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...Chapter XII
...Citations and Awards, 92nd Division
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Officers and Men of the Famous Negro Division Whose Heroic Conduct Gained for Them the Distinguished Service Cross---Details of Their Deeds of Heroism in. Action----Special Mention of Officers and Men by Various Commanding Officers.
The gallant Ninety-second Division, composed entirely of colored American troops, received a great number of citations and awards for meritorious and distinguished conduct on the battlefields of France, and besides those who earned the coveted medals there were many more members of the Division who were specially mentioned in communications from Headquarters and by the commanding officers of the various units, as appears hereafter. The lists given below, however, are necessarily incomplete, as many recommendations for awards were still under consideration when this volume went to press.
The following is reproduced from a January (1919) issue of the Army and Navy Journal:
"COLORED TROOPS OF THE A. E. F. VARIOUSLY HONORED.
"Colored troops forming the 92nd Division of the A. E. F. have recently been awarded many honors. The entire 1st battalion of the 367th Infantry have been cited for bravery and awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French military authorities.
"The citation was made because of the bravery and fine service of the battalion in the last engagement of the war, the drive toward Metz on November 10 and 11.
"Major-General Martin, U. S. A., commanding the 92nd Division, has cited a number of colored officers, noncommissioned officers and privates of the 365th Infantry for meritorious conduct in action at Bois Frehaut on 'November 10 and 11. The officers cited are Captain John L. Allen, Lieuts. Leon F. Stewart, Frank L. Drye,
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Walter Lyons, David W. Harris, Benjamin F. Ford, George L. Gains, and Russell C. Atkins, all U. S. A. In another order, Lieut. Nathan O. Goodloe, of the machine-gun company of the 368th Infantry, was commended for meritorious conduct in the Argonne Forest. In the entire Division, fourteen colored officers and forty-three enlisted men have been cited for bravery in action and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The total casualties suffered by the Division since its arrival in France number 1,748. Of officers, six were killed in action and one died of wounds; 46 officers were wounded and 39 gassed. Of enlisted men, 31 died of wounds, 203 were killed in action, 543 were wounded, 661 were gassed, 40 died of disease, and 28 were reported missing."
The following letter of commendation is self-explanatory:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION, 367TH INFANTRY
FROM: Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 367th Infantry.
TO: Commanding Officer, 367th Infantry.
SUBJECT: Conduct of Company A.1. I wish to call attention of the regimental commander to the meritorious conduct of Company A on the night of November 2 and 3.
2. Under intense shell fire of gas and H. S. lasting two hours, the company maintained its advanced positions, staying there without any shelter and finally repelling the enemy raid and capturing one prisoner.
3. The conduct of Captain Peter McCall, his officers and men was such as deserves the highest commendation, and in my opinion merits mention.
(Signed) CHARLES L. APPLETON,
Major, 367th Infantry.
Extended space would be required to detail the meritorious work of the individual units of the Division throughout the several operations in which it participated. In the Argonne-Meuse offensive, after overcoming its first extreme difficulties, the 368th Infantry performed gallant service. Among the officers whose conduct was mentioned for gallantry in the Argonne, were Captain T. M. Dent, promoted after commendation for special bravery and heroism; Captain R. A. Williams, who also won commendation of his regimental commander for skillful handling of his troops in the crucial advance through the Argonne; Lieut. Charles G. Young and Captain Thomas E. Jones, of the 368th, who each won the D. S. C. for extraordinary heroic, service and gallant conduct in the Argonne Forest.
Of the 367th Regiment, the unit organized and trained by Colonel James A. Moss, much could be said of its excellent record, both in the St. Die sector and in the Argonne and on the Moselle in front of Metz. In this last-named position it rendered its most distinguished service during the closing days of the war. On the 10th of November, an attack was made on Pagny, a stronghold of the German line opposite the Metz forts. In the general advance, two battalions of the, 56th Infantry, a white unit on the left of the 367th, after advancing a half mile abreast of the 367th, became hopelessly entangled in the enemy's wire entanglements and were being slaughtered by German machine-gun batteries. Our own advance was stopped, and a part of the 367th was sent to the rescue of the 56th in order to cover their withdrawal from the perilous position. The 367th dispatched two machine-gun companies, one of their own and the other from the 350th machine-gun battalion. A counter fire was turned on the German positions, which silenced their batteries, while the 56th retired leaving a third of their men dead or wounded. In the meantime the 367th held the position until relieved by reinforcements from the 56th and then resumed their advance toward Pagny. Doubtless the entire forces of the 56th would have been wiped out but for the timely rescue of the 367th. For this action the entire battalion was cited by the French commanding officer under whom the 56th was brigaded.
Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross of the United States was awarded to the following officers and men of the 92nd Division, for the heroic deeds and exploits stated after their respective names:
HORTON, VAN, Corporal, Company E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2168859). Medal Number 431. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
During a hostile attack, preceded by a heavy minenwerfer barrage, involving the entire front of the battalion, the combat group to which this courageous soldier belonged was attacked by about twenty of the enemy, using liquid fire. The sergeant in charge of the group and four other men having been killed, Corporal Horton fearlessly rushed to receive the attack and the persistency with which he fought resulted in stopping the attack and driving back the enemy.
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Home address: Mrs. Minnie Horton, mother, Route 5, Box 93, Athens, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near Pont-à-Mousson.
FISHER, AARON R., 2nd Lieut., 366th Infantry, Medal No. 432. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 3 September 1918.
Lieut. Fisher showed exceptional bravery in action when his position was raided by a superior force of the enemy by directing his men and refusing to leave his position although he was severely wounded. He and his men continued to fight the enemy until the latter were beaten off by counter attack.
Home address: Benjamin Fisher, father, General Delivery, Lyles, Indiana.
Lieut. Fisher was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 45, Sept 18, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
WILLIAMS, JOE, Pvt., Company E, 366th Inf. (A. S. 2169035). Medal No. 430. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Williams was a member of a combat group which was attacked by twenty of an enemy raiding party, advancing under heavy barrage and rising liquid fire. The sergeant in charge of the group was killed and several others, including Private Williams, were wounded. Nevertheless, this soldier with three others fearlessly resisted the enemy until they were driven off.
Home address: Mrs. Carrie Gordon, friend, Octon, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 21, 1918, near Pont-à-Mousson.
BROWN, Roy A., Pvt., Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. 2168841). Medal No. 434. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Brown was a member of a combat group which was attacked by twenty of an enemy raiding party, advancing under a heavy barrage and using liquid fire. The sergeant in charge of the group was killed and several others, including Private Brown, were wounded. Nevertheless, this soldier with three
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others fearlessly resisted the enemy until they were driven off.Home address: Mrs. Ellen Brown, mother, 620 Madison St., Decatur, Ala.
Medal presented to above-named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near Pont-à- Mousson.
MERRIFIELD, ED., Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2817S23). Medal No. 435. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Merrifield remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Mrs. Lucinda Merrifield, mother, Greenville, Illinois.
Private Merrifield was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 17, Sept. 30, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
HAMMOND, ALEX., Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A S. No. 2169003). Medal No. 436. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Hammond remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Will Hammond, father, Rt. 1, Harvest, Ala.
Private Hammond was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 17, Sept. 30, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
BELL, GEORGE, Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2168986). Medal No. 437. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
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Although he was severely wounded, Private Bell remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Mrs. Clara Bell, mother, Rt. 2, Athens, Ala.
Private George Bell, Co. E, 366th Inf., deceased, Sept. 16, 1918.
CLINCY, WILL, Private 1st Cl., Company F, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2169151). Medal No. 438. For extraordinary heroism in action near Frapelle, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Clincy showed exceptional bravery during an enemy raid. His teammate on an automatic rifle having been mortally wounded and although he was himself severely wounded, he continued to serve his weapon alone until the raid was driven back.
Home address: John Clincy, father, 2616-6th Alley, N. Birmingham, Ala.
Private 1st Class Will Clincy, Co. F, 366th Inf., was evacuated to Base Hospital (no record of number), Sept. 4, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
YOUNG, CHARLES G., First Lieut., 366th Infantry. Medal No. 931. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 27-28 September 1918.
Lieutenant Young, while in command of a scout platoon, was twice severely wounded from shell fire, but refused medical attention and remained with his men, helping to dress their wounds and to evacuate his own wounded during the entire night, and holding firmly his exposed position covering the right flank of his battalion.
Home address: Mrs. Millie G. Young, wife, 1802 Greenlaw St., Austin, Texas.
WATKINS, LEWIS, Private 1st Class, Co. A, 350th Machine Gun Battalion (A. S. No. 2816183). Medal No. 1139. For extraordinary heroism in action near Eply, France, 4 November 1918.
Private 1st Class Watkins accompanied an infantry patrol, acting as gunner with a heavy machine gun. When a large party of the enemy had worked around the flank of the patrol and was advancing across a road along which the patrol was withdrawing, Private Watkins went into action with his gun at a range of less than 100 yards, although the order to withdraw had been given. Displaying exceptional coolness and bravery under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, be succeeded in dispersing the enemy. He was the last of the patrol to retire.
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Medal presented to above named soldier December 2, 1918, near Pont-à-Mousson.
LAWRENCE, JACKSON S., Major Medical Corps, 368th Infantry. Medal No. 1052. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Major Lawrence with two soldiers voluntarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Florence McC. Lawrence, wife, 405 S. 42nd St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Medal presented to above Officer November 26, 1918, at Villers-en-Haye.
DAVIS, THOMAS H., Private 1st Class, Sanitary Detachment, 368th Infantry (179930). Medal No. 1053. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Davis with an officer and another soldier voluntarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Francis Davis, mother, 49 West Lincoln St., Hampton, Va.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 26, 1918, at Villers-en-Haye.
HANDY, EDWARD H., Private 1st Class, Company B, 368th Infantry (1799754). Medal No. 1054. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Handy with an officer and another soldier voluntarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Rosena Gibson, sister, 2627 1/2 Virginia Ave., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 26, 19189 at Villers-en-Haye. .
RIVERS, TOM, Private, Co. G, 366th Inf. (No. 2169507). Medal No. 1633. For extraordinary heroism in action near the Bois de la Voivrotte, France, 11 November 1918.
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Private Rivers, although gassed, volunteered and carried important messages through heavy barrages to the support companies. He refused first aid until his company was relieved
Home address: Mrs. Cornelia Rivers, wife, R.. F. D. 2, Box 7, Opelika, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier December 11, 1918, at Maron.
LEWIS, BERNARD, Private, Co. A, 368th Infantry. Medal No. 858. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Lewis, during an attack on Binarville, volunteered to go down the road that leads into the village, to rescue a wounded soldier of his company. To accomplish his mission, be was compelled to go under heavy machine gun and shell fire. In total disregard of personal danger he brought the wounded man safely to our lines.
Home address: Mrs. Martha Lewis, mother, 135 E. St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 8, 1918, at Villers-en-Haye.
JAMES, JOSEPH, Hqrs. Co., 368th Infantry (1798927). Medal No. 1731. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private James went to the aid of a wounded companion under very severe machine-gun and artillery fire and brought him to cover. He stayed with the wounded man, giving him all possible aid until assistance came, when he returned to his place with the platoon.
Home address: Mrs. Martha James, mother, 1622 N. Alde St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Medal presented to above named soldier January 2, 1919.
JONES, THOMAS EDWARD, 1st Lieut., Med. Corps, 368th Inf. Medal No. 1844. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville France, 27 September 1918.
Lieutenant Jones went into an open area subjected to direct machine-gun fire to care for a wounded soldier who was being carried by another officer. While dressing the wounded runner a machine-gun bullet passed between his arms and his chest and a man was killed within a few yards of him.
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Home address: Mrs. Leonie Jones, wife, 509 O St .1 N. W., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above Officer January 2, 1919.
BRECKENRIDGE, ROBERT M., Private 1st Class (Deceased), Company H, 365th Infantry (1967624). For extraordinary heroism in action at Ferme de Bel Air, France, 29 October 191S.
Although severely wounded in the leg from shell fire, Private Breckenridge, an automatic rifleman, continued in action, crawled forward for a distance of 100 yards to a position where he obtained a better field of fire, and assisted preventing an enemy party from taking a position on the company's flank. In spite of his wound, Private Breckenridge continued to use his weapon with great courage and skill until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire.
Next of kin: Amelia Wilson, mother, Route 5, Box 95, Hennessey, Oklahoma.
POLLARD, RUSSELL, Corporal, Co. H, 365th Infantry (1967745). Medal No. 1899. For extraordinary heroism in action at Bois Frehaut, France, 10 November 1918.
During the assault at Bois Frehaut, Corporal Pollard, a rifle grenadier, conducted his squad skillfully in firing on hostile machine guns, until his rifle was broken. He then used his wirecutters with speed and skill under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. Although wounded in his right arm, he continued to cut the wire with his left hand, and assisted his men in getting through it, until ordered to the dressing station a second time by his company commander.
Home address: Caroline Pollard, mother, Weatherford, Texas.
PURSLEY, EARL, Private 1st Class, Medical Detachment, 366th Infantry (2170837). Medal No. 1900. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseux, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Pursley voluntarily carried a wounded soldier from an exposed position under intense enemy shell fire for a distance of 400 yards to dressing station. He then immediately returned to the position and helped to dig out men who had been buried by the explosion of a shell.
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Home address: Earl Pursley, father, General Delivery, Hickman, Ky.
Medal presented to above named soldier 2 January 1919.
Illustrations in Chapter XII
Special Mention of Officers and Men
There were issued from Headquarters of the 92nd Division and also by the Commanding Officers of the various units of the 92nd Division through successive periods expressions of special commendation of various officers and soldiers. Among those which may be quoted are the following
Company M, 368th Infantry,
Trench Brealau, 94.1-71.75,
3 October, 1918.FROM: The Commanding Officer, Co. .11. 368th Inf.
TO: The Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion.
SUBJECT: Lt. T. M. Dent, 368th Inf.
1. I desire to call the attention of the Battalion Commander to the work of First Lieutenant T. M. Dent, 368th Infantry, during the days covering the advance from Vienne-le-Chateau.
2. Lieut. Dent was the only officer present with me during the greater part of that time and his conduct was at all times characterized by fearlessness and initiative. His platoon captured a German automatic rifle which -covered the bridge crossing the Vallee Moreau and he later on the same day, 28th September, led his platoon to the wire in front of Trench Clotilde at 92.5-73.5, but owing to heavy machine-gun fire from his right was unable to remain there or to penetrate the unbroken wire.
3. In the event of another detail from this Company to the First Corps Schools, I request that this officer be given the opportunity to further increase his value to the service by attending said schools.
R. H. WILLIAMS,
Captain, 368th Infantry,
Headquarters 92nd Division,
Army Post Office No. 766.
American Expeditionary Forces.
October 11, 1918.General Orders No. 27.
1. The Commanding General desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Captain R. A. Williams and First Lieutenant T. M. Dent, both of the 368th Infantry. During the days of the fight around Vienne-le-Chateau both of these officers
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displayed courage and leadership, and their conduct should be an example to the other officers of the Division.2. The Division Commander desires to commend the conduct of Private Philip Estrada (1766914), Battery A, 350th Field Artillery, who at the risk of his own life saved Corporal Alfred Tinson (1767196), Battery B, 350th Field Artillery, from drowning on or about the 8th day of August, 1918.
By Command of Major General Ballou.
(Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Lieut.-Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS 92ND DIVISION
A. P. O. 76628 November, 1918.
General Orders No. 35.
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II. PVT. BERT WALKER, 367th Infantry.
The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious conduct of Pvt. Bert Walker, 367th Inf. Pvt. Walker, on November 9, 1918, in the vicinity of Villers-sous-Preny after it was learned that the road leading to Villers-sous-Preny had been so heavily shelled by gas shells as to make it almost impassable---volunteered to assist in carrying gas masks down this road to organizations in position, and made several trips through this gassed area, helping to equip and protect against a heavy gas attack which troops were later subjected to.
III. LIEUT. E. B. WILLIAMS, 367th Infantry.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Lieut. E. B. Williams, 1st Battalion Gas Officer, 367th Infantry. During the action around Villers-sous-Preny this officer was gassed, but maintained his post until all shellholes were properly covered and his entire area free from gas. Lieut. Williams refused to rest until ordered to do so by his superior officer.
By Command of Major General Martin.
(Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.
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HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
American Expeditionary Forces29th November, 1918.
General Orders No. 36.
I. 2ND LIEUT. NATHAN O. GOODLOE, 368th Infantry.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of 2nd Lieutenant Nathan O. Goodloe, Machine Gun Company, 368th Infantry. During the operations in the Forêt D'Argonne, September 26 to 29, 1918, this officer was attached to the 3rd Battalion of his regiment, and on September 28, during the course of action, it became necessary to reorganize the Battalion and withdraw a part of it to a secondary position, and he rendered valuable assistance. The movement was carried out under a continual machine-gun fire from the enemy, and Lieut. Goodloe's calm courage set an example that inspired confidence in his men.
II. WAGONER TOM BROWN (1725697), Hq. Det., 351st M. G. Bn.
The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious conduct of Wagoner Tom Brown, 1725697, Headquarters Detachment, 351st Machine Gun Battalion, who, as driver with a combat wagon carrying ammunition to organizations going into action near Vienne-le-Chateau, in the Argonne Forest, on September 27, 1918, displayed marked devotion to duty, exceptional coolness, and great courage under fire. The ammunition was hauled over a shell-swept road and Wagoner Brown insisted on completing his work, even after his wagon and horses had been hurled into a ditch; he, despite a painful injury, worked faithfully until be had extricated his horses, and his conduct was such as to merit having it called to the attention of. members of the Division as worthy of emulation.
By Command of Major General Martin.
(Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry,
Adjutant.
HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
American Expeditionary Forces1st December, 1918.
General Orders No. 37.
I. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders for meritorious conduct in action at Bois Frehaut near Pont-à-Mousson, France, .November 10-11, 1918, the following named officers and enlisted men:
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Major E. B. Simmons, Regimental Surgeon, 365th Infantry;
Captain John H. Allen, Machine Gun Company, 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Leon F. Stewart, 2nd Bn. Scout Officer, 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Frank L. Drye, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Walter Lyons, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Bravid W. Harriss, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Benjamin F. Ford, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
2nd Lieut. George L. Gaines, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
2nd Lieut. Russell C. Atkins, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Richard W. White, 2073368, 2nd Bn. Scouts, 365th Infantry;
Sergeant John Simpson, 2074325, M. G. Co., 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Robert Townsend, 1967208, Company " E ", 365th Infantry
Sergeant Solomon D. Colston, 2073518, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Ransom Elliot, 1967307, Company " G ", 365th Infantry;
Supply Sergeant Charles Jackson, 2073816, Company "H", 365th Inf.;
Corporal Thomas B. Coleman, 1967082, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Corporal Albert Taylor, 2091.596, Company " E 365th Infantry;
Corporal Charles Reed, 2073745, Company "'G, 365th Infantry;
Corporal James Conley, 2073730, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Private 1st Class Jesse Cole, 2817706, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Private 1st Class Earl Swanson, 1967391, Company "G", 365th Inf.;
Private 1st Class James Hill, 2091205 (deceased), Co. "H", 365th Inf.;
Private 1st Class Charles White, 2089235, Company "H", 365th Inf.;
Private George Chaney, 2655690, Company "H", 365th Infantry.II. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders for meritorious conduct in action as specified below, the following named officers and enlisted men:
During action near Frapelle, France, September 3, 1918:
Sergeant Isaac Hill, 2169092, Company " F ", 366th Infantry.
During action near Lesseux, France, September 7, 1918:
1st Lieut. John Q. Lindsey, Company "E", 366th Infantry.
During action near Heminville, France, November 10-11, 1918:
1st Lieut. Edward W. Bates, Medical Corps, Ambulance Co. No. 368;
Sergeant Werter L. Gross, 2167835, Company "A", 366th Infantry.By command of Major General Martin:
(Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official: EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.
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HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
Army Post Office No. 766
American Expeditionary Forces6th December, 1918.
General Orders : No. 38.
I. SERGEANT RUFUS B. ATWOOD, 1974547, 325th Field Signal Battalion.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Sergeant Rufus B. Atwood, 1974547, 325th Field Signal Battalion. On the morning of November 10, 1918, while returning to the switchboard in Pont-à-Mousson, a shell struck the house in which the switchboard was being operated, breaking all the lines. Sergeant Atwood rendered valuable assistance to the officer in charge in reconstructing the switchboard and connecting new lines under heavy shell fire. When the ammunition dump began to explode in the same neighborhood, he remained on the job, tapping new connections. After repairs were made from the first explosion, there were two to follow which completely wrecked the switchboard room and tore out all the lines which were newly fixed. Sergeant Atwood was left alone, and he established a new switchboard and the same connection they had at first. The coolness with which he went about his work and the initiative he took in handling the situation justifies his being mentioned in orders.
II. PRIVATE CHARLES E. BOYKIN (Deceased), Co. "C" 325th Field Signal Bn.
The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious conduct of Private Charles E, Boykin, Company C, 325th Field Signal Battalion. On the afternoon of September 26, 1918, while the 368th Infantry was in action in the Argonne Forest, the Regimental Commander moved forward to establish a P. C. and came upon a number of Germans, who fled to the woods, which were found to be alive with machine guns. The Commanding Officer ordered the woods searched to the top of the hill, the officer in charge of the scouting called for volunteers, and Private Boykin, a telephone linesman, offered his services and set out with the rest of the detail. While trying to flank an enemy machine gun another opened fire, killing him instantly.
By command of Major General Martin:
(Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff,Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.
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HEADQUARTERS 92ND DIVISION
A. P. O. 76616 November, 1918.
General Orders No. 32.
I. The Commanding General wishes to call the attention of the command to the excellent and meritorious conduct of the following officers and enlisted men:
Major Warner A. Ross, 365th Infantry.
Captain William W. Green, 365th Infantry.
Sergeant Rufus Bradley, 2073505, Company E, 365th Infantry.
Bugler Junius Jules, 2075822, Company H, 365th Infantry.During the advance of November 10, 1918, in the action of Bois Frehaut, these officers and men displayed such exceptional bravery and coolness under fire as to merit commendation in orders.
This order will be read to the command at first assembly after its receipt.
II. The Commanding General wishes to call the attention of the command to the excellent and meritorious conduct of the following officers and enlisted men of Company A, 366th Infantry:
1st Lieutenant William H. Clark, 1st Lieutenant William Jones, 1st Sergeant Eugene Love, Sergeant Gus Hicks, Sergeant Richard Parker, Sergeant James E. Green, Corporal John H. James, Corporal Fred Lewis, Corporal Ben L. Moore, Bugler Irvin Turpin, Pvt. 1st Cl. Fred Littlejohn, Pvt. 1st Cl. Ed Martin, Pvt. 1st Cl. Riley Porter, Pvt. 1st Cl. Ames Robertson, Pvt. 1st Cl. Mathew Rose, Pvt. 1st Cl. Lonnie Rice, Pvt. 1st Cl. Richard Wells, Pvt. 1st Cl. Henry Williams, Private Conce Cooks, Private Willis Coles, Private Charles Dozier, Private Frank W. Franklin, Private Harvey Hite, Private Leonard Morton, Private Clarence Leake.
In the action near Bois de Voivrotte, France, on November 11, 1918, these officers displayed such excellent qualities of leadership and courage, and the men such heroic conduct and attention to duty under fire, as to merit commendation in orders.
This order will be read to the command at first assembly after its receipt.
By command of Major General Ballou.
(Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.
Adjutant.
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HEADQUARTERS 372ND INFANTRY
S. P. 179, France
Granges, Vosges.December 23, 1918.
(1383)
FROM: The Acting Adjutant.
TO: Captain Clarence S. Janifer, 92nd Division, American E. F., France.
SUBJECT: Decoration.1. It is with pleasure that I inform you that you have been awarded a Croix de Guerre with citation in the orders of the 157th Division. The approval of the award was received from the Personnel Section, G. H. Q., American E. F., on December 14th.
2. The citation is as follows:
1st Lieut. Clarence S. Janifer, M. C. Surgeon 3rd Battalion 372nd Infantry.
"Fearless to danger, established his First Aid Post on the battlefield in front of Bussy Farm September 28, 1918, following the Battalion in the open fields, giving help and relief to the wounded and dying at first hand."Pending the receipt of the official citation from the 157th Division, this letter will serve as authority for the wearing of the Croix de Guerre with a silver star.
(Signed) PRESTON F. WALSH,
Captain Infantry, U. S. A.I certify that the above letter is a true copy.
T. T. THOMPSON,
1st Lt., Inf., U. S. A.
There were many such commendations of individual soldiers issued during the period of the stay of the 92nd Division in France.
No officer in the 92nd Division won the respect and devotion of his men more completely than did Brigadier-General Malvern-Hill Barnum, commanding the 183rd Brigade. That General Barnum felt a deep attachment to his command is shown by the following letter addressed to the entire brigade:
A. P. O. 714, France.
22 December, 1918.From: Malvern.-Hill Barnum, Brigadier-General, U. S. A.
To: The Officers and men of the 183rd Brigade.
Subject: Relief from command.The order detaching me from command of the 183rd Brigade was unexpected and coming, as it did, just as the Brigade was moving, made it im-
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possible for me to give expression to my regret at having to sever an association of over a year and one that will be one of the pleasantest recollections of my Army career.Having organized and trained the 183rd Brigade and commanded it through its active service in the present war, I can speak for the willing compliance to all requirements that made the work very enjoyable. When men work with their hearts as well as their heads and hands, the best results are certain to follow.
I feel that the officers and enlisted men of the Brigade may justly be proud of the record made and I believe that history will accord them no little credit.
I trust that each one will do his utmost to insure to the Brigade the finest record possible during the remainder of its period of service.
Finally in returning to their homes I trust that each one will take with him a high sense of responsibility as an American citizen and a keen desire to perform faithfully whatever duties fall to him in the future.
With such a heritage from his Army service each one will not only have helped win the war and thus rendered a great service to humanity, but will himself have become the gainer through the remaining years of his life.
(Signed) MALVERN-HILL BARNUM.
This letter will be published to all members of the command at the earliest opportunity.
By order of Colonel Parrott.
.............................Hq. 366th Infantry........................................(Signed) R. D. MCCORD,
.............................December 24, 1918.......................................Capt. and Adjt., 366th Inf.
