Thomas, Wathena, Kan. Leikman, Peter, Katherine, Kan. Leiker, Jacob F., Corp., Hays, Kan. Leitner, William, Corp., Traer, Kan. Lewin, Leo L., Mech., Stockton, Kan. Lewis, Ralph C, Colony, Kan. ♦Lewis, Joseph W., Leona, Kan. ♦Link, Wendell A., Sgt., Emporia, Kan. Lintner, Robert C, Humboldt, Kan. ♦Livingston, Charles R., Edna, Kan. Loftin, Ora, Sweden, Mo. Lojigbine, Harry J.. Hope, Kan. Lorig, Julius E., Oberlin, Kan. ♦Lubbers, Ike R., Altamont, Kan. ♦Luman, Arthur B., Parsons, Kan. Lungstrom, Harry L., Enterprise, Kan. ♦Luthi, Alfred, Detroit, Kan. ♦Mahieu, Arthur P., Fowler. Kan. Maine, Samuel A., Corp., Winfield, Kan. Manthie, Albert W., S. Minneapolis, Minn. ♦Martin, Charles F., Troy, Kan. ♦Marolf, George F., Wathena, Kan. ♦Matosh, Frank J., Holyrood, Kan. Matson, Andrew O., Clay Center, Kan. ♦Maxwell, Charles, Chetopa, Kan. May, Harry C, Osage City, Kan. McBee, Stephen, Troy, Kan. McClain, Walter A., Lawrence, Kan. ♦McClelland, Howard, Troy, Kan. ♦McConnaughey, Frank, Troy, Kan. McCoy, Charles G., Sgt., Ellsworth, Kan. ♦McCune, Charles H., Severance, Kan. McDyson, Albert, Plains, Kan. McGinley. William A., Colby, Kan. ♦McLaughlin, Charles L., Meeh., Kirwin, Kan. McKay, Willie, Lawrence, Kan. ♦McMains, Irvin E., Corp., Winfield, Kan, Mears, Augustus, Lawrence, Kan. ♦Meers, Cyrus W., Troy, Kan. Medsker, Frank L., Sgt., Troy, Kan. Metropulos, Peter G., Crystal Lake, 111. Meyer, Leo A., Grays Lake, 111. Miles, Clarence W., Chetopa, Kan. Miller, Arthur W., Wetmore, Kan. Miller, Benjamin J., Phoenix, Ariz. ♦Miller, Harry, Corp., Holyrood, Kan. Mills, Percival, Hazel Green, Wis. Minko, Mike, Baview Hotel, Washburn, Wis. ♦Mlynar, Louis, Ellsworth, Kan. Moberly, Claude E., Calumet, Okla. Moffett. Leslie, Corp., Lime Ridge, Wis. ♦Mollenkopf, Otto, Bugler, Cawker City, Kan. Molloy, Timothy B., Corp., Troy, Kan. Mooney, Edward J., Corp., New York, N. Y. Moore, Jonathan B., Smith Center, Kan. ♦Moot, Clyde P., Sgt., Abilene. Kan. Morganstern, William, Otis, Kan. ♦Morris, Elmer, Troy, Kan. Morrow, Ralph C, Corp., Smith Center, Kan. Morton, Harley, Avaea, Ark. ♦Moser, Harry H. J., Severance, Kan. ♦Mornning, Fred W., Leona, Kan. Mundale, Harold O., S. Minneapolis, Mmn. ♦Munion, Chester I., Sgt., Fort Scott, Kan. (Deceased) ♦Murray, William A. B., Holyrood, Kan. Murphy, James B., Corp., Troy, Kan. ♦Murphy, Claude L., Colby, Kan. ♦Myers, John P., Parsons, Kan. Nahrung, Carl H.. Corp., Topeka, Kan. ♦Nail, Jesse J., N. R. 300 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry Nation, William R., Shaw, Kan. Neel. Ward L., Higrhland. Kan. *Neibling-, Paul L., Hig-liland, Kan. Neitzel. Augaist C, Tiedville, 111. * Newton, Albert T., Sparks, Kan. *Nicechawander, Victor H., Hoxie, Kan. •Nicholas, Samuel R., Bartlett, Kan. * Nickel, Adam, Bartlett. Kan. * Nixon, Frederick H., Troy, Kan. Nork, Carl, Chicag-o. 111. *Nutt, Willie H., McCune, Kan. Noyes, Robert F., Sgrt., Troy, Kan. *Oesterreich, Milton E., Woodbine. Kan. *Ohlman. Carl F., Lost Spring's, Kan. Olson. Ole, Bayfield, Wis. O'Toole, Michael F., Corp., Norton, Kan. *Palmer, Edward, Wathena, Kan. Palmer, Paul. Salt Lake, City, Utah Park, Carl, Elmdale. Kan. *Pekarek, Otto C, Wilson, Kan. Percival, Harry F., Bug'ler, Chanute, Kan. Peterson, Axel H., Mech., West Duluth, Minn. Peterson, Lloyd, Council Grove, Kan. *Pinfold, Georgre S., Wathena, Kan. Piatt, Earl E., Elma, Mich. Podlaszowski, Stephen, Milwaukee, Wis. *Pollard, Earl E., Elma, Mich. Poloni, Joe, Miami. Ariz. *Poirier, Constant J., Sgt., Wathena, Kan. Portella, Joseph D., Phoenix, Ariz. *Poole, Marion, Corp., Howard, Kan. ♦Power, Ben T., N. R. Poyzer, William C, Emporia, Kan. *Quathahamer, Geard J.. Parsons, Kan. Rabinovitz, David, Chicago, 111. Rajewski, Joseph, Victoria, Kan. *Ramseier, Everett, Wathena. Kan. Rasmussen. Christian C, Fountain, Minn. Reali, Fred. Blue Island, 111. Reed, Ralph, Corp., Hays, Kan. Reed, James E., Gresham, Wis. *Re&an, Martin J., Corp., Cherryvale, Kan. Regler, Dave E., Galva, Kan. *Reil, Joseph, Wathena, Kan. Reindahl, Ole, Sloughton, Wis. Rheniiuist, Paul A., Chicag-o, 111. Rhodes, James P., Corp., Humbolt, Kan. Rice, Lennie E., Smith Center, Kan. Richardson, Walter H., Arkansas City, Kan. 'Richardson, John F.. Parsons, Kan. Rinehart, Darwin W., Columbus. Kan. Ramsey, Ralph P., 2nd Lieut., Solomon, Kan. Robeson, Charles H., Centralia, Kan. Robinson, William B., Utica, Kan. Robson, Charles F., Mayette, Kan. Rodecap, George, Meridan, Kan. Rose, Felix J.. Chicag-o, 111. Ross, Cella, Boycourt, Kan. Ross, Edward I., Corp., Hays, Kan. *Ross, Roy E., Long Island, Kan. Rouehukis, Nick G., Stevens Point, Wis. Roy, Venion W., Corp., Osborne, Kan. * Ruddy, James J., Troy, Kan. Ruder, Peter J., Corp., Schoench, Kan. Russell, Clifford, Ellis, Kan. Russell, Ernest C, Galena. Kan. ♦Roberts, Hug-h, Parsons, Kan. *Sallee, Joseph E., Wathena, Kan. Salz, Heni-y P., Leonore. 111. Salzgeber, John, Watertown, Wis. •Sampson, Thomas C, Moray. Kan. *Sartain, Albert H., Leroy, Kan. *Schmidtke, Otto C, Troy, Kan. *Scholz, Heni-y, Doniphan, Kan. Schegel, Edward, Otis. Kan. *Schaich, Robert H., Talmadg-e, Kan. Sehrader, Otto A., Ellsworth, Kan, Schipper, Jacob, Fulton, Kan. Schumann, Roy V., Phoenix, Ariz. Schweiger, George J., Hagen, Wis. Schmidt, George, Topeka, Kan. *Scott, Leonard C, Dennis, Kan. Scott, Fred, Haven, Kan. ♦Sechler, Hugh M., Leona, Kan. Selbo, Rueben P., Corp., La Crosse, Wis. Selvig-, Odin A., Rushford, Minn. ♦SeVart, Daniel E., Wathena, Kan. ♦Shaffer, Joseph P., Parsons, Kan. Shipman, James L., Howard, Kan. Short, Clyde, Chetopa, Kan. Short, Walter H., Long Island, Kan. Shupe, James D., Sgt., Troy, Kan. *Sig-rist, Henry, Wathena. Kan. Signn, Harry, St. Paul, Minn. Sing-er, Ora F., Corp., Mankato, Kan. Sloan, Fred, Sedalia, Kan. *Skalicky, Ernest, Holyrood. Kan. Smith, Orin G., Sgrt.. Troy, Kan. Snmowberg-er, Tully, Corp., Parsons, Kan. *Sompson, Raymond E., Sparks, Kan. Solvie, Eriek J., Cyrus, Minn. Sorenson, Einer, Franksville. Ark. Sparks, Walter L., Sparks, Kan. Spurg-eon, Willia A., Baltimore, Md. Stark, Fred W., Harrison, Ark. Stark, Robert H., Sgt., Moline, Kai-i. ♦Startz, Joseph, Cherryvale, Kan. ♦Stephen, Harry, Pittsburg, 111. Stathes, Paul A., Minneapolis, Minn. Stelmach, Frank, La Salle, 111. Stevens, Harry, Hutchinson, Kan. Steinford, Herman, Baraboo, Wis. Steinbaeh, Benjamin P., Parie du Chein, Wis. Stiehl, Herman, Milwaukee, Wis. ♦Stimson, Clarence W., Chetopa, Kan. ♦Stoppel, David J., Black Wolf, Kan. ♦Streator, Floyd D., Denton, Kan. ♦Strong, Henry D., Sparks, Kan. Struber, Henry G., Palmer, Kan. Stromberg, Carl O., Minneapolis, Minn. Sucliy, Jerry P., Rush Center. Kan. ♦Sumner, Tom, Hill City, Kan. ♦Sutton, Jesse, Troy, Kan. Swanson, Fred R., Hancock, Minn. Swigg-um, Melvin A., Soldiers Grove, Wis. Swartz, Frank, Flagstaff, Ariz. Talberg, Roy L., Ramey Minn. ♦Teufler, Frank, Severance, Kan. Theoharis, Anargeros, Chicago, 111. Theusch, Phillip J., Madison. Minn. Thompson, Frank A., Quenemo, Kan. ♦Thornton, Claude, Troy, Kan. ♦Topic. Joseph S., Cedar Rapids, Iowa Tressler, Maynard, Blue Earth, Minn. * Trier weiller, Joseph, Tipton, Kan. ♦Ulrickson, Frank L., Camerio. Kan. Underwood, Richard J., Sgt., Lawrence, Kan. ♦Viellieu, Frank, New Richmond. Wis. Vincent, Carl, Burlington, Kan. ♦Vogts. Herman, Movmdridge, Kan. ♦Voshell, Milo M., 1st Liexit., Wellington, Kan. Walker, Charles W., Corp., Ellsworth, Kan. Wanchekauskas, Carl, Chicago, 111. Ward, Lee P., Chanute, Kan. ♦Washabaugh, Ralph V., Parsons, Kan. Waterman, Bert L., Cuba, Kan. Wehus, Ole, Pulton. Minn. Weigand, Alex H., La Crosse. Kan. ♦Welch, Lester R., Cherryvale, Kan. Westwood, George, Wheaton, 111. Wethal, Oscar N., Brooklyn, Wis. Whiting, Clarence M., Lena, Wis. Whitmer, Elmer, Mankato, Kan. Whitney, Oliver, Corp., Wathena, Kan. Whitlaw, Walter T., Corp., Junction City, Kan. Williams, James A., Corp., Carrolton, Pa. Williams, Edson G., Koronada, Kan. Williams, Prank W., Bucyrus. Kan. Williamson, Leonard, Corp., Rolla, Kan. Willegal, Andrew A., Montecello, Wis. Wilks, William B., Corp., Cherryvale, Kan. ♦Winfrey, John E., Wathena. Kan. Winter. Christian C.. Elizabeth. 111. ♦Wineinger, Kenneth O., White Cloud. Kan. Winn, Waldo J., Burlington, Kan. ♦Wright, Aaron A., Hays, Kan. ♦Wright, George D., Parsons. Kan. Wyekoff, Lester R.. Minneapolis, Minn. Yagnbian, Aaron, Los Angeles, Calif. York. Rickard J., N. R. Young, Clark E., Corp., Sterling. Kan. Zaborki, Stanley B.. St. Paul. Minn. Zagone, James, Chicago, 111. ♦Zander, Edward. Superior, Wis. Ziek, Leonard C, Oshkosh, Wis. ♦Ziebell, Charles, Herington, Kan. Zimmerman, Raymond L., Sgt., Chicago, 111. Company L, 353rd Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces NAME Beaman, Walter L. Bodie, Davis P . Christoph, Charles D. Cooper, William S. *D' Amour, Fred E. Gallenkamp, Charles O. Gardner, Ward A. Harris, John W. *McCave, Mark M. ♦Morrison, William B. ♦Prindle, Marshall E. Reese, Thomas M. ♦Reynolds, Leonard T. Rice, Leonard M. Schutt, Robert K. *Sinnatt, Lawrence J. Smith, Royal H. G. ♦Tenant, Alvin J. Tubbs, Lon F. Underhill, Robert M. Webster, Thomas M. LAST KNOWN RANK ADDRESS Capt. Gardner, Mass. 3nd Lieut. Cabot, Ark. 1st Lieut. Frederickstown, Mo. 2nd Lieut. 193 6th St., Ambridg'e, Pa. 2nd Lieut. Colorado Spring's, Colo. 1st Lieut. Webster Grove, Mo. 1st Lieut. Greenleaf, Kan. 2nd Lieut. Madison Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 2nd Lieut. Salem, Oregon. 2nd Lieut. Sutton, W. Va. 2nd Lieut. Glendaie. Calif. Capt. Mineral Ridge, Ohio 1st Lieut. Oberlin, Ohio 1st Lieut. 3001 Wash. Blvd., Chicago, 111. Major 4350 "Von Verson Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 1st Lieut. Cleveland, Ohio 1st Lieut. Gorham, Maine 2nd LieiTt. Cleveland, Ohio 2nd Lieut. Independence, Wis. 1st Lieut. Long Branch. N. J. 1st Lievit. Amer. Car & Foundry Co., New York, N. Y. Acker, Franklin D., Watertown, S. D. Acker, Joseph N., Watertown, S. D. Adamson, Alexander, Prontenac, Kan. Alfred, Eugene D., Leavenworth, Kan. Allen, Alfred C, Sherman, Tex. Alley, James F., Leoti, Kan. Anderson, Andrew J., Rockford, 111. Anderson, John A., Wichita. Kan. Arnold, Solomon S., Frankfort, Kan. Askinhurst. Guy O., Ionia. Kan. Atencio, Alberto, Sgt., Fort Garland, Colo. *Atwood, Charles H., Sgt., Fall River, Kan. Aust, John, Brush, Colo. Barkoff, Roy, Brush. Colo. Barnes, Roy D., Earlton, Kan. *Baty, Lee, Parsons, Kan. Baxter, Fred M., Corp., Stockton, Kan. Baxter, Roland, Geraldme, New Zealand Beck, Kunt M., Stanley, Minn. Beck, Claud A., Rockford, 111. Becker, Floyd, Minneapolis, Minn. Bell, Robert A., Chetopa, Kan. Beltz, David F., Hutchinson. Kan. *Berry, George A., Kansas City, Kan. *Berry Roy C, Severly, Kan. Billings, Dean R., Maplehill, Kan. Billings, George E., Chen-yvale, Kan. Binggeli, Albert, Oketo, Kan. *Bird, Chester A., Stockton, Kan. Bishop, Raymond P., Parsons, Kan. *Bitsko, Michael K., Mo\md Valley, Kan. Blackman, Elgie R., Millsville, Wis. Block, Edward L., Milwaukee, Wis. Blom, Gustave, Chicago, 111. Bogart, William, Genoa Junction, Wis. *Bohn, Emest C, Chetopa, Kan. * Holey, James, Lorance, Kan. Boltz, Harry, Manistique, Mich. Bostom, Van, Parsons, Kan. Bradstreet, Richard D., Dighton, Kan. Braidwood, Thomas A., Weir City, Kan. Bredine, Lester F., Mound Valley, Kan. Brenneis, Carl E., Hanover, Kan. Breit, Joe M., Hays Kan. Brewer, Charles C, Denver, Colo. Brooke, Vere B., Perkins, Okla. Brown, George W., Aurora, 111. Brown, Merritt L., Codell, Kan. Brown, William A., Bezttie, Kan. Brulez, Charley, Olathe, Kan. Brummer, William, Wadena, Minn. Buckley, Daniel F., Norton, Kan. ♦Bunnell, John G., Elodrado, Kan. Brumster, William C, Parsons, Kan. Buskirk, John R., Eldorado, Kan. Butler, Frank A.. Jackson. Wis. Byrum, Dow L., Corp., Aleda, Kan. Cabutto, Gaspare, Tuscon, Ariz. ♦Caldwell, Bernard W., Axtell. Kan. ♦Cann, James A., Wellington, Kan. ♦Carlson, Arthur W., Corp., Minneapolis, Minn. ♦Carlson, Carl, Chicago, 111. Catt, Marion E., Sgt., Valley Falls, Kan. Cattin, Marcel E., Lake Geneva, Wis. Chanko, August, Denver Colo. ♦Chapman, Robert A., Mound Valley, Kan. ♦Chlopek, Ladislaus F., Chetopa, Kan. ♦Christie, Harry, Dighton. Kan. Chrzanoske, Pete, Kansas City, Kan. ♦demons, Ray, New Auburn, Wis. Clark, Nicholas W., Corp., Mound Valley, Kan. ♦Clark, Ralph E., Eskridge, Kan. Clary, William, Troy, Kan. Cohen, Samuel, Corp., Quincy, Kan. ♦Collins, Fred L., Corp., N. R. ♦Conrad, Louis C, Natoma, Kan. ♦Conrad, Paul E., Bloomer, Wis. Copelanman. Jacob, Kansas City, Mo. Corriston, Frank, Kansas City, Kan. ♦Courtney, Jacob M., Eldorado, Kan. Covert, Dean F., Sgt., Cheyenne, Wyo. ♦Cowdrey, John A., Maplehill, Kan. ♦Criqui, Anthony A., Olivet, Kan. Culbertson, Carey H., Corp., Dighton, Kan. Damerson, James D., St. Louis, Mo. ♦Daniel, Horace S., Parsons, Kan. ♦David, Orla G., Valeda, Kan. Davidson, Chester A., Bazine, Kan. *Davis, Chester, Corp., Augusta, Kan. Dean, Jay H., Sgt., Oswego, Kan. Deehant, Francis J., Corp., Cutoreieus, Kan. Degenhardt, Jacob, Munjor, Kan. ♦DeJaeger, Manchur, Kewanee, 111. DePriest, Plummer W., Marshall. Ark. ♦DeMars, Charles E., Chippewa Falls, Wis. Demming, Homer M., Corp., Rosedale, Kan. Dempsey, John F., Kansas City, Kan. Denney, Bertran C, Kansas City, Mo. ♦Dennis, William F., Luther, Okla. Dearange, Eugenio, Lake Bluff. 111. ♦Dicker, Fred, Waterville, Kan. ♦Diehl, William, Alma, Kan. ♦Diettman, Joseph, Alma, Kan. ♦Dignin, Michael G., Sgt., Humbird, Wis. Dodds, Loren A., Parsons, Kan. Dole, Algar H., Sgt., Gueda Springs, Kan. ♦Domme, Kaspar, Victoria, Kan. Donovan, Frank, St. Louis, Mo. Dorman, Roye E., Mech., Globe, Ariz. ♦Dullnig, Arthur J., San Antonio, Tex. ♦Duss, Leonard, Boyd, Wis. Eamshaw, John H., Corp., Lenox, Kan. ♦Ehrhardt, Claude W., Dighton, Kan. Eklimd, Isadore, Corp., Cameiro, Kan. ♦Eller, James W., Detroit, Mich. ♦Emstrom, Per E. E., Superior, Wis. ♦Erickson, Ralph E., Chippewa Falls, Wis. Estabrook, Ralph C, White City, Kan. ♦Fair, Otto D., Corp., McCune. Kan. Firstenberger, Daniel M., Seneca. Kan. ♦Fitzgibbon, Tliomas F., Corp., Oswego, Kan. Fleming, Robert W., Kansas City, Kan. Flood, Leo J., Elroy, Wis. ♦Forgue, Armedis, Axtell, Kan. ♦Fosdick, Harry R., Dighton. Kan. ♦Fouts, Ora, Jarveyville, Kan. 302 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry FrederiL'kson, Arthur W., Chicago, 111. •Gardels, Cleve F., Plahiville, Kan. ♦Gates, Ryersn, D., Sg-t., Oak Park, 111. *Gebbardt, Albert J., Corp., Minneapolis, Minn. *Geh\veiler, Charles F., Chippewa Falls, Wis. *Gorvais, Alphonse, Fargro, N. D. Giager, Fred, Altamont, Kan. Gilles, John, Boyd, Wis. *Gleue, Herman, Maysville, Kan. ♦Going, Gorden W., Parsons, Kan. ♦Good, James, Pittsburg, Kan. ♦Gordon, Harry E., Ellsworth, Wis. Goss, Edward, Holly, Colo. Gregg, Alvin A., Carlisle, Kan. ♦Grimm, Henry A. W.. Odessa, Minn. ♦Griswould, John H., Ellis, Kan. ♦Hallgrimson, Sknlie, Bassett, Nebr. Hamilton, Sam., Corp., Kansas City, Mo. ♦Hammond, Ed, Wakonda, S. D. Handshy, Claude R., Columbus, Kan. ♦Hanni, Fritz, Marysville, Kan. Hartman, William D., Pittsburg, Kan. ♦Haskell, Everett E., Lyndon, Kan. ♦Hasting. "Vertner, Eskridge, Kan. ♦Hauschild, Henry A., Hays, Kan. Havens, Lloyd C, Pittsburg, Kan. ♦Hendricks, Raymond, Axtell, Kan. Henks, Henry, Milwaukee, Wis. ♦Hennessy, Joseph E., Morris, Minn. Herreras, Regail, Phoenix, Ariz. ♦Herrick, Grant W., Draper, Wis. Herrman, Harry H., Newton, Kan. Herzog, John H., Stratford, Wis. Hesson, Claude A., Everest. Kan. ♦Hinkel, Harvey W., Colby, Wis. Hight, Orvalie R., Sgt., Wamego, Kan. Hilbort, Guy L., Winfield, Kan. Hodges, Stephen E., Bn. Runner, Overbrook, Kan. ♦Hoehn, Isadora J., Lenexa. Kan. Hogan, Thomas L., Sgt., Morehead, Kan. Holcomb, Cleve F., Pittsburg, Kan. ♦Holmes, Clifford O., Minneapolis, Minn. Hopkuis, Alexander, Ganiett, Kan. ♦Hopkins, James, Parsons, Kan. ♦Horn, James L., Mound Valley, Kan. *Hout, Thomas H., Clinton, Kan. ♦Huck, Walter L., Ellis, Kan. ♦Hucks, Alva P., Mound Valley, Kan. Huddleston, Merrill D., Brumley, Mo. ♦Huckeman, Harry J., N. R. Humphries, Jesse M., Hays, Kan. ♦Hunter, Fred, Labette, Kan. Hyde, Adrian T., Coffeyville, Kan. Hyde, Harrj', Moreland, Kan. Hyndman, Harry C, Sgt., Beulah, Kan. ♦Isaman, Heni-y A., Vermillion, Kan. ♦Jackson, Lloyd R., Ellis, Kan. ♦Jaeobie, Lee M., Sharon, Wis. ♦Jacobson, Harley R., Cadott, Wis. ♦James, George H., Berlin, Wis. Jefferies, Benjamin H., Mech., Anthony, Kan. Jensen, George L., Allen, Kan. ♦Joannon, Konstantinos, Moline, 111. ♦Johnson, Albert, Vermillion, Kan. ♦Johnson, Clyde E., Roekford, 111. Johnson, Thure K., Superior, Wis. Johnson, Elliot O., Coffeyville, Kan. Johnson, Walter M., Oregon, Wis. ♦Johnson, Emil, Toulon, 111. ♦Johnson, Lester, Douglass, Kan. Johnson, Randall A., Union Star, Mo. Joiner, Oscar, Corp., Gainsville. Tex. ♦Jones, Floyd R., Parsons, Kan. ♦Jones, Jesse E., Enterprise, Kan. ♦Jordan, John W., Blackwell, Okla. ♦Joringdal, Richard J., Thief River Falls. Minn. ♦Juers, Edward H., Saginaw, Mich. ♦Jusczynski, Vincent. Dviluth, Minn. Kattenberger, William A., Lincoln. Nebr. Kane, George E., Corp., Horton, Kan. ♦Karasiewiez, Andrew C, Duluth, Minn. Karls, Michael J., Sgt., Dresden, Kan. Kasston, Alexander, Kansas City, Kan. ♦Keeran, Jesse R., Webster. Kan. ♦Keller, John, Hays, Kan. Kelley, Jes.se P., Johnston, Kan. Kelley, Lee D., Elk City, Kan. Kemp, Everett W., Hiawatha, Kan. ♦Kemper, Gleaton H., Oswego, Kan. ♦Kile, Thomas E., Hanover, Kan. ♦Kinsella, Walter P., Corp., Chicago. 111. Killingsworth, William. Ash Grove, Mo. Killmede, Daniel J., Denver, Colo. ♦Kirk, Henry H., Parsons, Kan. Kirkbride, Emmons W., Cunningham, Kan. Klettle, Theodore, Ripon, Wis. Knapp, Heni-y P., Chicago, 111. Knoebber, Frank H., Sgt., Paxico, Kan. ♦Kocli, Charley, Parsons, Kan. ♦Koerner, Frank, Mungor, Kan. Kopp, Walter C. Sgt., Harveyville, Kan. Kreutzer, John, Corp., Hiawatha, Kan. ♦Kroeger, Henry F., Ellis, Kan. ♦Kucinski, Muczslaw, Kensington, 111. Kukula, Charles A., Claflin, Kan. ♦Kuskutes, Peter, Tarpon Spring;s, Fla. Kuss, Frank W., Co. Runner, Chicago, 111. Labundy, Ernest R.. Darien, Wis. Lauber, Emil, Yates Center, Kan. Lauer, Herman F., Milwaukee, Wis. ♦Leddick, Leon W., Pontiac, Mich. Lefever, Earl M., Corp., Anthony, Kan. ♦Leighto7i, Samuel D., Dighton, Kan. Leiker, Fred J., Corp., Victoria, Kan. ♦Leiker, Peter, Hays, Kan. Lewis, Arthur E., Mech.. White City, Kan. Lewis, Charles F., Attica. Kan. ♦Linenberger, Bonaventure J., Victoria, Kan. ♦Lippens, Phil., Moline, 111. ♦Lloyd, John C, Corp., Dighton, Kan. Logan, William R., Sgt., Eskridge, Kan. Longnecker, Claude. Columbus, Kan. ♦Loth, Phillip J., La Crosse, Wis. Luckey, Clyde M., Co. Runner. Harper, Kan. Lukovich, John, Cobrm, Russia Lyons, Arheie O., Corp., Paxico, Kan. Madden, Harry E., Mess Sgt.. Philomath, Ore. Magill, Willie F., Sup. Sgt., Seneca, Kan. ♦Maire, Leslie J., East Dubuque, 111. ♦Malieky, Charles, Oketo, Kan. ♦Mann, Clarence E., Manhattan, Kan. Marcy, Cliester L., Corp., Axtell, Kan. Marks, Edward H., Hoisington, Kan. Marshall. John, Corp., Lake Geneva, Wis. Martin, Walstine Q., Sgt., Vermillion, Kan. Master, Horace J. A., Reg, Runner, Aspin, Colo. Master, Weaver L., Sgt., Burlingame, Kan. ♦Mathews, Herbert W., Whitewater, Wis. Maxwell. Charles, Chetopa, Kan. ♦May, John, Mulberry, Kan. ♦MeCIure, Floyd E., Ellis. Kan. McCulloch, Earl W., Jamestown, Kan. ♦McCullough, Clarence A., Paxico, Kan. McDaniel, Artie C, Topeka, Kan. ♦McEndree, William F., Harveyville, Kan. McGuire, William A., Corp., Sterling, 111. McKean, Gerald A., Espon, Kan. McKinney, Riley E., Colony, Kan. ♦McKinzey, Arch L., Hays, Kan. ♦McMahon. Martin, Mariette, Kan. ♦Meagher, Joe P., Lillis, Kan. Meder, George, Pfeiffer, Kan. ♦Meistrell, John, Plainville, Kan. ♦Mickel, Robert R., Dighton, Kan. ♦Millea, Thomas G., South Bend, Ind. ♦Meier, Arnold H., Sgt., Bangor, Wis. Meyer, Roman A., Jefferson, Wis. ♦Miller, Arthur G., Oconomowoc, Wis. ♦Miller, Carl A., Dallas, Wis. Miller, Clayton L., La Valle. Wis. Mock, William V., Cook, Paxico, Kan. ♦Monroe, Clifford C,. Woodston. Kan. ♦Moore, Louis F., Valeda. Kan. ♦Moreland, Paul L., Eskridge, Kan. ♦Musil, Gustaf, Blue Rapids, Kan. ♦Nash, Glen, Eskridge, Kan. Nelson, Clifford H., Tekemah, Nebr. Nelson, Elmer J., Atwater. Minn. Nelson, James H.. Ardmore, Okla. ♦Newby, Bertie, Montana. Kan. ♦Nickel, Charles P.. Chetoiia, Kan. Nieholay, Irl C., Scrantmi. Kan. Nolan, John L., Corp., Wichita, Kan. O'Donnel, John M., Corp., Cummerfield. Kan. Oetinger, Edward, Riley, Kan. Olson, Everett A., Edna, Kan. Oliphant, Charles W., Sgt., Cherryvale, Kan. Orr, John C., Anthony, Kan. Ouimet, Frank F., Astoria, L. I., N. Y. Company L, American Expeditionary Forces 303 Overliulser, Everett W., Belleville, Kan. Pablos, Demetrio L., Phoenix, Ariz. *Palenske, Ed, McParland. Kan. Palmitier, Orel E., Cook, Garnett, Kan. *Patterson, Carl P., Kingrman, Kan. *Pajaie, Charles D., Oswego, Kan. Peek, Fred, Clyde, Kan. Pedretti, Benjamin, Clarkdale, Ariz. *Peery, Edward J., Corp., Osag'e City, Kan. Pennel, Merton C, N. Libert, Ind. *Perry, Harry E., Parsons, Kan. *Peterson, Herman H., Alma, Kan. *Petritis, Anton, Homestead, Kan. *Pfeffer, Joseph, Appleton, Wis. Phillips, Henry G., Corp., Washburn. Wis. *Pike, Carl J., Oxford, Wis. Pontius, Thomas B., Lawrence, Kan. *Porter, Clifford H., San Francisco, Calif. Prater, Roy L., Co. Runner, Pleasant Hope, Mo. *Priera, Ralph E., Columbus, Wis. *PreURS, Arthur R., Elroy, Wis. Proctor, Harry, Corp, St. Louis, Mo. Proffitt, Murrill C, Ahne, Okla. Prout, Niel, Portland, Ore. *Przytar.«k. Joseph R., Milwaukee. Wis. *Pulliani, William F., Kingman, Wis. *QuLnley, Henry, Blvie Rapids, Kan. Rasmussen, Rockwell, Co. Runner, Red Top, Minn. * Reeves, Rvissel R., Blue Rapids, Kan. Reffe, Frederick A., Corp., Tescott, Kan. *Reineke, Emil C, Alta Vista, Kan. *Rettke, Leo C, Alma, Kan. *Rhodes, Howard, Barron, Wis. Rive, Frank R., Corp., Alma, Kan. *Rieek, Albert J., Lake City, Mmn. *Rin!r, Frank A., Marysville, Kan. Rizzuto, Louis, La Junta, Colo. *Roark, Robert, McFarland, Kan. Robbing, Harry L., Corp., Attica, Kan. Roberts, George G., Kansas City, Mo. *Robinson, Forrest L., Ganiett, Kan. Robson, Adam A., Yates Center, Kan. *Rocknow.ski, Frank, Peru, Ind. Rodriguez, Jack V., Selegman, Ariz. *Rosler, John C, Parsons, Kan. Romme. Peter J., Victoria, Kan. Royer, Ernest G., Burr Oak. Kan. Ruoff, Christy H., Mech., Greenleaf, Kan. *Rushton, Charley, Parsons, Kan. Salisbui-y, Francis E., Sgt., Centralia, 111. *Sammons, Isaac N., Webster, Kan. Santo. William T., Hope, N. M. *Santoro, Guiseppe, Chicago, 111. *Sassnett, William T., Augusta, Kan. Schlegel, Alpheus G., Sgt., Defiance, Ohio •Schmidt, Henry N., Marysville, Kan. *Schoenberger, Frank, Hays, Kan. *Sehreckler, William, Cook, Pittsburg. Kan. Schreiber, Jacob E., Sgt., Wamego, Kan. Scully, John C, Chicago, 111. *Selewoncuk, Alexander, St. Paul, Minn. Senne, Edwin E., Alma, Kan. •Setters, Pearly W., Parsons, Kan. *Sever, John, Hays, Kan. Seward, James W., Chicago, 111. Sharp, John E., Corp., Olean, N. Y. *Shaughnessy, William J., Norton, Kan. *Sheperd, Oscar M., Anthony, Kan. •Sherlock, Leo E., Frankfort. Kan. •Shively, Roy Ij., Scranton. Kan. •Siebenthaler, Harry L., Merriam, Kan. •Simons, Guy R., Woodston, Kan. Simpson, Harry E., Jennings, Kan. •Sitek, Joe, Overland Park, Kan. Sitterle, Clemens, Denver, Colo. Slagle, Lynn E., Corp., Bolivar, Mo. Smith, Albert, Edna, Kan. •Smith, Ewald E., Fond du Lac, Wis. •Smith, Frank A., WatkLns, Minn. •Smith, John W., Edna, Kan. •Smith, Terry L., Parsons, Kan. •Snyder, John, Peru, 111. Sowers, Claude, Sgt., Lucas, Kan. Spengler, Byrl, H., Denver, Colo. Staekhouse, Clyde F., Yuma, Colo. •Stein, Lyman, Hays, Kan. Steinkirchner, William, Newton, Kan. Stinson, Archibald G., Kansas City, Kan. •Stone, Charles E., Hays, Kan. Strowig, Homer F., Corp., Paxico, Kan. •Stuewe, Adolph, Alma, Kan. •Sundet, Pavil Melvin, Chippewa Falls, Wis. Sundin, Milton C, Corp., Denver, Colo. Svoboda, Emanuel B., Sgt., Waterville, Kan. Swogger, Leo G., Bn. Runner, Topeka, Kan. Szczepankowski, Joseph, Chicago, 111. •Szewczyk, John E., Chicago, 111. •Tallman, Benjamin, Dennis, Kan. Tanin, William, Corp., Denver, Colo. •Teeters, Albert J., Ellis, Kan, •Tessler, John, Chicago, 111. •Thayer, Arthur, Corp., Hays, Kan. Thomas, Spurgeon G., Zurick, Kan. •Thomas, Zack, Dighton, Kan. Thompson, Charles G., Nagales, Ariz. •Thompson, William R., Edna, Kan. Tollersn, George W., Yuma, Ariz. •Tripp, George E., Edna, Kan. Tweed, John H., Wichita, Kan. Taylor, Walter J., Corp., Lillis, Kan. •Uteeht, Emil, Ellis, Kan. Valedez, Noberto, Loreda, N. Mex. Valenzuela, Jose, Phoenix, Ariz. •Vaughn, Charles J., Melvenu, Ariz. Venriek, Homer C, Denver, Colo. Verhelst, Ben, Greeley, Kan. •Voikening, Herman F. C, Bellevue, Kan. Voile, Lee A., Cook, Summerfield, Kan. *Wahi, John G. H., Cumberland, Wis. Walche, Frank, Roseland, Kan. •Walter, William R., Parsons, Kan. •Waltrip, Roy, Parsons, Kan. •Wanklyn, Albert L., Frankfort, Kan. •Ward, Roy E., 1st Sgt., Augusta, Kan. •Warner, Charles R., Vermillion, Kan. Wasinger, Paul J., Bugler, Munjor, Kan. •Wassenberg, Christopher J., Marysville, Kan. •Wasserman, Ernest, Odell, Kan. •Weakley, Franklyn E., Lenexa, Kan. •Weidemeyer, Charles, Marysville, Kan. •Wentworth, Ray, Hays, Kan. Werth, Anastas N., Shoenchen, Kan. West, Harry W., Sgt., Marysville, Kan. •Westby, Ivers Jr., Rosewood, Minn. White, Floyd S., Corp., Hardin, Colo. •White, Has, Oswego, Kan. •Whitesell, Winfield S., Caldwell, Kan. Whitmer, Henry A., Sgt., Wilson, Kan. Widmer, Earl, Sgt., Parsons, Kan. •Wiese, Edward F., Watertown, Wis. •Wigger, Henry A., Vassar, Kan. Wilcox, Albert, Chicago, 111. •Wilcox, Charles K., Corp., Wailuku Maui, Hawaiian Islands •Williams, Tom, Quenemo, Kan. Willson, Albert A., Lebo, Kan. Wilson, Ernest, Corp., Ashland, Kan. Wilson, Frank L., Eldorado, Kan. •Wilson, Roy E., Spieer, Minn. •Wilson, Walter E., Paxico, Kan. Wingate, Charles R., Anthony, Kan. Wiukenweider, Frederick A., Bugler, Waterville, Kan. Winter, Walter L., Hugo, Colo. •Woyok, Alexander, Cvister. Wis. Wyre, Burney H., Corp., Eskridge, Kan. Yakes, Herman A., Lake Geneva, 111. •Yerman, Anton, Ringo, Kan. •Young, Albert J., Eskridge, Kan, •Young, Frank, Summerfield, Kan. •Young, George W., Palmer, Kan. •Young, Max, Mora, Minn. •Zachary, James W., Eskridge, Kan. Zalipu, John, Lisle, 111. •Zeller, Nicholas J., Eskridge, Kan. Zieger, John A., Frontenac, Wis. Ziehlke, Otto H., Cook, Pittsburg, Kan. Company M, 353rd Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces NAME Bosch, Nick Bowland, Ray E. Brontston, Jason L. Currey, Bradley * Ellis, Ward Furlong-, Harold A. *Garrison, Albert C. Haring-, Graham D. Luchenburg-, Carl O. Mayes, William H. McElroy, Leo C. Newman, John C. *Norvel *Reiman, R. A. Rice, Leonard M. * Riley, Robert S. Roska, Herbert C. Sanders, Newton A. *Sealon, J. "V. ♦Schuster, J. D. Shade, Grant K. Tin-ner, Courtney S. •Wheat, A. E. •Woods, C. S. *Zipoy, Frank J. LAST KiNOWN RANK '2nd Lieut. Capt. 1st Lieut. Capt. Capt. 1st Lieut. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 3nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. 3nd Lieut. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Capt. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. •Ahring, Frank H. W., Lineohi, Kan. *Akers, James W., Centerville, Kan. •Albertson, Henry C. Hill City, Kan. AUandslee, Clarence E., Stoug^hton, Wis. •Allen, Leroy R., Gypsum, Kan. Amos, Ray A., St. Paul, Kan. Anderson, Carl A., Buffalo Lake. Minn. •Anderson, Harry J., Vesper, Kan. •Anderson, S. M.. Moreland. Kan. Anekos, Joseph, Denver, Colo. •Appelhans, Andrew, St. Peter, Kan. Arehulets, Emilie, Walsenburg-, Colo. Arnold, Harry, Corp., Wabaunsee. Kan. Atchison, Edward W., Waverly, Kan. Atkinson, James, Hering'ton, Kan. Bailey, William G., Hiawatha, Kan. •Bair, Charles A., Fontana, Kan. •Baird, Walter E., Vesper, Kan. Baker, Frank A., Curackus, Colo. Balston, Hari-y A., Palmer, Kan. Balza, Henry J., Oshkosh, Wis. •Barber, Austin B., Pleasanton, Kan. Bauer, AugTist, Kansas City, Kan. •Beaird, Richard S., St. Joseph, Mo. Bear, Earl D., Bn. Runner, Brewster, Kan. •Bechtel, Ralph M., Greenleaf, Kan. •Becker, Tobias B., Galva, Kan. •Becker, Walter H. W., Salina, Kan. Beckert, Jacob A., Denver, Colo. •Begley, Floyd H., Bogaie, Kan. Belin, Gust, Bemidji, Minn. Bellamy, George C, Sg:t., Norton, Kan. Benson, Ben, Duluth, Minn. Benson, Iver, Emmons, Minn. Berkstresser, Georg-e L., Corp., Hamonsville, Mo. Bisset, Francis O., Whitewater, Wis. Blackburn, Emil, Brownsville, Ore. Bleistein, Floyd A., Reg. Runner, Denver, Colo. Bock, John G., Hig-bee, Colo. •Bolte, August G. M., Lincoln, Kan. •Boys, Ralph R., Abilene, Kan. •Brocker, George H., Fontana, Kan. Brown, Delbert R., Bn. Rininer, White Cloud, Kan. Brown, Joel E., Salina. Kan. Brown, Wallace H., Cincinnati, Ohio •Brumbaugh, Nicholas E., Lincoln, Kan. •Buch, William A., Linn, Kan. Buoy. Harl A., Ames, Kan. •Burdge, Leo L., Chanute, Kan. •Bums, Floyd I., Moreville, Kan. •Buss, Simon T., Manhattan. Kan. Buth, John C, Brookfield, Wis. Caldwell, Clyde C, Chippewa Falls, Wis. Campbell, Harr G., Clifton, Kan. Carter, James L., Salina, Kan. Chamberlain, James W., Corp., Parker, Kan. 'Clark, Arnold B., Lincoln, Kan. ADDRESS St. Louis, Mo. Van Wert, Ohio Gamett, Kan. Nashville, Tenn. Beloit, Kan. Detroit, Kan. Joplin. Mo. Crafton, Penn. New York City, N. Y. New York City, N. Y. Bridgeport, Conn. Ft. Log-an, Colo. Colorado National Guards Jefferson, Ohio Jefferson City, Mo. Columbus, Ohio Sheboygan, Wis. Hammond, La. Boswell, Ind. Ellsworth Kan. Ellsworth Kan. Atchison, Kan. Wheeling, W. Va. N. R. East Grand Forks, Minn. Clark, William L., Pratt, Kan. Clarke. Samuel C, Corp., Prescott, Kan. Clement, Ben W., Topeka, Kan. Connolly, James V., Chicago, 111. Conwell, Pierce R., Topeka, Kan. •Cookson, Pierce R., Junction City, Kan. •Coppage, John Q.. Boicourt, Kan. Coppozzo, Natale, Chicago, 111. Crabtree, Charles T., Colorado Springs, Colo. •Croan, Harvey B., Mound City, Kan. Crowder, Charles N., Cripple Creek, Colo. Cucchiara, Tony, Kansas City, Mo. •Cummings, William W., Marleville, Kan. •Cunningham, Robert L., Cook, Ellsworth, Kan. •Daily, Frank, Hill City, Kan. Davis, James F., Laramie, Wyo. Dazej', Floyd E., Wakeeney, Kan. De Bell, Michael, Arvada, Colo. De Lotell, Charles E., Sgt.. Dayton, Ohio •Dement, Walter, Concordia, Kan. Den Boer, Frank, Corp., Sheboygan, Wis. •Denman, Benjamin A., Washington, Kan. Depperscjidt, Seraphine, Corp., Grainfield, Kan. •De Shon, Floyd E., Corp., Hill City, Kan. •Dettmer, Karl L., Chase, Kan. •Detty, Jesse, Moimd City, Kan. Dever, Frank L., Spring Hill, Kan. Dewey, Emery O., Corp., Mound City, Kan. •Dodd, Orval R., Beloit, Kan. •Doen-, John, Marleville, Kan. •Dooley, Roy H., Beloit, Kan. •Doty, Georg-e C, Bernard, Kan. •Douce, William T., Belleville, Kan. Drennon, Earl W., Topeka, Kan. •Durbin, Boy, Prescott, Kan. Durham, Ralph A., Corp., Greenleaf. Kan. •Dyatt, William L., Sgt., Norton, Kan, •Early, Marion C, Hill City, Kan. Ebert, Rudolph F., St. Paul. Minn. Eklund, Ferdinand A., Hayfield, Minn. Elder, Glenn W., Corp., Washington, Kan. •Elkinton, Clarence N.. Parker, Kan. EUing, William V., Parokee, Kan. Erickson, Charles, Topeka, Kan. Ewing, Roy, Topeka, Kan. •Fag-an, Raymond G., Greenleaf, Kan. Farris, Paul N., Kansas City, Kan. Faulconer, Charles C, Corp., Kansas City, Kan. •Faulkner, Leo W., Hill City, Kan. •File, Jerr.v, Beloit, Kan. •Fisher, William C, Barnes, Kan. •Fitch, Glenn G., Pleasanton, Kan. Fleener, Charles, Benhams, Va. •Flyr, Benamin H., Linn. Kan. •Foster, Joseph V.. Corp., Eldorado. Kan. •Frederich, Noah, Phillipsburg, Kan. •French, Harry, Meade, Kan. Company M, American Expeditionary Forces 305 Fritts, William A., La Cygiie, Kan. Frost, Clark R., Sg-t., Greeiileal. Kan. *Frost, Ernest F., Smolan, Kan. Fug-it, Richard, Fountain, Colo. Galiagan, Van A., Waverly, Kan. * Gamble, Roy B., Greensburg, Kan. *Ga.rver, Ra.v P., Kineade, Kan. *Geffert, Andrew, Greenleaf, Kan. Gillam, Floyd, Coutors, Mo. *Gilson, Carl E., Hoxie. Kan. Gisick, Henry, Bison, Kan. *Golden, Ellis G., Corp., Ashland. Kan. Goodwin, Albert, Mantaka, W. Va. *Gray, James G., Kirwin, Kan. Gray, Wallace E., Utica, Mont. Graykowski, Frank N., Milwaukee, Wis. Grimmer, Clifford R., Corooran, Calif. Grove, Kenneth, Corp., Parker, Kan. Gustiii, Jesse S., Hanover, Kan. Hagen, Oscar E., Cambridge, Wis. *Hale, Roy, Pratt, Kan. * Hamilton, Lon G., Cook, Pratt, Kan. *Hammer, Edwin L., Preseott, Kan. *Harrouf, Earl R.. Manhattan, Kan. *Hartley, James M., Lincoln, Kan. Hartman, Earl C, Chippewa Falls, Wis. Hein, Henry J., Stratford, Wis. Heller, Milton, Corp., Abilene. Kan. Hendrixson, Charley C, Corp., Phillipsburg, Kan. Henry, Oliver C, Mehc, Salina, Kan. Herman, Walter, Sgt., Bavaria, Kan. *Hewitt, Harry, Mound City, Kan. Hildebrand, Charles, Meeh., Hill City, Kan. Hobbs, Ira C, Moreland, Kan. 'Hoeb, Charles F., Orion, Kan. Hoerseh, John H., Columbia, Mo. *Hoff, Leo J., Quinter, Kan. Holt, William R., Ellsworth, Kan. Hopkins, John H., Elkhom, Wis. *Horky, George. Marleville, Kan. •Houghton, Harry J., Mound City, Kan. Howell, Thomas, Corp., Findlater, Saskatchewan, Can. •Hrouda, Charles, Hanover, Kan. Huber, Paul N., Oberlin, Kan. *Hueschen, Erich P., Sylvan Grove, Kan. *Hulgan, Roy, Parker, Kan. Hull, Frederick L., ConJ-, Hill City, Kan. Hunter, Roy C, CorpI, Lincoln, Kan. Hvitchinson, Albert E., Rochester, 111. Iraci, Philadeplio, New York, N. Y. Jackson, Bronce. Sgt.. Barnard. Kan. *Jackson, Charles H., Boicourt, Kan. Jackson, Clifford \ .. Sgt., Mound City, Kan. Jacobs, Andrew R., Corp., Pratt, Kan. * James, Bert L.. Hanover, Kan. Janiitell, Joseph P., Trinidad. Colo. ♦Jennings, Jesse T., Mound City, Kan. Jent, Edgar, Salina, Kan. Johnson, Cart H., Osage City, Kan. Johnson, Clarence E., Studley, Kan. Johnson, Clifford, Rockford, 111. *Johnson, Hans P., Greenleaf, Kan. *Johnson. Marion R., Blue Mound, Kan. Johnson, William R., Corp.. Phoenix. Ariz. June, James M., Cataract, Wis. Karieh, William H., Cherokee Park, Colo. Keais. James, Chicag-o, 111. *Keams, Georg-e E., Greenleaf, Kan. *Keefer, Thomas S., Canton. Kan. Keefer, Jacob W., Tampa. Kan. Kelly. Thomas J.. Chicago, 111. Kennedy, Guy H., Pueblo, Colo. *Kenney, Charles E., Mound City, Kan. Kethcart, Oral W., Co. Runner, Mahaska, Kan. *Kieffer, Cliarles. Clifton, Kan. Kiener, Peter, Cook, Superior, Wis. King, Elmer, Virgil, Kan. King, Howard J., Clay Center, Kan. King-, Parley H., Mesa, Ariz. King, Perry C, Sgt., New London, Iowa Kingry, James A., Padonia, Kan. Kiriakos, Xenophone, Chicago, 111. Kitts, Ernest F.. St. Joseph. Mo. Klenk, Frank, Wakeeney, Kan. *Kloppenberg, William G., Hanover. Kan. *Klozenbug'her, Isidor A.. Linn. Kan. Knapps. Joseph, Leavenworth. Kan. Knox, Robert, Rock Spring's, Wyo. Kobus, Walter M., Duluth, Minn. *Kohlmeier, Georg-e. Clifton, Kan. Kugavda, Charles J., Chicago, 111. Laber, David, Longmont, Colo. *Lafayette, Eli J., Mech., Lyons, Kan. La Follette, Roseoe C, Lowry City, Mo. Laird, John S., Miami, Ariz. *Lambert, Albert, Clifton, Kan. Lamle, Paul O., Cook, Wakeeney, Kan. Lane, Merton R., Corp., Phillipsburg, Kan. La Palme, Arthur, Corp., N. R. *Larsen, John, Lincoln. Kan. *Larson, Albin L., Lindsborg, Kan. Lathrop, Ray, Corp., Washington, Kan. Lawlis, Reuben A., Mech., Hill City, Kan. Lawson, Thomas W., Emporia, Kan. *Lee, Ola F., Lurcey, Kan. Le Grande. Louis W.. Leavenworth. Kan. Lemas, John B., Geneva, 111. *Lean, Arthur J., MePherson. Kan. Leonard. Paul C, Corp., Haddam, Kan. *Liekteig-, Philip, Parker, Kan. *Lindholm, Elmer C, Lindsborg, Kan. Link. Adolph W.. Co. Runner. Webb, Colo. Link, John. Chicago, 111. Linker, George G., Corp., Lincoln, Kan. Lopez, Tiburcio, Embudo, N. Mex. Lopex, William, Towanda, Colo. Mangan, Clarence E., Great Bend, Kan. Mark, Frank, Meriden, Kan. *Martin, Edmund S.. Linn, Kan. ♦Martm. John E., Greenleaf, Kan. Martin, William M., Clifton, Kan. Martinez, Eloy, Tiogra, Colo. Martinez, Frank, Dyke, Colo. Martinez, Frank H., Walsenburg-, Colo. Martinez, Jose S., Chaplin, Colo. *Mathews, Lucien B., Salina, Kan. MeClure, Benjamin P., Pittsburg-, Kan. McGee, Edward, Edmond, Kan. McHone, Manford, Mapleton, Kan. McKay, John W., Thayer, Kan. *McKinney, Charles A., Lincoln, Kan. McKinney, Walter A., Yuma, Ariz. McLaughlin, James A., Phoenix, Ariz. McMillan, Lyle, Butte. Mont. *McNeal, Walter, Washing-ton, Kan. Melrose, George W., Benningrton, Kan. •Melius, Albert E., Salina, Kan. •Mersch, Mike, Hill City, Kan. Messor, Peter, Elkhom, Wis. Miller. Ben C, Lyndon, Kan. Miller, Clyde E. F., Phoenix, Ariz. •Miller, Fred J., Hanover, Kan. Miller, Ward L., Halstead, Kan. Milz, Lewis A., Norton, Kan. Minsch, Edward L., Phoenix. Ariz. Mitchell. Arden H., Mankato, Kan. Montgomery. William L., Lincoln, Kan. Moore. Ralph W.. Moreland, Kan. •Moorehead, Marion C, Hugoton, Kan. •Morris, Verner D., Mankato, Kan. Moimce, William H., New York, Okla. •Muir, Harry A., Salina, Kan. Murray, Jordan S., Long-view, 111. •Myers, Earl, Keats, Kan. •Neel.v, Melvin E., Denver, Colo. Neff, Oliver R., Nevada, Mo. Neill, Alton H., St. Johns, Kan. •Nelson, Allen L., Galva, Kan. Nelson, Martin, Norway Melson, Carl, Virg-inia, Minn. Nelson, Clarence R., Sgt., Salina, Kan. Nelson, John Jr., Chicago, 111. •Nelson, Oscar Q., Poysippi. Wis. Newitt, Frank, E., Kansas City, Kan. Nyberg, Hjalmer E., Sgt., Salina, Kan. Oakes, Nelson W.. Sg-t., Goodland, Kan. Odgers, William E., Colorado Springs, Colo. Ohlerking, William, Sgt., Wichita, Kan. Olig, Joseph, Fond du Lac, Wis. Olson, Eddie, Clear Lake, Wis. O'Neill, James, Chicago, 111. Owens, John A.. St. Paul. Kan. •Page, Verr L., Clyde, Kan. •Parker, George W., Greenleaf, Kan. Parli, Harry K., Sgt., Ellsworth, Kan. Parrent, Albert J., Balsam Lake, Wis. •Parsons, Lynn P., Hunter, Kan. •Partridge, Clarence S., Pleasanton, Kan. •Patterson, Emmett L., Brewster, Kan. •Patton, Harry P., Hiawatha, Kan. Paulson, Carl H., 1st Sgt., Tennis, S. D. 306 Regimental Diveclory 353rd Infantry *Peace, William W.. Grimmel. Kan. •Peoples, Roy H., Wichita, Kan. I'etermanii, John G., Sweet Spring's, Mo. •Peterson. Carl T., Hill City, Kan. Peterson, Clarence, Chicago, 111. Peterson. Gu.stav A., Corp., Reg'. Runner, Chicag-o, 111. Peterson, Lawrence A., Greenleaf. Kan. Peterson, Martin E., McPherson, Kan. ♦Peterson, Walford G., Clifton. Kan. Petrosik, GcorB-c, La Crosse, Wis. *Pierco. Frank. IMcasanton. Kan. *Pink:ill, Lniil. Lindsborfi-. Kan. Pinkerton, Floyd F.. Fulton. Kan. *Pitxer, Elmer L., Glasco, Kan. Plagens, Otto, Pittsburg, Kan. Plotkin, Isadore, Denver, Colo. •Plummer, Roy E., Kalvesta. Kan. *Poell, Andrew, Hanover, Kan. Polowich, Joseph, Pittsburg, Kan. *Priee, Raymond G., Wakeeney, Kan. *Priefert, August E., Gove, Kan. Pruett. Ralph, Tescott, Kan. Pufahl, William O., Fremont, Wis. Pyles, Edward E., Goodland, Kan. *Quinlan. Arthur W., Sgt., Lyons, Kan. Quinlan, William, Chicago, 111. *Rachay, William E., Corp., Collier, Kan. *Rahjes, Jolni H., Kensington. Kan. •Rawie, Benjamin D.. Blue Mound, Kan. *Redkier, Martin W., Lincoln, Kan. Reeseh, Peter J., Chicago, 111. Reick. Christopher J., Elkhom, Wis. Reiger, Frederick J., St. Louis, Mo. Rende, Frank, Chicago. 111. Ribas, Juan, San Pedro, DeCoknes,, Mexico Richnieier, John J., Corp., St. Peters, Kan. *Ridler, Rush R., Hanover, Kan. Roane, Warren, Chicago, 111. •Roberts, Jessie, Greenleaf, Kan. Robinson, Byron H., Burns, Ky. Roemer, George C, Corp., Grove, Kan. Roese, Truman, Ratford. 111. Rogers, Henry S., Sgt., Philadelphia, Pa. •Rohleder, Conrad, St. Peter, Kan. Romero, Guadalupe, Pearson, Chihuahua, Mexico •Rowden, Charles G., Hugoton, Kan. *Sache, Carl F.. Greenleaf, Kan. •Satterlee, Ernest G., Garden City. Kan. Schick, Miles. Montoursville, Pa. Schmidt, Louis E., Corp., Canon City, Colo. Schneidewendt. Frank. Manhattan. Kan. Schofield, William C, Highland City. Kan. Schroeder, Henry W., Corp., Wakeeney. Kan. •Schul, Frank, Ashland, Kan. Schwemmer, David, Lucas. Kan. Seay, Gulley R.. Corp.. Calico Rick, Ark. Shanelec, William S.. Sgt., Ellsworth, Kan. *Sliaw, Walter W., Washington, Kan. *Shaw, William, Greenleaf, Kan. Sheehan, Albert, Topeka, Kan. •Sherwin, Fred F., Chapman, Kan. Shimeall, Ralph M., Sgt., Norton, Kan. Simmons, Cliarlie B., Protection, Kan. *Simi)s(iii, Stanley E., Grinnell, Kan. Smith, Frank G., Marblehead, Ohio Smith, Guy C, Lewis, Kan. •Smith, Harvey E., Prescott, Kan. Smith, Orin G., Sgt., Independence, Kan. •Snart, Fred G., Grinnell, Kan. Snowhill, Justin P., Meeh., Winfield, Kan. Snyder, Irving T., Sgt., Denver, Colo. •Soller, Walter A., Sgt., Washington, Kan. Soren.son, Louis, Duluth, Minn. Spencer, Ray K., Co. Runner, Delphi, Ind. •Stegman, David G., Linn, Kan. Stein, Lester F\, 1st Sgt., Lincoln, Kan. •Struckland, Charles E., Norton, Kan. Strittmater, William, La Crosse, Wis. •Stucknian, William A., Kirwin, Kan. Stuckmeyer, John, Knowles, Wis. •Sturm, Paul M., La Cygne, Kan. •Suiter, Joseph W., Gove, Kan. Sullivan, Frank, Girard, Kan. •Summers, Benjamin A.. Penokee, Kan. Swain, Harley. Corp., Greenfield, Kan. Swanson, Edwin W., Sgt., Washburn, Wis. Sweeney, Eugene P., Chicago. 111. Sylvester. Ray J.. Clemontsville. Ida. Szczepanik. Joseph A., Yorkville. N. Y. Taylor, Chris A.. Norton, Kan. Teply, Benjamin J., Mech., Hanover. Kan. Thiede. William F., Montello. Wis. Thiede, George L., La Crosse. Wis. •Thirwell. William J., Pleasanton, Kan. Thomas. Clarence E.. Sgt.. Shamokin. Pa. •Thompson, William T.. Parker. Kan. Tilley, Roy, Eldorado, Kan. Trammell, Charles H., Centerville, Kan. •Trammell. Robert F., Centerville, Kan. •Trible, George H.. La Cygne, Kan. •Trisler, Dorman E., Quinter Kan. •Umphries. Leo, Pratt. Kan. •Valenzuela, Abraham. N. R. •Vance. Earl L.. Haddani. Kan. Van De Wall. Luther, St. Paul, Minn. Van De Wege. Teanus E.. Prairieview. Kan. Van Haren, Arthur. Phoenix. Ariz. Van Liew, Charles L.. Bugler, Kansas City, Kan. Van Ness, Lloyd P.. Roekford, 111. •Vesper, John H., Garden City, Kan. VoUbrecht, Jacob W., Black Canyon, Maer, Ariz. Wade, Luther E., Ellston, Mo. •Wagner, Roy J., Hill City, Kan. •Walker, Fred A., Norton, Kan. •Walkinshaw, James H., Quinter, Kan. Wallace, George J., Pardeeville, Wis. Wallace, Russell R., Colorado Springs, Colo. Waznonis, John S., Roekford. 111. •Weatlierford, William, La Cygne, Kan. Wever, Kantius, Oshkosh, Wis. Weis, William E., Mar.shfield, Wis. Welcome, Fred J., Boston, Mass. Werk, Albert, Pasadena, Calif. West, Herschel G., Corp., Kokomo, Ind. Wilde, Clarence E., Montello, Wis. Williams, Howard, Clinton. Mo. Willis, Arch, Williams, Ariz. Wilshire, Noble A., Manhattan, Kan. Winchel, Paul B., Corp.. Osawatomie. Kan. Wise. Julius L.. Rollingstone. Minn. Witt. Edward J., Milwaukee, Wis. Wlasick, Stanley, Miami. Ariz. Wollenburg. Carl A., Lomira. Wis. •Worrick. Jerry S., Washington. Kan. Wuensch. Lawrence. La Crosse. Wis. •York. Edwin L.. Movmd City. Kan. Young, Delmar L., Salina, Kan. •Yoiuig, (Jeorge A.. Beloit, Kan. Zies, Ray M., Dunlap, Kan. Headquarters Company, 353rd Infantry NAME Atkins, Moses D. Abbott, Harry C. Ballweg', Raymond A. Benning', Lloyd H. Big-g-s, Clyde H. Blackinton, Georg-e W. Brown, H. F. Butler, Charles E. Craig, Ira. N. Cranz, C. F, Dahmke, Fred A. Dienst, Charles F. Doian, Wni. H. Fades, Carl A. Eng-lish, George H. Haslet t, J. C. Hunter, Vemon D. Keim, Tliurman E. Leedy, Harold G. Masseek, Clinton McCollum, John Melvin, Robert L. Nixon. James G. Noves, George B. Jr. PeatroRS, J. L. Piatt. William P. Scott, Richard M. Shepard, Martin B. Sichterman, Artie J. Seller, Vincent H. Snouffer, Ira N. Turner, Courtney S. Wood, I'rank M. LAST KNOWN R.A Capt. Ist Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. Lieut. -Col. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. 2nd Ijieut. Major Capt. 1st Lievtt. Capt. Lieut. -Col. Capt. Capt. Capt. 2nd Lieut. Major 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Lieut. -Col. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lievit. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. Capt. 'Albreicht, Dick C Aldrich, Charles T Allen, Thurman R. Anderson, Frank H Aekerman. Henry G., Corp., Menlo Kan. Adams, Clarence C, Corp., Chetopa, Kan. Adams. Earl J., Independence, Kan. Adamitas, Michael J., Chicago, 111. *Addison. William H., St. Louis, Mo. Adkins, Zatto C, Co. Runner Blair, W. Va. Adyllotte, Alfred L., 3C1 Musician, Manhattan, Kan. *Albers, Joseph A., Grimmel, Kan. Natoma, Kan. Sgt., Ottawa, Kan. Shreveport, La. Ellington, N. Y. Ansdell. Georgre H., Jamestown, Kan. Atkinson, Elijah M., Corp., Hoxie, Kan. Ayersman, Steul, Coal City, 111. *Baber, Walter, Caldwell, Kan. Baldwin, Marion S., Gem, Kan. * Barber, Silas, Mound Valley, Kan. Barcus, Charles, Co. & Reg:. Runner. Columbus, Kan. Barnes. Frederick H., Sgt., La Crosse, Kan. Barnes, Samuel E.. Sgt., Manhattan, Kan. * Barrett, William H.. Weir, Kan. *Barton, James L., Hugoton, Kan. *Barton, John H., Chetopa, Kan. *Bauer, Frederick F., Kansas City, Kan. Baustain, Bryan W.. Lucas, Kan. *Baxter, Charles A., Gorham, Kan. Beamer, Leon R., Eldorado, Kan. *Bear, Earl D., Brewster, Kan. Becker. Walter H. W., 3C1 Musician, Sylvan Grove, Kan. Beeler, Vemon, opeka, Kan. Bell, Keith T., Chetopa, Kan. Benedict, Joseph, Pittsburg, Kan. Bennett, Oscar N., 1st Sg't., Oswego, Kan. *Bentz, John J., Kansas City, Kan. Berquist, Allen A., Kansas City, Kan. *Bigg'er, Taford W., Topeka, Kan. Bird, George T., Reg. Runner, Jackson, Tenn. Bingham, Harry H., Sabetha. Kan. *Bodmer, Albert E., Paradise, Kan. *Bohannon, Fred F., Waco, Kan. *Bohn, Ernest C, Chetopa, Kan. Bohnenblust, Alvan A., Meeh., Riley. Kan. Bonnawitz, Lavern L., Corp.. Topeka, Kan. Blackmann, Elgie R., Neillsville, Wis. Bleistein, Floyd A.. Denver. Colo. Bonnell, Frank P., Denver, Colo. Boolkin. Morris, Chicago, 111. *Boone, William N., Sg-t.. Dodge City, Kan. K ADDRESS 7020 Elwood Ave., Rogers Park, Chicago, 111. Chicago, 111. 115 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. Ind. Pueblo, Colo. Canyon City, Colo. 20.> W. 0th. Flint, Mich. Holden. Mass. Sturgeon Bay, Wis. A. G. O. Washing-ton, D. C. c-o Ohio State Univer.sity, Columbus, Ohio Omaha, Nebr. Boise, Ida. Lynn, Mass. Lowell, W. Va. 1016 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Bertrand, Colo. Schiller Park Hovise, Columbus, Ohio 2651 W. 29th, Denver, Colo. Plattsburg, Mo. Tl:e Weirs. N. H. N. R. East Street, Georgetown, Mass. Cleveland, Ohio Port Chester, N. Y. Rolla, Mo. Junction City, Kan. 2848 Gaylord Ave., Denver. Colo. Hillcrest. Beloit. Wis. Atlas Powder Works, Wilming-ton, Del. Elizabeth, N. J. Fort Wayne, Ind. Atchison. Kan. Coldwell. Ohio Boss, Lyle H.. Fort Scott, Kan. Bourne, Bert A., Delphos, Kan. Bradley, James, Sgt.. Chicopee, Kan. Bradley, Orrie Z., Corp., Wichita, Kan. Bradley, Owen, Arkansas City, Kan. Bradshaw. Merril C, Denver. Colo. Braneato. Matteo. Kansas City. Mo. Bressell, Georg-e M,. Bunker Hill. Kan. Brewer. John L., Cook, Gem, Kan. Briant, Ray, Corp., Matheson, Colo. Britton, William, Bn. Runner, Weir, Kan. * Brooks, Ade, Hays, Kan. Braugh, Oliver A., Parsons, Kan. *Brown, Clifford S.. Fort Scott, Kan. Brown, Jerry I , Kechi. Kan. Brown. John W.. Wakeeney. Kan. Brown, Peter L., Bn. Sgt. Major, St. Louis. Mo. Brown, Lee I., Syracuse, Kan. *Brownlee, Kenneth W., Troy, Kan. Bruner, Elmer R., Olivet, Kan. *Brunton, Joseph T., Cambridge, Kan. Buchan. Thomas, Wilson, Kan. Buhler, Julius W., Springfield, Mo. *Bunee, William R., Parsons, Kan. Bunnel, John J., Eldorado, Kan. Eurfiend. Earl F., Corp., Denver, Colo. Burkett, August C, Sgt., Wichita, Kan. Burkett, Paul J., Pleasanton, Kan. Burkholder, William M., Anthony, Kan. Burnett, Georg-e H.. 2C1 Musician, Omaha. Nebr. *Burns, Lysle, Winfield, Kan. *Bushell, Ernest E., Gorham, Kan. Button, Joseph M., Rosedale, Kan. Cain, William. Atchison. Kan. Caldwell, George M., Osweg-o, Kan. Capps, High B., Gretna, Kan. Carter, James L., Salina, Kan. Carter, Percy C. Leoti, Kan. Carrothers, Frank L., Enid, Okla. Casey, Hal., ICl Musician, Beloit, Kan. Casper. Oscar R.. Dorrance, Kan. Chabasol, Edward D., Augusta, aKn. Chalmers, Robert B., Topeka, Kan. Chambers, Homer F., Hoxie, Kan. Chantelois, Arthur, Iron River, Wis. Chappee, Perry, Greensburg, Kan. Chelf, Floyd E., Leoti, Kan. Choquette, Lawrence J., Home, Kan. *Clark, Arnold B., Lincoln, Kan. •Clark, Clarence P., Topeka, Kan. 308 licgimenlal IJirectury o5!ii'd Infantry demons, Ray, Blanier, Wis. Coats, Charles M., Chanute, Kan. •Cobb, Walter C, Qninter, Kan. Conkey, Claude O., Corp., Newton, Kan. Cook, Arthur E., Sgt., Russell, Kan. Cook, Georg-e H., Barnare, Mo. Coop, John N., Baxter, Kan. *Cope. Byron E., Sert., Parsons, Kan. ♦Cowling, William J., Sgt., Leavenworth, Kan. Cox. Howard T., Sgrt., Woodward, Okla. Craig, Lloyd E., 1st Sgt., Gardner, Kan. •Crawford, William, Natoma, Kan. Crebo, William R., Corp., St. John, Kan. Crane, Jesse L., Marquette, Kan. •Cruise, John E., Parsons, Kan. •Curtis, William C, Pueblo, Colo. •Daugherty, Claude, Hoxie, Kan. Davis, George T., Versailles. Ky. Davis, James W., Parsons, Kan. Davis, John, Jr., Reg. Sgt. Major, Pittsburg, Kan. Davis, Louis C, Clay Center, Kan. Day, William W., Sgt., Pretty Prairie, Kan. •Dean, Frank, Edmond, Kan. Deibo, Joseph J., Kansas City, Kan. Deines, David, Russell, Kan. •Denman, Arthvir R., Manhattan, Kan. •Denman, Benjamin A., Washington Co.. Kan. •Dent, Floyd E., Danville, Kan. Dewitt, Hugo T., Sidney, 111. Dickinson, Clarence C, Coldwater, Kan. Dilgert, Gustav A., Atchison, Kan. Dir, Ervin S., Winfield, Kan. Dirkson, Henry M., Newton. Kan. •Dixon, Walter I., Topeka, Kan. Dodson, Frank W., Mech., Pittsburg. Kan. Doughman, Claude L., Corp., Parsons, Kan. Drake, James I., Lebo. Kan. •Dunn, Roy T., Osawatomie. Kan. Durham, Walter H., St. Joseph, Mo. Duvall, Henry F., Sgt., Longton, Kan. Earniiardt, Andrew B., Concord, N. C. •Eastman, Walter P., Denver, Colo. Eeles, Jim H., Mound Ridge, Kan. •Edward, Homer. Protection, Kan. Elmer, Charles P., Cook, lola, Kan. Eisner, William H., Gorham, Kan. Endicott, John S., Arcadia, Kan. •English, William L., Parsons, Kan. Ervin, Claude H., Corp., Parsons, Kan. Eubank, Thomas C, Paola, Kan. Evel, Casper, Lureey, Kan. Ewing, Erie E., Cook, Lucas, Kan. Ewing, Paul B., Kerwin, Kan. Ewing, Roy, Topeka, Kan. •Fairchild, Keith R., Hoxie, Kan. Farber, Lloyd, Corp., Bn. Runner, Selden, Kan. Farmer, Ray, Parsons, Kan. Farrell, Earl W., Corp., Tonganoxie, Kan. •Field, Roscoe, Sgt., Enid, Okla. •Ferris, Harold B., Hoisington, Kan. Fidler, John F., Stockton, Kan. •Ftndley, Clyde C, Quinter, Kan. Fisher, Harry E., Topeka, Kan. •Fisher, Richard M., Sgt., St. John, Kan. Fletcher, Floyd L., Corp.. Waldo, Kan. Fletcher, Harold B., Coffeyville, Kan. Florin, Palmon J., Reg. Runner, Roxburg, Kan. Flottman, Fritz R., Burden, Kan. •Forsyth, Forrest F., Hoxie, Kan. •Foster. Flo.vd, Hoxie, Kan. •Foster, Lawrence, Baltimore, Md. i'oster, Norman N., Sgt., Ellsworth, Kan. Foutz, Ellis H., 3C1 Musician, Hudson, Kan. Fox, Floyd O., Asliland, Kan. Franken, Francis J. C, Fanning, Kan. French, Clyde, Columbus, Kan. Fuller, Walter E., Arkansas City, Kan. Gahre, Gustav J. H., Dorrance, Kan. Gail. Walter A., Chetopa, Kan. •Gardner, Beth, Tonganoxie. Kan. Gavin, Thomas L., Lucas, Kan. Geffert, Andrew B., Greenleaf, Kan. •Gibbons, Lloyd H., Bn. Sgt., Major, St. Louis, Mo. •Gilbert, Harry J., Moscow, Kan. Gill, Ernest A., Moline, Kan. Gillham, Roger R., Ellis, Kan. •Gillmar, Kent P., Douglas, Kan. Gingerick. Rudolph, Corp., Pontiac, Mich. •Glillispie. Griggs T., Hugoton, Kan. Glover, Spencer, Wagoner, Copeland, Kan. Goodv.'in, Guy S., Concordia, Kan. Greenfield, Benjamin, Bronx, N. Y. Griggsby, Albert R., 3C1 Musician, I'ulton, Kan. Groff, James L., Hays, Kan. Gronniger, John L., Color Sgt., Purcell, Kan. Gursha, Anthony F., Kansas City, Mo. Gutherie, Gilbert W., Reg. Runner, Lewis, Kan. Gutherie, Walter T., Chanute, Kan. Hadsall, Tim, Bandon, Ore. Hall, Charles W., Jr.. Sgt., Parsons, Kan. Hallett, Harold P., Corp., Galena, Kan. Hamilton, Floyd R., Corp., Galena. Kan. Hamilton, John A., Ft. Collins, Colo. •Handshy, Claude R., Columbus. Kan. Hancock, Joseph H., Taylor, Ariz. •Harbur, Herbert M., Sgt., Emporia, Kan. Harding, Bert H., Corp., Wichita, Kan. Hart, Joseph, Frontenae, Kan. Harter, Fred L., St. Johns. Kan. Haster, Jacob A.. Chicago, 111. Hawkins, Ladru W., 2C1 Musician, Grenola, Kan. Hayes, Harold P., Corp., Atchison, Kan. •Hayes, Wilbur, R., Laird, Kan. Heater, Monroe D., 3C1 Musician, Howard, Kan. Heatliman, Frederick L., Ellsworth, Kan. Heck, Theodore A., Cook. Lucas, Kan. •Henschel, Sylvester J., Kansas City, Kan. Hesler, Jess C., Corp., Kiowa. Kan. Hiatt, Reuben H., Douglas, Kan. Hedges, Asa H., Reg. Runner, Kansas City, Kan. Heidenreich, Charles E., Story, Ind. Hill, Carl F., Fort Scott, Kan. Hills, Frank M., Sgt., Hutchinson, Kan. Hilton, Ernest J., Corp., Kansas City, Mo. Hitchcock, Stanley S., 3C1 Musician, Highland, Kan. Holding, Edwin, Reg. Runner, Concordia, Kan. Holeman, Marvin L., Bronson, Kan. •Honeywell, Samuel W., Manhattan, Kan. Hoover, Elmer E., Corp., Sedan, Kan. Hefner, August C, 2C1 Musician, Wakeeney, Kan. Hughes, Frank A., N. R. Hughnin, Ray, Kansas City, Kan. Hughes, John C, Eminence, Mo. •Humphreys, Floyd G., Hooker, Okla. Hunt, Joseph F., Corp., Arkansas City, Kan. Hudson, James L., Wilsey, Kan. Imhoff, John E., Kansas City, Kan. Jacques, Joseph I., Hamlin, Kan. •Jacobs, Adam W., Russell, Kan. James, Jesse H., 3C1 Musician, Joplin, Mo. Janousek, B^red, Kamona, Kan. •Jenkins, John W., Kinsley, Kan. Jewett, Homer R., Leavenworth, Kan. Johnson, Andrew W., Bird City, Kan. Johnson, Carl H., Osage City, Kan. Johnson, Clarence E., Studley, Kan. Johnson, Frank, Erskine, Minn. Johnson, George, Corona, Kan. Johnson, Ollie, Florasville, Tex. Johnson, Roy A., Concordia. Kan. Johnson, Sever, Bangor, Wis. Jones, David M., Sgt.. Abilene. Kan. •Jones, Floyd R., Abilene, Kan. •Jones, Lloyd I., Dexter. Kan. Josserand, Orvine E., Sgt., Johnson, Kan. •Kafka, Frank J., Chicago, 111. •Kaps, Carl W., Bunker Hill, Kan. •Karantzas, John, Kansas City, Mo. •Kearns, Rufus F.. Selden, Kan. •Keck, Frank E., Parsons, Kan. Kejr, John, Corp., Wilson. Kan. •Keils, Chester A., Santa Fe, Kan. •Kells, Kenneth D., 3C1 Musician, Fort Scott, Kan. Kemp, Ed C, Caney, Kan. •Kemper, Gleaton H., Oswego, Kan. •Kemper, Peter, Oswego, Kan. Keiniey, John Z., Mound City, Kan. Kiker, James A., Sgt., Oswego, Kan. Kimberlin, Forrest W., Wagoner, Winfield, Kan. Headquarters Company, American Expeditionary Forces 309 Kindal, Faye, Topeka, Kan. King, Charles S., Watertown. S. D. King:, James G., Ponder. Mo. *Kious, Fred, Parsons, Kan. Klabunde, Paul A., Oshkosh, Wis. Knig:ht, Grover L., 3C1 Musician, Ottawa, Kan. Keoni?. Herbert, Watertown, Wis. *Koolanes, Peter T., Kansas City, Kan. Kormeyer, Clarence, Stable Sg't., Liiray, Kan. Koterske, John, Stlden, Kan. Kravise, Hubert, Jolmson Creek, Wis. *Kressin, Joseph M., Leavenworth, Kan. Kroegrer, Richard O., Color Sgt., St. Louis. Mo. Krug', Georg-e A., Russell, Kan. *Krug', John, Russell. Kan. Kufahl, Alfonso S., Wheaton, Kan. Kvasnieka, Ralph E., Corp., Lucas, Kan. Ladag'e, Walter, Kansas iCty, Mo. *Lake. Harry B., Galena, Kan. Lamorse, Levi P., Gorham, Kan. *Laney, Steward E., Abilene, Kan. Lantz, Henry J., Kansas City, Mo. Laslett, Herbert R., 1st Sg't., Lawrence, Kan. *Laurent, James A., Gem, Kan. Law, Clarence G., Anthony, Kan. Lantron, Egrbert L., Mobile, Ala. Lashmit, William E., Arma, Kan. *Leavel, David C, Emporia, Kan. Lemon, Levi L., Hill City, Kan. Leonard, Harry W., Jeanette, Pa. *Leonard, Otis, Kmsley, Kan. Letscli, John H., Bunker Hill, Kan. •Lewis, Robert E., Color Sgt., Kinsley Kan. Lobnieyer, Georg'e, Corp., Creig'hton, Nebr. Lollar, Lioniel L., Band Serg'eant, Chetopa, Kan. Lung'strom, Harry L., Enterprise, Kan. London, Henry D., Stillwater, Kan. Long', Vernon W., Lamed, Kan. Long'streth, Guy y ., Corp., Colony, Kan. Lowe, Claude, Council Bluffs, Iowa Luder, Jacob, Corp., Waldo, Kan. Luft, Carl, King'sdown, Kan. Lutz, Ernest A., Band Corp., Cawker City, Kan. Macon, Rolla J., Bn. Sg't. Major, Fort Scott, Kan. Majder, Andrew, West Hammond, 111. Manningrer, Manuel J., 2C1 Musician, Harper, Kan. Manis, Earl, Thayer, Kan. Marshall, Robert W., Liberal, Kan. Martin, Cal C, Roseland, Kan. •Mason, William E., Fort Scott, Kan. Mathews, James, Band Corp., Weir, Kan. Maurer, Elmer J., Russell Spring's, Kan. *Maxfield, John W., Syracuse, Kan. Mayer, Georg:e J., Long'mont, Colo. Meek, Fred C, Pratt, Kan. Meritield, Ernest R., St. Louis, Mo. *Merrell, Marvin H., Johnson, Kan. *Metheny, John J., Studley, Kan. Meyer, Edward, Band Leader, U. S. Army Meyer, Mike W., Grays Lake, 111. Miles, Clarence W., Mech., Chetopa, Kan. Milg'ram, David, Kansas City, Kan. Miller, Archie J., Howard, Kan. •Miller, DeLaskie. Atchison, Kan. Miller, Fred H., Chanute, Kan. Miller, Gilbert L., Cedar Falls, Iowa •Miller, Harry A., Wellington, Kan. Miller, Harley G., N. R. •Mitchell, Oscar R., Norton, Kan. •Mollenkopf, Otto, Cawker City, Kan. Montoys, Liberato C, Chanita, N. Mex. •More, Edward T., Paola, Kan. •Moore, Larenzo D., Welling'ton, Kan. Moss, Joseph L., Parsons, Kan. Moot, Clyde P., Sg't., Abilene, Kan. Mon'is, Earl P., Mills, N. Mex. Murpiiey, Herman, Osweg'O, Kan. Murphey, Hiram, Corp., Valeda, Kan. Morris, Robert O., Corp., Dallas, Tex. Morrison, Glen W., Meriden, Kan. Morrison, Roy L., Sgt., Emporia, Kan. Mmison, Edward A., Belleville, Kan. Murphy, Claude D., N. R. •Murray, William A. B., Hollyrood, Kan. Mvisielewiecz, John S., Chicago, 111. Myers, Leroy, Grays Lake, 111. McAUster, Thurley L., White Cloud, Kan. McAuley, Mack E., Asst. B. Leader, Logan, Kan. •McCabe, Herbert, Syracuse, Kan. McCall, Harold L., Bn. Runner, Eldorado, Kan. McClure, Lester R., Bn. Runner, Walton, Kan. •McCoy, John H., Lewiston, Penn. McCue, Charles. Osage City, Kan. McDonald, Kenneth G., Mayport, Tenn. •McGinley. William A., Colby, Kan. •McGint.v, Martin B., Parsons, Kan. McKibben, Ernest H., Stable Sgt., Dodge City, Kan. •McNaughty, James B., Bn. Sgt. Major, Girard, Kan. McNee, Charles L., Chicago, 111. •Nahrung, Carl H., Oakley, Kan. Nelson, John Jr., Chicago, 111. Nelson, Roland W., 3C1 Musician, Wakarusa, Kan. Nevin, Elex, Weir, Kan. •Niceschwander, "Victor H., Hoxie, Kan. •Nicolas, Samuel R., St. John, Kan. Noll, John J., Sgt., Parsons, Kan. Nornliauser, Muryl M., Sgt., Olathe, Kan. Norris, Ernest W., Glen Elder, Kan. •Oblander. .iacob G., Lehigh, Kan. O'Connell, Grant C, Kansas City. Kan. •Oliver, James T., Sgt., U. S. Army Olson, Arthur A., McPherson, Kan. Olson, Lennie J., Bn. Runner, Chanvxte, Kan. Osborne, Emery, Supply Sgt., Kansas City, Kan. Ostendorf, Henry, Lanham, Kan. •Owings, Edwin, W., Brewster, Kan. •Owings, Roy B., Syracuse, Kan. Packard, Grant L., Labette City, Kan. •Pangbum, Harold S., Galena, Kan. •Parks, Clayton I., Fellsburg, Kan. •Patterson, Emmit, Brewster, Kan. Pattinson, Thomas, Band Sgt., Scammon, Kan. Percy, Fay W., Peoria, 111. •Peteriet, Herman, Kansas City, Mo. •Pierce, Frank, Pleasanton, Kan. Pigman, Darrell L., Herington, Kan. Pennock, Lester A., Girard, Kan. Pietz, Emil F., Blumer, Wis. Pietz, Otto C, Blumer, Wis. Pitts, Ray S., Jetmore, Kan. Pippert, Joseph K., Laramie, Wyo. Piper, Olav, Doiiglas, Kan. Plumley, William L., White City, Kan. •Porter, Walter C, Vassar, Kan. •Pool, Francis A., Wellsville, Kan. Popkins, James R., Band Corp., Pittsburg, Kan. •Portrum, Lloyd E., Parsons, Kan. Powell, Edwin L., Bn. Rimner, Bird City, Kan. Prom, Joseph B., Sheboygan, Wis. Puis, William A., Readfield, Wis. •Quinlan, Frank L., Parsons, Kan. Quinn, Peter J., Corp., Pittsburg, Kan. Quinn, John J., S. Chicago, 111. Randall, Clarence L., Reg. Sgt. Major, Olathe, Kan. Redding, Clarence E., Pittsburg, Kan. Redmond, Roscoe R., Ottawa, Kan. •Reid, Charles F., Syracuse, Kan. Reid, Malcom E., Atchison, Kan. Reinhardt, Erwin F., St. Louis, Mo. •Reppert, Vernon M., Color Sgt., Buckner, Mo. Richardson, Leo L., Band Sgt., Oakley, Kan. Rieniets, Henry E., Pratt, Kan. •Rieteheck, Prank S., Grinnell, Kan. •Rieley, Frederick O., Noel, Mo. Rinkle, Herbert J., Haviland, Kan. •Roach, Walker S., Dexter, Kan. •Roberts, Andrew J., Lewis, Kan. Roberts, Earl A.. Bolder, Colo. Robinson, I'orrest L., Corp., Ganiett, Kan. Robinson, George R., Shamokin, Penn. Robinson, Henry W., Corp., Kansas City, Kan. •Rogers, Carl O., Webb City, Mo. Ronguish, John T., Cook, Waverly, Kan. •Rose, George S., Atchison, Kan. •Ross, Glen O., Parsons, Kan. Roth, Edward E., Atchison, Kan. Ryan, Raymond D., Corp., Pittsburg, Kan. 310 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry *Ryan, Marty, Colby, Kan. *Ryiiiker, Frank A., Kiowa, Kan. Salley, Orlin D., ."iCl Musician, Crofton, Nebr. *Salters, Harold B., Monument, Kan. Samuels, Frank E., Wichita, Kan. Sanders, Oscar A., Kanopolis, Kan. *Satterlee, Eniest G., Stag'ohnrov City, Kan. •Sauter, Edward A., Parsons, Kan. Schempf, Henry, Greeley, Colo. Scliloeman, Lambert N., Baxter, Kan. Sclimahl, Ive, Harmon. 111. Schmidt, Herbert N., Bluff City, Kan. *Schmitt, Frank N., Gorham, Kan. *Schnellbacher, William, Satanta, Kan. Schonholtz, Louis C, Sgt., Hutchinson. Kan. *Schroepfler, William C, Wamegro, Kan. *Schroll, Georg-e R., Sg't., Syracuse, Kan. Schwank, Charles F., Sterling-, 111. •Schweitzer, George S., Bison, Kan. Scott, Homer A., Sgrt., Wichita, Kan. Scott, Louis R., Greensburg, Kan. Seabaugh, Roy, Campti, La. •Searles, Forrest L., Marion, Kan. ♦Sealer, Ralph L., Topeka, Kan. Selewoncuk, Alexander, St. Paul, Minn. Sample, Albert N., Denver, Colo. Shaffer, Joseph F., Parsons, Kan. Shaftesbui-y, Archie D., St. Johns, Kan. Sherits, Joseph R., Buekston, Kan. *Sharpe, Frank W., Gem, Kan. Shoup, Frank O., Mulvane, Kan. Shull, Charles A., Wagoner, Luray, Kan. Signans, Peter, Tampa, Fla. •Simpson, Fred M., Kansas City, Kan. •Simmons, Joseph R., Parsons, Kan. Sinclair, Harold P., ICl Musician, Buffalo, S. D. Skelley, George A., Atchison, Kan. •Smith, Charles L., Parsons, Kan. Smith, Louis C, 2C1 Musician, Moberly, Kan. •Smith, Raymond A., Kinsley, Kan. •Smith, Roy, Phillipsburg, Kan. Smith, Roy L., Band Corp., Logan, Kan. •Spencer, Grover C, Leavenworth, Kan. Spencer, Jesse L., 3C1 Miisician, Concordia, Kan. •Spielman, Edward H., Colby, Kan. •Spitznagle, George, Collyer, Kan. Stahl, Edward H., Arkansas City, Kan. •Stallard, Frederick M., Parsons, Kan. Stang, Herman E., Corp., Bison, Kan. Stanley, Fred R., 3C1 Musician, Hoisington, Kan. •Stanley, Omar I., Sgt., Barnes, Kan. •Stapleton. Reuben E., Hoxie, Kan. Stathes, Paul A., Minneapolis, Minn. •Steerwalt. Earl E., Parsons, Kan. Stender, Royal P., Denver, Colo. •Stewardson, Samuel S., Colby, Kan. Stigers, Earl L., Basehar, Kan. Stinson, Gilbert L., Chetopa, Kan. •Stoll, Albert E., St. Joseph, Mo. Stone, Claude F., Sgt., Plainville, Kan. •Strate, Frank, Lewis, Kan. Strumfa, Edward, Omaha, Nebr. •Sturdevant, Epha, Russell, Kan. •Sturdevant, Ralph E., Russell, Kan. Suitt, Clair H.. 3C1 Musician, Paola, Kan. Sullivan, David, Denver, Colo. Sullivan, James B., Kansas City, Kan. Sullivan, Jerry D., Wilson, Kan. Sullivan, John A., Goodland, Kan. Suttmoeller, Jack G., ICl Musician. Beloit, Kan. Sweetwood, Louis S., Williamsburg, Kan. Tanner, Arthur L., Pittsburg, Kan. Ta.sker, Roscoe A., Sgt., Concordia, Kan. Tate, Charles A., Seneca, Kan. •Taylor, Chris, Norton, Kan. Taylor, Herbert R., 3C1 Musician, Plains, Kan. Thomas, Ralph E., Columbus, Kan. Thompson, Arthur R., Sgt., Oswego, Kan. Thompson, Norris T., Paola, Kan. Thompson, Robert J., Grenola, Kan. •Thurwell, Wm. J., Pleasanton, Kan. •Tiedmann. Hermann G., Russell, Kan. *Todd, David M., Reg. Sgt. Major, Denver, Colo, Toenjes, Walter, N. R. Towery, Fred J., Cook, Parsons, Kan. Traster, Ralph E., Sgt., Edna, Kan. Trautman, Jacob, Warden, Wash. Travis, Howard M., South Mound, Kan. Trepton, George L., Trego, Wis. Turner, Heni-y W., Kinsley, Kan. Underbill, Sylvester M., Sgt., Ellis, Kan. Usher, Martin L., Band Corp., Scammon, Kan. Vercouters, Walter L., Sgt., Pittsburg, Kan. "Vernon, Joseph F., Lamed. Kan. •Vidieh, Andrew, Kansas City, Mo. Vonder Brelje, John H., Plato, Minn. Waldo, Ottie E., Band Sgt., Pratt, Kan. Walker, Orris A., Kansas City, Kan. Wade, Fred E., Sabetha, Kan. Wade, William, N. R. Wallis, Herman N., Williamsburg, Kan. •Walder, John L., Selden, Kan. Walter, John L., N. R. Ward, Leo S., Corp., Kiowa, Kan. Watson, Charles H., Sgt., Parsons. Kan. Weaver, Albert L., McLouth. Kan. •Weeks, Dea G., Copeland, Kan. Weeks, Frank W., Osbonie, Kan. Weikal, Ralph E., Bucklin, Kan. Weis, John, Marshfield, Wis. •West. Arby R., Osawatomie, Kan. Westfall, Walter E., Corp., Luray, Kan. •White, Clavide A., Parsons, Kan. Whitehead, Harold C, Sgt. Bugler, Kirwin, Kan. •Whitmer, Henry A., Dorrance. Kan. •Wiggins, James R.. Parsons, Kan. •Wigginton, Thomas K., Menlo, Kan. •Wild, Wendall, Covert, Kan. *Williams, Clarence L., Columbus, Kan. •Williams, John E., Bartlesville, Kan. Willoughby, Frank, Payson, Okla. Wilson, Arthur C, Scardia, Kan. •Wilson, Olan R., Sublette. Kan. •Windier, Theodore H., Nashville, Kan. •Winters, Noble L., Huron, Kan. Wise. Willard W., Cook, Ashland, Kan. Wood, Charles A., Wagoner, Grenola, Kan. Woodhouse, John R., Bn. Sgt. Major, Atchison, Kan. Woodman, Bruce S., Parsons, Kan. •Woods, Leo A., Oswego, Kan. Workman, John C, Otego, Kan. Worley, Cloyde S., Corp., Osage City, Kan. Wrigiit, Horace, Sup. Sgt., Winfield. Kan. Wright, William, Linwood, Kan. •Young, Roy N., Sgt. Bugler, Beloit, Kan. Tounger, James G., Parsons, Kan. Zimmerman, Carlos C, Mech., Par.sons, Kan. Zimmerman, Nelson L., Syracuse, Kan. Zink, Albert E., Syracuse, Kan. Zurcher, Frcnk A. V., Corp., Newton, Kan. Machine Gun Company, 353rd Infantry NAME Bailey, Morton S. Jr. Ball, Ernest C. Barntett, Allen Barton, Walker E. Carpenter Hubert C. Davis, John E. Delaney, John J. Downey, William J. Forbes, Harry B. Kemper, Ralph L. Lee, William J. Paschal, Boykin Postin, William R. Robertson, H. H. Spring-gate, Raymond Sutton, Daniel F. Van Sant, Thomas \ argo, Alexander J. Wade, Ernest G. Yates, Oscar W. LAST KNOWN RANK 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 1st Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Capt. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. *Aaron, James F., Lansing, Kan. Addison, William H., Kansas City, Kan. Alexander, Arthur A.. Sgt., Wichita. Kan. •Alexander, Rogers W., Kingman, Kan. Allison, Clifford, Fort Scott, Kan. Amick, Joe, Woodbury, Penn. Anderson, Judd W. F.. Corp., Ogalla, Kan. Andrews, George A., Sgt., Lancaster, Kan. Anthony, Edgar R., Arnold, Penn. Armour, James W., Farmington, Kan. •Armstrong, Edwin, Centralia, Kan. •Ashcraft, James W., Shinton, W. Va. •Augustine, Ignac, Ellis, Kan. Baci, Placide G., Trinidad, Colo. •Baird, James E., Atwood. Kan. Ballenges, Kyle L., Clayton, W. Va. •Balmer, Berny J., Stockton, Kan. Barron, Albert R., Josephine, Penn. Balz, Albert, Leavenworth, Kan. •Berry, Henry, Osage City, Kan. Bates, Almon J., Saylesville, R. I. Beals, Charles, Wekeeney, Kan. Eeals, Charles, Hanna, Mo. Becker, Edwin H., Perue, 111. •Bell. Clyde V., Kansas City, Kan. Bellairs, Clifford E., Sgt., Wakeeney, Kan. Bennett, James R., Dundee. 111. Bennett, Ry E., Junction City, Kan. •Bennett, Walter N., Sgt., Kansas City, Kan. Benus, Walter E., Kansas City, Kan. Black, James D., Chicago, 111. •Blair, Morton, Fort Scott, Kan. •Blake, David S., Cook, La Crosse, Kan. Boldt, Fred H., Co. Runner, Bushton, Kan. Bollig, Andrew, Ellis, Kan. Bosch, Paul J., Appleton, Wis. Bosch, Peter G., Appleton, Wis. Boyce, Ernest R., Co. Riumer, Greeley, Colo. •Bradley, Aubrey J., Fort Scott, Kan. Breed, Allen O., Breed, Wis. •Brethower, Jacob, Russell, Kan. Breiker, Elijah N., Orange, Calif. •Browne, John F., Harper, Kan. •Butner, Jess W., Valencia, Kan. •Calvert, William C, Kansas City, Kan. •Chacon, Juan A., Albuquerque, N. Mex. •Chestnut, Earl R., Ottawa, Kan. Clark, Eugene C, Atchison, Kan. •Clark, Roy A., Fort Scott. Kan. •Cloud, Jess P.. Wichita, Kan. •Cloud, Kenneth G., Sgt., Chicago, 111. Coleman, Venion G., Corp., Sharon, Kan. •Collins, Alex L., Kansas City, Kan. •Conley, William C, Fort Scott, Kan. Conway, Edward F., Newton, Kan. Cooper, Lyle A., Savonburg, Kan. Cragg, Leo F., Parsons, Kan. •Cruzan, Jacob W., Hewins. Kan. •Culp, Hubert R., Redfield, Kan. Cunnmgham, Guy, Moline, Kan. Cyr, Robert W.. Stable Sgt., Aurora, Kan. •Daily, Frank, Lenora, Kan. Daum, Henry W., St. Francis, Kan. Davidson, John, Co. Runner, Wichita, Kan. Davis, Albert R., La Salle, Colo. ADDRESS 2.386 Baxter St., Denver, Colo. Memphis, Tenn. Louisville, Ky. Washington, D. C. Stanford, Ky. Greeley, Colo. A. G. O., Washington, D. C. 355 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, Mich. Elyria, Ohio Columbus, Ohio "V'oungstown, Ohio Morning News, Savannah, Ga. Bennett, Colo. Wausau, Wis. New Haven, Mo. Boston, Mass. Mount Sterling, Ky. Cleveland, Ohio N. R. 349 Union St., Salem, Va. •Davis, Francis F., Kansas City, Kan. Davis, John U., Chicago, 111. •Dealy, Albert E., Ludell, Kan. •Dean, Robert W., Quenemo, Kan. •Defayer, Isidore, Santa Fe, N. Mex. Denhardt, Harrison J., Neenah, Wis. Dern, Percy D., Kansas City, Mo. Detwiler, Frank, Ottawa, Kan. •Deutscher, Gustav, Ransom. Kan. •Diehl. Claude W., Sgt., Lincoln, Nebr. Dodson, Charles, Burlmgame, Kan. Doremus, Bert E., Ludell, Kan. *Dort, Charles M., Seneca, Kan. •Dunham, John W., Fort Scott, Kan. Eaglen, William E., Corp., Chapman, Kan. •Eastwood, Joseph W., Fort Scott, Kan. Ehart, George A., Leavenworth, Kan. •Eklund, Carl V., Scranton, Kan. •Eklund, Olaf V.. Scranton, Kan. •Ellis, Elmer D., Fort Scott, Kan. •Elkin, Bryan T., Quenemo, Kan. •Embry, Roy C, Fort Scott, Kan. •English, Bernham T., Leavenworth, Kan. Erie, Francis D., Fulton, Kan. •Evers, John F., Collyer. Kan. •Fairchild, Arthur P., Kingman, Kan. Fevurly, Grover F., Easton, Kan. Fieweger, Clarence J., Kinilaerly, Wis. •File, Jerry, Beioit, Kan. Fisher, Dale A., Supply Sgt., Kansas City, Kan. Fitzgerald, Jesse L., Pratt, Kan. •Fitch, Ralph V., Sgt., Fontana, Kan. •Fix, Charles F., Teeumseh, Kan. Foster, Herbert, Liberal, Kan. •Fox, Robert E., Mech., Columbus, Kan. •Freeman, Carl M., Kansas City, Kan. •Gabriel, Jacob, Gueda Springs, Kan. Gagnon, Francis D., Jurich, Kan. •Gallegos, Paul, Alamosa, Colo. •Gardner, Clarence A., Deson, Kan. Gillen, Harry E., Sgt., Kingman, Kan. •Goucher, Herman, Fort Scott, Kan. Gray, Charles L., Corp., Canton. Kan. •Greenwald, Fred, Fort Scott, Kan. Gribben, Christopher A., Bugler, Kansas City, Kan. Griffith, Wilham S., Sgt., Galva, Kan. •Greutzmacher, Walter Jr., Beaver Dam, Wis. Hankinson, Wesley, Corp., Kansas City, Kan. Hanni, Fritz., Co. Runner, Marysville, Kan. •Hannon, Albert E., Kansas City, Kan. •Harder, Earl, Lancaster, Kan. •Hart, Charles B., Leavenworth, Kan. Hartley, Howard B., Garland, Kan. •Harvey, Frank E., Corp., Kansas City, Kan. •Hartman, Detlef, Fort Scott, Kan. Haugen, Clarence M., Chicago, 111. •Hemminger, John, Oconto Falls, Wis. Henrick, Harlan O., Stillwater, Okla. •Hetzel, Blaine, Hetzel, Kan. Hilbish, Roy W., Haskwell, Colo. Hill, Clevie L., Salisbury, Kan. Hill, Roy E., Chautauqua, Kan. 312 Regimental Directory 353rd Infantry *Hillman, August H.. Wakeeney, Kan. ♦Kinds, Nora L., Bartlesville, Okla. Hinz, Emil O., Black Creek, Wis. *HolIoman, Charles B., Kansas City. Kan. Homan. William R., Sg-t., Fort Scott. Kan. Howard, Richard A., Co. Runner, Holdenville, Okla. Hupr, Frank E., Jr., Corp., Scranton, Kan. Hull, John E., Sg-t., Welling-ton, Kan. Humphreys, Claude H., Fairmount, Kan. Imlay, John L., Corp., Black Earth, Wis. *Indorf, Georg-e, St. Francis, Kan. *James, Lloyd B., Hollenbery, Kan. •Jennerett, Mark A., Onaga, Kan. *Jerrils, Harry H., Peru, Kan. *Je\vsbury, Clarence A., Pawnee Station, Kan. *Johnson, Ira L., Kansas City, Kan. Johnson. William N., Wakeeney, Kan. •Johnston, Roy A., Concordia, Kan. *Judy, Jacob V., Fort Scott, Kan. Kane, Hubert E., Chicago. 111. Karmeris, Louis, Kansas City. Kan. Karnes, Anthony E., Attica, Kan. Karstetter, John B., Kansas City, Kan. •Keene, John W., Ottawa, Kan. *Keeney, Harry L., Pawnee Station, Kan. Keiffer, Charles, Cori>., Palmer, Kan. •Kelley, John, Ellis. Kan. Kelly, Andrew, Auburn. Kan. Kelly. David, Paola, Kan. *Kickhani. James J., St. Louis, Mo. ♦Killion, Carl R., Fort Scott, Kan. Kins', William, Redfield, Kan. Kisser, Adolph, Almona, Wis. *Koch. John P.. Clyde. Kan. *Kocher, Leo A., Mapleton, Kan. Kreig-baum, Jens J., Packwauka, Wis. •Krisle, William L., Meade, Kan. Ladwig, Otto A., Red Granite. Kan. Latchem. Cylde G., Sgt., Ottawa, Kan. Lemberg-er, Frank, Overbrook. Kan. *Leop, James A., Asheville. Kan. Lekander, Irving' L., Geneva. 111. Leuthold. Joe W., Oneida, Kan. *Levy. Aaron, Seneca, Kan. Lewis, Reese L., Lebo, Kan. *Lind, Edwin J., Osage City, Kan. Lindsay, Fred C. Altamont, Mo. *Littick, John, Kansas City, Kan. Lock, Leslie C, Delias, Kan. *Lof stead, Martin, Wakeeney, Kan. *Log'an, Arnold R., Belle Plaine, Kan. •Low, Clarence A., Fontana, Kan. Mackenzie, Victor C, Corp., Duluth, Minn. Madden, Paul, Corp.. Auburn. Kan. Malinowsky. Frank V.. Woda, Kan. Martinez, Fidel F., Co. Runner, Parkview, N. Mex. Martinez, Jose B., Tera Melba, N. Mex. Martins, Sam, Raton, N. Mex. Martinson, Albert N., Corp., Farling'ton, Kan. •Mason, Harry E., Ransom, Kan. •Mason, William E., Fort Scott, Kan. •Mayea, Grover C, Springrliill, Kan. •McCandless, David N., Fort Scott. Kan. •McCoy, Charles T., King'man, Kan. •McDaniel, Everett, Coming, Kan. McDonaugh, Albert L., Minneapolis, Minn. McEnaney, William T., Corp., Coming, Kan. McFarland, Harry M., Topeka, Kan. •McGlinn, Edward J., Chase, Kan. McGlynn, James, DeKalb, 111. *MeGowan, George F.. Kansas City. Kan. •McGraw, Henry, Fairmount, Kan. •Mclntyre, Richard M., Kansas City. Kan. •McKinley, Robert H., Wakeeney, Kan. McNeai-y, Hugh B., Weir City, Kan. McNeill, Lloyd R., Lane, Kan. •Maxwell, Jesse A., Devon, Kan, Miller, Clarendon I., Topeka, Kan. Miller, Henry E., Gridley, Kan. •Miller, Jacob, St. Francis, Kan. Miller, Joe A., Argentine, Kan. •Miller, Ralph, Fulton. Kan. Mitchell, Hugh A., Sgt.. St. Francis, Kan. •Montgomery, Homer T., Michigan Valley, Kan. Montgomery, John M., Corp., Bangor, Me. •Morgan, Arthur, Aurora, Kan. •Mullane, Timothy J., Fort Scott. Kan. •Murphy, James H., Atchison, Kan. Mvirray James G., McKees Rocks, Penn. •Murray, John R., Effingham, Kan. •Myers, Henry B., Carbondale, Kan. Nelson, Albert, Corp., Lexington, Nebr. Nelson, John, Hancock. Wis. Nelson. Lee F. O., Corp., Abdingdon. 111. Norris, Glen. Co. Runner, Carbalo, Kan. O'Connor, Edward T., Mess Sgt., Atchison, Kan. O'Connor. Lawrence N.. Eldorado. Kan. Olsen. Elmer R.. Rossville, Kan. Olson, Harry, Osceola, Wis. Clsson. Thomas C. Chicago, 111. Orrick, Homer T., Lenape. Kan. Parmenter, Clifford A., Neenah, Wis. Payne, Henry, Sgt.. McDonald, Kan. •Pearson, Raymond C, Courtland, Kan. •Pellett, Clifford C, Fort Scott, Kan. Penniman, Edward D., Sgt., Fort Scott. Kan. Pennington. Harry B., Sgt.. Logan. Kan. Peterson. Mareliall C. Sgt.. Kansas City, Kan. Pirtle. Walter V.. Leedey. Okla. •Planinac. Nick, Kansas City, Kan. Pool, Luther E.. Bronson. Kan. •Porter. Walter C. Melvenu. Kan. Pratt. Joseph A.. Hays. Kan. Promal. "Vaclav T., Chicago. 111. Pruess, Leonard T., Montello, Wis. •Proctor, Joe E., Fulton, Kan. •Quinn, Russell D., Kansas City, Kan. Rasmussen, Gottfred A., Emporia, Kan. Basque, Edward E., Boscobel, Wis. Redding, Louis M., Goodhue, Minn. •Redmond, Raymond C, Lyndon, Kan. •Rehm, Clare A., Baxter Springs, Kan. •Rietcheck, Frank A., Grinnel, Kan. •Riggs, Chester A., Collyer, Kan. •Ritter, Ray W.. Garden City. Kan. •Roberts. Edward H., Mount Hope, Kan. •Roberts. Andrew J., Lewis. Kan. Robertson, Alfred C. Reece. Kan. Robinson. Frank L., Sgt., Topeka, Kan. Roehm, William, Blue Island. 111. Rogers, Jesse E., Bartlesville. Okla. •Rommelf anger, William J., Greely, Kan. Ronike. John J.. McCraeken. Kan. •Roubough, Ralph. N. R. Ross, Leonard A., Bird City, Kan. Roth. Elmer J., Seymour. Wis. Rourke. John J.. Brownell. Kan. •Ruble. Louis R., Fulton, Kan. •Runkle, Fred E., Fort Scott, Kan. •Runyon, Oren C, Fort Scott. Kan. •Ruthrouff. Albert C. Redfield. Kan. Rydholm, John A.. Luck, Wis. •Sandowal, Nick, Dawson. N. Mex. Sandow, Julius C, Westfield. Wis. Sapp. Peyre F.. Co. Runner. Galena. Kan. Sawter. Jesse B.. Moline. Kan. Schamm. John, Mech., Wakeeney, Kan. •Sherzer, George F., Kansas City, Kan. •Schinverg. Harry Chicago, 111. •Schimming, Otto G., Co. Runner, Hope. Kan. •Schmitz, Jacob J., Plymouth. Wis. Schurnitsch, Edward J., Antigo. Wis. ScluiUo, Paul, Barron, Wis. SeUridge, Frank F., Corp., Buffalo. N. Y. •Senna. Alfred G.. Las Vegas. N. Mex. •Sessler. Ralph E., Liberal. Kan. •Sey, John. N. R. •Seymour, Edgar W., Rantoul, Kan. •Shawyer, William E., Ottawa, Kan. Shorthill, Rolo S., Topeka, Kan. •Shuert, Floyd C, Fulton. Kan. Shuster. Earl E.. Corp.. Anthony. Kan. Shuster, Clayton F.. Anthony. Kan. •Simmonds, Fred C, Wichita, Kan. Slater. Harry. La Grange, Mo. Smith, Charley B.. Wellington. Kan. •Smith, Ray W.. Heruigton, Kan. Smith, Edward F., Culver, Kan. Smull, Charles W., Co. Runner, St. Francis, Kan. St.ahlberg, Eli, Dayton, Minn. Stanwix, Leonard A., Corp., Tonganoxie. Kan. •Stames. Clollins. Leavenworth. Kan. •Steele. Chrfster. Devan, Kan. •Stegeman, Albert. Hope, Kan. •Stegman. David G.. Lynn. Kan. Machine Gun Company, American Expeditionary Forces 313 Stemkrans, Otto C, Abrams, Wis. Stewart, Roy E., Princeton. Wis. •Stiger, Earl L.. Leavenwortli, Kan. *Smithheisler, Joseph J., Danville, Kan. Stricklin, Michael R., Sedan, Kan. *Sturnian, James E., Emporia, Kan. Sullivan. Eug'ene V., Holton, Kan. 'Summers, Benjamin J., Penokee, Kan. Sutton, Harold S.. Liberal. Kan. Swain, Claude, Sgt., Fort Scott. Kan. Swanson, Per E., Co. Runner, Fort Scott. Kan. Taylor, William E., Corp., De Seta. Kan. *Terry, Lawrence D., Grenola, Kan. Tilberg, Ben,iamin R., Dwight, Kan. Tisoher, Adolph T., Beaver Dam, Wis. Thompson, James W., Eldorado, Kan. *Titus, George, Anthony, Kan. Trottin, Henry, Kaukauna, Wis. *Trotter, Ray E., Attica, Kan. *Turner, Albert, Atwood, Kan. *Urish, William, Seranton, Kan. Vermillion, Ben, Osawatomie, Kan. Verg, Frank W., Watertown, Wis, Vial, Albert R., La Grange, 111. Wahler, Thomas. Leavenworth. Kan. Walker, Samuel L., Chetopa, Kan. *Wassenberg, Christopher A., Mai-ysville. Kan. ■\\ eaver, Albert L., Marysville, Mo. W eber, Harry, "Bronx, N. Y. *Weddle, William R., Fort Scott. Kan. *Weinhold, Henry A., Kansas City, Kan. Welch, Thomas E., Co. Runner, Emporia, Ka,n. «elkos, Irving G., Elkhorn, Wis. Werner, Arthur, Baudette. Minn. *White, Frank, Fulton, Kan. Wilkinson, Frank W., Emporia. Kan. ♦Williams, Oscar W., CoUyers, Kan. Willrieh, Walter H., Cook, Fort Scott, Kan. Wilson, Arch, Horton, Kan. Wilson, Sidney A., 1st Sgt., Bethany, Mo. Wishlinski, Albert L., Berlin, Wis. *Witham, Harry P.. Noreatur, Kan. Woodhull, W., Michigan Yost, Carl M., Cook, Kansas City, Kan. Younghams, Walter O., Corp., Kansas City. Kan. Weinsheim Supply Company, 353ru Infanthy NAME Bodie, Davis P. Eowler, John F. Brown, Herbert A. Brown, Harold F. Craig', Lloyd Dunn, C. H. E. Dienst, Charles F. Davis, Charles O. Ferris, Carl H. Johnson, Scbastin K. Keim, T. E. •Matthews, Lewis P, *McGrady, John J. Morgan, J?'rancis Noyes, Georg-e S. Piatt, William P. Smith, Frank Allen LAST KNOWN RANK 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Capt. Capt. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. 1st Lieut. Capt. 2nd Lieut. Capt. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Capt. 1st Lieut. Allen, Irvin R., Topeka, Kan. *Arkle, Buford M., Atwood, Kan. Armstrong, Charles E., Oskaloosa, Kan. Bailey, Jesse J., Seneca, Kan. Bailey, Franklin W., Bluff City, Kan. Banker, Louis W., Sgrt.. Russell, Kan. Baker, Allen J., Wagoner, Pittsburg, Kan. Baldwin, Chester O., Dallas, Ga. *Beal, Bethel G., Atwood, Kan. *Berrs, Elmo, Atwood, Kan. *I>era:er, Paul L., Henidon, Kan. *Bennezette, Frank E., Kansas City, Kan. Belch, John, Phoenix, Ariz. Betterton, Walter H., Wagoner, Hyker, Ark. Bingham, Irwin, Wichita, Kan. *Boese, Henry T., McPherson, Kan. Bosiljevac, Stjepan, Kansas City, Kan. Blurton, James A., Wagoner, Hutchinson, Kan. Brew, Harry, Wichita, Kan. *Buehrs, Ernest H., McPherson, Kan. Cantrell, Lewis W., Wag'oner, Florence, Mo. Carpenter, William, Glen Elder, Kan. *Carson, Thomas S., Wichita, Kan. Calhoun, Emile M., 353rd Med. Detachment Casey, Leroy T., Wagoner, Cawker City, Kan. Caughenojr, Glenn, Sgt., McPherson, Kan. Cedarholm, Harold O., Corp.. Lindsborg'. Kan. Childs, Doyle I., Wagoner, O'Neills, Nebr. Clioate, Jesse C, Wag'oner, St. Louis, Mo. Chirldson, Curt C, Deadwood S. D. *Clawer, Don, Emmett, Kan. Colgrove. Frank C, Wagoner, Ozawkie, Kan. Combs, Turner, M., Wagoner, Cedarvale, Kan. Cook, Pete M., Wagoner, Montro.se, Mo. *Courtwright, Albert L., McPherson, Kan. Coop, John N., Baxter, Kan. * eraser, John R., N. R. *Crider, George P., Wagoner, Junction City, Kan. Cross, Walter P., Argentine, Kan. *Davis, Erby B., Ironwood, Mich. Dawson, Lloyd A., Cook, Belleville, Kan. Downey, Frank R., New York, N. Y. Dtmdou, Leonard G., Sg-t., Junction City, Kan. Edwards, Clay, Sgt., Harper, Kan. Elirlick, Herbert, Sgt., Marion, Kan. Enyart, John V., Westboro, Mo. *Elrod, James H., Madison, Kan. Feldkamp, Frank W., Wagoner, Lincoln, Mo. Fickle, John W., Wa&oner, Milo, Kan. Flanagan, Andrew J., Boston, Mass. Fletcher, Leroy T., Norton. Kan. Foy, Elbert E., Clarita, Okla. Eraser, John R., Fall River, Kan. * Friar, Chester L., Meade, Ariz. *Frost, Ernest E., Falun, Kan. Fuller, Earl C, Council, Ida. *Gaeddert. Gustav R., McPherson, Kan. Gates, Joseph E., Wag'oner, Leavenworth, Kan. Gibbons, Andrew H., St. John, Ariz. Giese, Oscar L., Toronto, Kan. Gillim, Maurice L., Wagoner, Fisher. Kan. *Goertz, David P., McPherson, Kan. Gotterman, Henry A., Roxbury, Kan. ADDRESS Cabot, Ark. Springfield, Mass. 35 High St., Saxon ville. Mass. Holden, Mass. Kansas City, Kan. Jeanette, Pa. Boise, Ida. Kansas City, Kan. Ag'ency, Mo. Columbus, Ohio 1622 16th St., Denver, Colo. Cleveland, Ohio Lorain, Ohio Ravenswood, W. Va. Port Chester, N. Y. Junction City, Kan. Washington, D. C. *Graser, John R., N. R. *Grandefre, Alcid, Concordia, Kan. Greenwood, Fred R., Wag-oner, Toulon, 111. *Hackenberg, Georg-e W., Mound Ridge, Kan. •Hamilton, Andrew J., Galva, Kan. Hagstrand, John A., Lindsborg-, Kan. Harrow, John, Bentley, Kan. Haystrings, Alvin D., McDonald, Kan. Haydon, Lester F., Inman, Kan. Heatheriug-ton, Ho M., Wagoner, Jennings, Kan. Heble, Rudolph A., Atwood, Kan. Hegberg. Clarence W., Lindsborg, Kan. *Heer, Frank T., Atwood, Kan. •Heiple, Harold R., Wagoner, McPherson, Kan. •Heidebrecht, Paul W., McPherson, Kan. *Helt, Paul, Wagoner, Winfield, Kan. Hetherington, John, Cook, Curranville, Kan. Henley, Thornton, Atchison, Kan. Hill, Frank, Sgt., Hutchinson, Kan. *Hirt, George, Mech., Kansas City, Mo. *Hine, Gerald C, Sgt., Manhattan, Kan. Holconib, Elmer H. L., Cook, Wakeeney, Kan. *Horvat, George, Kansas City, Kan. Horton, Spencer J., Wagoner, Topeka, Kan. Hotze, Alf L., Cunningham, Kan. Howe, Raymond V., Topeka, Kan. Hrapjack, John, Sugar City, Colo. Hughesm, Willis A., Wagoner, McDonald, Kan. Hunziker, John N., Wag-oner, Rexford, Kan. Hurst, James M., Wagoner, Levant, Kan. *Huss, Frank, Henidon. Kan. Hiieschan, Eric P., 2nd Lieut., Sylvan Grove, Kan. *Hunle.v, Forest B., Galena, Kan. *Humberg, Bismarck, N. R. *Hunda, Steve, Kansas City, Kan. Ingram, Lester, Wagoner, Laramie, Wyo. Irey, Benjamin H., Wagoner, Melvern, Kan. Iraci, Filandeffio, Wagoner, New York, N. Y. *Jobe, Claude R., Kansas City, Mo. Johnson, Reynolds H., Wagoner, Calvert, Kan. Judd, Shirley M., Wagoner, Selden, Kan. Karlin, Edward, Wagoner, Cathrine, Kan. Kaufman, John A., Wagoner, Atchison, Kan. Kennedy, Bernard. Stockton, Kan. Kent, Guy E., Wagoner, Guy, Kan. Keithely, George E., Wagoner, Isabelle, Kan. *Killarne.v, Earl, Atchison, Kan. Kirk, Alvin C, Wilmore, Kan. Kirkgarrd, Gotfrid, Denver, Colo. Koch, George E., Beloit, Kan. Koons, Royal E., Cook, McPherson, Kan. *Kuehn, Henry P., Kinsley, Kan. Kuehnl, Lothar, Dale, Wis. Kubin, Jefferson, Sgt., McPherson, Kan. Kuchem, Frederick H., Kansas City, Kan. Knowles, J. Ross, Atchison, Kan. La Bonte, Serine, N., Adams, Mass. ♦Labbarge. Edward, Concordia, Kan. Lake, Clifford A., Wagoner, Manchester, Kan. Supply Company, American Expeditionary Forces 315 Landel, Dalhousie, Wagoner, Kansas City, Kan. Larson, Luther M., Wagoner, Marquette, Kan. Larson, Oscar R., MePherson, Kan. *Leathernian, Noah, MePherson, Kan. Leat, Frank W., Meoh., Kansas City, Kan. Letsch, John H.. Bunker Hill, Kan. Liethen, John H., Mech.. Appleton, Wis. Liljestrom, Elmer, Lindsborg-, Kan. Lickty, Lewis D., Jewell, Kan. Linde, Ealph S., Cook, Rosedale, Kan. *Loche, George, Franklin, Nebr. Loeffler, Gustav, Rice, Kan. Llouia, Edniond, P., Wagoner, Mound Ridge, Kan. Logan, Franklin W., Oberlin, Kan. Lysell, Oscar F., Marquette, Kan. Lyons, Claude E. F., Wagoner, Phoenix, Ariz. *Mahorney, Fay, Atwood, Kan. •Makings, Weaver C, Atwood, Kan. *Marcotte, Arthur, Concordia, Kan. Masterson, Edward J., Colvimbus, Kan. *Mathes, Walter L., Trousdale, Kan. Mahan, Michael, Kansas City, Kan. McMahon, Clarence A., Kansas City, Kan. McAlavy, Herman H., Mech., Lincoln, Kan. McCluer, Arthur, Baxter Springs, Kan. * Meyer, Herman, Hemdon, Kan. *Meier. Fred, Hutchinson, Kan. *Miller, Arthur L., Kiowa, Kan. Mishler, "Vernie S., 1st Sgt., MePherson, Kan. Miller, Clyde E. F., Wagoner, Phoenix, Ariz. Moffit, Glenn G., Sgt., Hutchinson, Kan. Moore, John, Wagoner, Leavenworth, Kan. *Moore, Thomas J., Norcatur, Kan. Moorhead, Marion C., Elkhart, Kan. Morgan, James L., Wagoner, Concordia, Kan. Morgan, Myron V., Wagoner, Glate, Kan. Morns, Earl P., Trinidad, Colo. Moses, William A., Wagoner, McLouth, Kan. •Montgomery, John M., Sgt., Bangor, Me. Munson. Edward A., Cook. Belleville, Kan. *Neufeld, Peter T., MePherson, Kan. *Neufeld, Jacob H., MePherson, Kan. *Nick, Peter, Kansas City, Mo. * Novak, John, Seneca, Kan. *Ogle, Oscar O., Piedmont, Kan. Oliphant, Harley F., Wagoner, Wautoma, Wis. Oliver, Stonewall J., Wagoner, New Ulysses, Kan. Opperman, Morris D., Baxter Springs, Kan. Orthman, Frederick C, Wagoner, Atwood, Kan. *Owen, Earl, Topeka, Kan. *Palanowich, Pete, Atchison, Kan. Paraskevopoulos, C. H., Juneau, Wis. •Patrick, Steve, Kansas City, Mo. Patterson, Leonard U., Wagoner, Neosha Falls, Kan. Perkins, John N., Wagoner, Mullinville, Kan. Perry, Forrest J., Wagoner, Aurora, Kan. •Peterson, Alfred, Wagoner, Jamestown, Kan. •Pettick, Louis, Wagoner, Kansas City, Kan. Peterson, George M., Wagoner, Manhattan, Kan. Pfannkuch, John, Phillipsburg, Kan. Phillips, Leo J., Kansas City, Kan. •Piatt, George, MePherson, Kan. •Playford, George L., Oberlin, Kan. Portella, Joseph D., Globe, Ariz. •Portschy, Math, Hemdon, Kan. Puertz, Frank J., Wagoner, Garden Plains, Kan. Raber, Dannie L., Wagoner, Tully, Kan. 'Rainey, Ray A., MePherson. Kan. Reedy, Charles W., Wagoner, Norton, Kan. Reed, John E., Concordia, Kan. Ribble, Albert E., Wagoner, Culvert, Kan. Robinson, Charlie B., Atchison, Kan. Ronan, Karl T., Wagoner, Kirwin, Kan. •Rodger, Harold, Reg. Army Rodriquez, Jack V., Seligman, Ariz. Ruffner, Fred J., Beloit, Kan. Ryf, John J., Wagoner, Russell, Kan. Salazar, Jose B., Wagoner, Springerville, Ai'iz. Samson, Arthur J., Wagoner, Ludell, Kan. Scamahorn, Charles F., Wagoner, Colorado Springs, Colo. Sanders, Lawrence E., Wagoner, Coldwater, Kan. Schnick, John H., Wagoner, Lost Springs, Kan. Schneider, Ulrich, Wagoner, Mullinville, Kan. Scott, Fred, Wagoner, Havens, Kan. •Schroeder, Francis, MePherson, Kan. Sehoenecker, John J., Wagoner, Sedgwick Co., Kan. Schnider, William F., Neosha Falls, Kan. Shick. John A., Wagoner, Norcatur, Kan. Shipp, Leo G., Wagoner, Inman, Kan. •Shell, Everett G., 2nd Lieut., Medicine Lodge, Kan. Shrader, Guy V., Wagoner, Concordia, Kan. Shurtz, Horace B., Sgt., Beloit, Kan. Shaw, Arthur D., Canton, Kan. Smith, Ralph W., Wagoner, Jamestown, Kan. Snowdeen, Luther A., Wagoner, Flatwood, Mo. Spoonemore, Loren J., Wagoner, Oberlin, Kan. •Spangler, Hari-y, Garden City, Kan. •Snyder, Frederick A., Kinsley, Kan. Spotts, James, Wagoner, Mound City, Kan. •Steinke, Louie F., Oberlin, Kan. •Stucky, Gerard B., MePherson, Kan. •Stichler, Louis W., Jamestown, Kan. *Streeter, Phillip, Atchison, Kan. •Stead, Joseph F., Ottawa, Kan. Stovall, Stanley A., Sgt., Beloit, Kan. Sullivan, J. P., Corp., New Ulysses, Kan. Sylvester, Roy J., Wagoner, Elsmore, Kan. •Tacha, Frank W., Sgt., Jennings, Kan. Taylor, Alfred, Wagoner, Scandia, Kan. •Trevis, Ray S., Topeka, Kan. Terry, Oscar B., Wagoner, Harper, Kan. Tice, Glenn, Wagoner, Dresden, Kan. Thayer, Frank, Wagoner, Mankato, Kan. Tholen, Frank, Wagoner, Oakley, Kan. Tholstrup, Alvin L., Wagoner, Jamestown, Kan. Thomas, Earl J., Wagoner, Kingman, Kan. Thompson, Michael, Scandia, Kan. Trigg, Benjamin, Corp., Green Forest, Kan. •Trissell, Archie L., Ulysses, Kan. Toumade, Max J., Wagoner, Haviland, Kan. Ufford, Eljer D., Oberlin, Kan. Ukson, Joseph E., Luray, Kan. Viapiano, Cosmo P., Buffalo, N. Y. Wakefield, John F., Wagoner, Canton, Kan. Walbaeh, Clyde B., Wagoner, Sylvan Grove, Kan. •Warren, Rolland J., Kansas City, Kan. •Watts, Walter, Topeka, Kan. Weaver, Walter H., Wichita, Kan. Wellman, Joe A., Leavenworth, Kan. Westfall, Paul J., Achilles, Kan. " White, Orel E., Wagoner, Agra, Kan. •Wharton, Eobert S., Kansas City, Kan. Whitaker, Geo. F., Sgt., Paola, Kan. •Willis, William R., Oberlin, Kan. Willoughby, Frank, Wagoner, Payson, Okla. •Woody, Lloyd W., Wagoner, Wellington, Kan. Woerpel, Frederick W., Wagoner, Rexford, Kan. Wright, Aaron A., Wagoner, Hays, Kan. Wright, Horace, Sgt., Winfield, Kan. •Wright, Jesse I., Concordia, Kan. Wells, Francis L., N. R. Vorhies, Owen K., Wagoner, Stockton, Kan. York, Edwin T., Moimd City, Kan. Zeuch, "Victor H., Leavenworth, Kan. Regimental Infirmary, 353rd Infantry NAMK Animons, Ollie Albiig-ht, Fred C. Alexander, A. P. Beckenieyer, William A. Boyce, Shirley F. Boyle, Cornelius B. Bower, Arthur G. Brunni?, Henry Carey, Mark R. Colburn, Daniel N. Coolidge. Walter L. Crawford, Benj. H. Fox, Ciiarles M. Gamniasre, A. E. Huston, Russell R. Matheney, Earl Meany, Francis McCaskey, F. J. Maxwell, Albert C. Mooring, S. W. Miller, Georgre C. ODonnel, F. W. Reed, Willis C. Rush, Weaver A. Schliiiiv, Henry A. Stewart, William B. Shelley. Isaac N. Thompson, William R. Tull, G. A. Valentine, H. S. Varner, Harry M. V/estfall, Georg-e A. Wiik, John C. York, William B. LAST KNOWN UANK 1st Lieut. Capt. 1st Lietlt. Capt. Capt. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut, l.st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. Capt. Capt. Capt. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. Capt. Capt. Major Capt. Lieut. -Col. 1st Lieut. Capt., Capt. 1st Lieut. Capt. Capt. 1st Lieut. Capt. Capt. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. *Armstrong', Frederick C, St. Marys, Kan. Arnett, Lewis L., Sgt., Spava, 111. •Bailey, Georg:e D., Pueblo, Colo. Baker, Charles F., Muncie, Ind. ♦Ball, Otto, Mimden, Kan. Beine, Wesley A., Leavenworth, Kan. Bell, Clyde V., Sg-t., Kansas City, Kan. Bivins, Howard H., Hutchinson, Kan. Botts, Clarence A., Tong'anoxie, Kan. Bog-gs, Harold E., Stuart, Nebr. •Brooks, Cecil H., Wheeling:, W. Va. •Brown, Chester C, Leavenworth, Kan. Brown, Clifford S., Ft. Scott, Kan. Brown, William A., Beattie, Kan. Britt, Francis J., Atkinson, Nebr. Brolund, Samuel, Stillman Valley, Mich. Brownback, Lester C. S&t., Centerville, Kan. Bourland, Ruben M., Galatia, 111. Burnett, Harle.v. Bismark, N. D. •Bums, Howard H., Caney, Kan. •Brasmer, Jessie, East Alton. 111. Calhoun, Emil M., Altamont, Mo. Calvart, William C., Sg't., Baxter Spring's, Kan. •Chastain, William, Coats, Kan. Cole, Hayward C, Sg't., Kansas City, Kan. Colwcll, Kvcrott L., Carson, Iowa Colfclt, Vasco L., Clarkdale, Ariz. Condit, Georg^e W., Troy, Kan. •Costella, Peter R., Atchison, Kan. •Cook, Emmett W., Pittsburg, Kan. "Douce, William T., Kinsley, Kan. •Evans, McKinley. Sgt., Denver, Colo. •Elmore, Frederick, Wichita, Kan. •Fleming', Arthur, Norton, Kan. •Fair, Otto D., McCune, Kan. •Ferguson, Samuel H., Atchison, Kan. Ferguson, John D., Sterling, Kan. •Fields, Frederick M., Pratt, Kan. Gallegoe, Paul, Hot Springs, N. Mex. Galster, George, West Point, Nebr. Gig'er, Paul A., Omaha, Nebr. GlJ^ln, Tommy, Terre Haute, Ind. •Harroff, Earl R., Mound City, Kan. Hammernick, Frank, Clarkson, Nebr. Harding, Henry A., Fremont, Nebr. Holbrook, Rollan, Pratt, Kan. ADDIiESS N. R. Garland, Kan. Norton, Kan. Sedalia, Mo. Florence, Kan. Troy, Mont. Chicago, HI. Hillsboro, Kan. Salem, S. D. Minneapolis, Minn. Louisville, Ky. Council Grove, Kan. Chicago, 111. Chicago. 111. Chicag'o, 111. Havelock, Nebr. Omaha, Nebr. Freedom, Pa. Esbon, Kan. Glouster, Mass. Chicago, HI. Junction City, Kan. Columbus. Kan. Melvern, Iowa Cleveland, Ohio Aberdeen, S. D. Ambler, Pa. Warsaw, N. Y. Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Warrenton, Va. Harper, Kan. N. R. St. Louis, Mo. Henschel, Sylvester J., Sgt., Kansas City, , Kan. Hunn, Frank L., Arringtoii, Kan. Hunt, Jackie G.. Duff, Nebr. Jacubzick, William C, Omaha, Nebr. James, Lloyd B., Hollenburg, Kan. Jennings, William H.. South Boston, Mass. Kane, Alva, Stillwell, Kan. •Kane, Harry J., Atchison, Kan. Killian, Bruce, Olathe, Kan. Kryshock, Vence, La Salle, 111. Koebrich, Joseph, Atchison, Kan. Larew, Otto E., Terre Haute. Ind. •Larsen, Einar. Farlington, Kan. Maddoz, Earl, Concordia, Kan. Magnuson. Elof, Meade. Nebr. McAnlis, Wm. W., Clay Center, Kan. Neumann, Otto W., Fort Morg-aii, Colo. Peterson, Lawrence A., Greenleaf, Kan. Portell, Robert E., Old Mines. Mo. •Prada, Harry J., Great Bend, Kan. •Prewitt, Ralph, Pittsburg, Kan. Pavelka, Vaclav, Verdigre, Nebr. Riekerson, Floyd, Bellingham, Wash. Rosenfield, Lawrence J.. Sgt., Memphis, Tenn. •Roese, Karl. Pittsburg. Kan. Rutherford, Robert S., Sapulpa, Okla. Schmidt, George H.. Chicago, 111. Scott, Joseph E., Belle Plaine. Kan. Shepperd. Aloysius, Philadelphia. Pa. Skoog, Myer M., Duluth, Minn. Stovali, Robert. Tulsa. Okla. Stuebinger, Walter, Atchison, Kan. •Thomas, Lee R., Baxter Sijrings, Kan. Torp, Dewey M., Higginsville, Mo. Twcnte, John W., Sgt., Baxter Springs, Kan. Trible, George H., Quinter, Kan. Uteeht. Emil M.. Tacoma. Wash. Van Der Maas, Henry, Chicago, 111. Walker, Joseph, Moline. Kan. •Wallace, Robert R., Linwood, Kan. •Wells, Owen R., Brocton, HI. •Wlieeler, Perry H., Ottawa, Kan. Willis. Floyd M., Hendersonville, N. C. Wilson, Charles E., Trenton. Mo. Wootlard, Eugene W., Eudora, Kan. •Woods, Virgil, Jasonville, Ind.