USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Honor roll, 1917-1918-1919, Jasper County, Iowa in the World War : a history of one county's loyalty in the struggle for world democracy > Part 9
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115
honorable Mention
It would indeed be a difficult task to mention all of the acts and deeds performed by the men and women of Jasper County in the common cause of winning the war.
The real success of our country's efforts to provide food for our fighting men over- seas and in the camps at home, and our allies as well, was due to the loyalty of the farmers and agricultural interests of the country. In Jasper County the farmers united almost to a man in their efforts to increase their yield of grain and provisions, and literally they accomplished the feat of making "two grains grow where but one grew before".
The housewives of the county combined to conserve the consumption of wheat. sugar, fats and meats, through the various methods recommended by the Extension Department of Iowa Agricultural College, such as the cold pack method of canning, etc.
The various boy scout troops of the county were characterized by a most fervid patri- otism. The boy scouts busied themselves with spreading information about courtesies due the flag and national anthem, soliciting subscriptions during the various drives for money, and in general assisting wherever the eager hands and feet of a boy could be of use.
The schools of the county provided another center of activity with the organization of the Junior Red Cross bodies and thrift campaigns.
The Jasper County Farm Bureau, though newly organized at the beginning of the war, was a powerful force in promoting increased production and conservation. Under its leadership the farmers of the county raised great fields of wheat, because the govern- ment needed wheat, in spite of the fact that the crop is not regarded as a profitable one in this county.
The churches of the county from the beginning were characterized by an unusually definite stand in support of the war, and led in developing confidence that the war was waged in the interest of justice and human progress. The attitude of the churches as a whole was virile in its hearty Americanism and its influence was mighty.
In forming and sustaining public opinion the newspapers of Jasper County did a great work. Frowning upon temporizing criticism and hesitation, they supported the government in extraordinary enterprises in a way which proved their own breadth of mind and sincere loyalty. Every drive for funds had their hearty cooperation, and they helped to foster the right kind of sentiment by emphasizing the glory of sacrifice in a great cause.
The commercial clubs and various bands of the county were liberal in their efforts to sustain the government on every hand. There are many unwritten stories of real sacrifices that might be told that will remain a silent tribute to the honest endeavor of an honest and patriotic people.
316
Boys in the S. A. C. C.
The following Boys from Jasper County were enrolled in the Student Army Training Corps
REUEL L. JACKSON
S. A. T. C., Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa
LEO JAMES MONAGHAN S. A. T. C., Dubuque College, Dubuque, Iowa
GEORGE HERBERT OLDHAM S. A. T. C., Ames, łowa
SAMUEL VERNE FAILOR
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
JOSEPH JAMES HITE
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
FRANK ROEDER .
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
MAYNARD VERNON VAUGHT S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
HOWARD MARION NEFF
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
RALPH MORTON CASH
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
CLIFFORD ALVIN LANE .
S A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
DONALD DALE HAMMERLY
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
RUSSELL WILLIAM WORTH
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
CHARLES LLOYD PAUL
S A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
RAY MCKINLEY DONAHEY
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
RUSSELL A. HOLY
S. A. T. C., Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
HARLAN J. HARVEY
S. A. T. C., Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
CARL RUSSELL PERRYMA
S. A. T. C., Drake University
HAMILTON SIPE
S. A. T. C., Drake University
LYNN DWIGHT CUNNINGHAM
S. A. T. C., Drake University
RAYMOND GEORGE HAGER
S. A. T. C., Drake University
HARRY PERRY KONO .
S. A. T. C., Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa
VERN REID JARNAGIN
S. A. T. C., Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa (Rej.)
RUSSELL JAMES RENAUD
S. A. T. C., Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa
HAROLD SHAW EFNOR
S. A. T. C., Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa
DARION WAYNE WILDMAN
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
ROBERT THOMAS ASHBY
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
DON GLENN EATON .
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
CAROYL VANCE HILI.
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
ROBERT THOMAS BOUMA
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
CHARLES WARD MACY
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
RALPH GENTRY ABELS
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
JAMES CARL JOHNSON
S. A. T. C., Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
GLENN L. RYAN
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
WILLARD N. RAYBURN
WILLIAM SAMUEL. KELLY
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
EDWARD HENRY OSTROM
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
ROBERT FRANCIS PICKENS
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
ROYCE LONGDON HARP S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
ROBERT LYLE HARVEY
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
CARROLL CLEMENT S. A. T. C., Des Moines College, Des Moines, Iowa
BENJAMIN THOMAS S. A. T. C., Des Moines College, Des Moines, Iowa
WILLIAM JAMES DAVIES
S. A. T. C., Des Moines College, Des Moines, Iowa
THOMAS CHARLES MANN
S. A. T. C., Des Moines College, Des Moines, Iowa S. A. T. C., Des Moines College, Des Moines, Iowa
CARYLL STANLEY FOSTER
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
HERBERT THOMPSON S. A. T. C., Des Moines College, Des Moines, Iowa
FARI. PETTED S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
THOMAS DALZELL S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
WILLIAM REES
S. A. T. C., Ames, Iowa
RALPH ORISON WOODS
S A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
S. A. T. C., State University, Iowa City, Iowa
CLARENCE WESEMAN GRIEBELING JETSON S. ADAMS .
HAROLD LA VERNE BLOSSOR
S. A. T. C., Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa
SAMUEL SHEAHAN
117
THE GREAT FORID VAR
असम
An Illustrated Review
of the
World War
Pub .. A.d . BUCKBEE-MEARS COMPANY SAINT PAUL, MINN. Copyrighted -1919
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood.
The Deutschland in a French Harbor After the Armistice.
THE GREAT WORLD WAR
AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
W HEN the World War ended on November 11th, 1918, the armed forces of 25 nations of the globe had been hurling their armies against each other for more than four years in the most colossal struggle of history. After a con- flict without parallel, it ended in its 52d month with a casualty total nearing the ten million mark.
Set off by the murder of an ordinary Austrian archduke on June 28th, 1914, by a Serbian politieal fanatic, the conflagration which had threatened the peace of Europe for decades was thus destined to embroil the leading powers of the world in the most costly and bloody strife known to man.
After a month's diplomatic argument over the affair, Austria formally opened hostili- ties with her declaration of war on Serbia. General mobilization followed quickly in Russia; a "state of war" was almost immediately declared in Germany. Then on August 1st Germany declared war on Russia, following this with an ultimatum to Belgium demanding that her troops be given free passage across that country. On August 3d, the Teutons included France on their list of enemies. This was followed next day by an ultimatum to Germany from Great Britain demanding that the neutrality of Belgium be respected. When this assurance was not granted by Emperor Wilhelm, Great Britain
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AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
declared war on Germany. A quick succession of war declarations finally involved the greater share of Europe by the end of the summer.
Mad with the ruthless spirit of conquest the Central Powers marched their armies off to war in grand fashion, boasting that they would return by Christmas time, the con- querers of Europe. Their amazing preparations for the dream of world power almost brought within their grasp the greedy ambition of the Junkers.
The initial successes of the German army in its advance through Belgium and on to- ward Paris astounded the world. England and France reeled and staggered before the terrific onslaught of the famous Prussian Guards and the other crack armies of the Central Powers. Swept off her feet almost by the spectacular aggression of the enemy, the fate of France virtually hung from a thread as the invaders triumphantly swept on and on.
Early in September, when they were practically within reach of Paris, the tide was turned against them in the battle of the Marne, September 6-10. French themselves attribute their good fortune at this point to the hand of the Almighty rather than to their superior military strength at the time. This marked the enemy's point of farthest advance.
The atrocities of the advancing Huns during the months of their early triumphs and conquest have been called infamous by conservative journalists and correspondents. Suffice to say, their bloodthirsty ambition to rule and conquer the world knew no bounds, and that their acts and deeds of disgrace will forever remain one of the darkest of the many blotches brought on the German people during the European war.
Believing that the United States had no part to play in the war at that time, President Woodrow Wilson, on August 4th, 1914, officially proclaimed the neutrality of the United States. The war was thus confined to Europe for many months, a struggle mainly between the two great European Alliances-the Triple Alliance composing Germany, Austria Hungary and Italy, against the Triple Entente, composing England, Russia and
Copyright by Underwerd & Underwood
Devastated Soissons After Its Recapture by Americans and French.
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood.
Belleau Wood, Famous as the Scene for one ofthe American Lads' Most Brilliant Victories.
France. Italy, originally a member of the Triple Alliance, but later one of the chiet powers of the Allies, did not enter the war until 1915. She then declared war on all of Germany's Allies, but did not break with Germany herself until late in 1916. Before the war she was a member of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria but severed this connection to fight with the Allies.
After the marvelous advances of the first year, the great battle line in Europe re- mained practically stationary for nearly three years and extended over more than 300 miles. The large armies of each force fought doggedly, suffered heroically and died willingly, in a mighty death-grip whose battles surpassed the most famous of previous wars for loss of life and destruction of property.
The superb Armies of the Russians in the Eastern theater kept the attention of a large German force occupied and away from the Western Front. This fact aided the Allies tremendously and probably prevented a German Peace in the second and third years of the War.
It was while France, England and Italy were staggering before the last big offensive of the enemy early in 1918 that America's force was thrown into the balance in sub- stantial numbers.
Her declaration of war against Germany on April 6th, 1917, grew out of the Central Powers' failure to recognize the rights of neutrals on the high seas. Repeatedly the rights of the United States were violated, and just as repeatedly Germany refused to discontinue her ruthless program of submarine warfare against the world. The sinking of the Lusitania on May 7th, 1915, without warning and with the loss of 1154 lives, 114 of whom were Americans, was regarded by a great many as just cause for a declaration of war against Germany. The President and Congress believing differently, failed to act, and it was not until more sinkings of women and children that the United States decided to step into the breach herself.
AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
Regarded as a mere "bluff" by her adversaries, the United States' entrance appar- ently failed to cause undue anxiety in Berlin. With an unprepared democracy for another enemy in which a great many were believed to have been opposed to war, Germany had little cause for worry, she declared.
But America went to work. The act produced an electrical effect on her people and almost instantly united her various factions, creeds, parties, and nationalities for one purpose-to crush Germany and her Allies. She became a workshop, with no hours, in her determination to end the European fight victoriously, and thus save democracy for the world. Every effort was bended to the cause, every penny of wealth was eagerly held ready for the call, and every atom of energy was expended in her feverish haste to redeem mankind.
Her sons by the hundreds of thousands rushed to the colors, as their fathers did in the wars of their day, to see another victory added to the flag which had never known defeat. That the distribution of soldiers throughout the land might be as nearly equit- able as possible, Congress passed the Selective Service Act in May, 1918, the greatest mobilization machinery developed by any of the 25 nations at war.
Naturally there were obstacles and delays. A nation's task in rising up over night to send a formidable force three thousand miles overseas to fight for world freedom is not the kind that can be accomplished without some disorder and delay. But loyalty and union did it, and on June 26th, 1917, only two months after the declaration of war, the first American doughboy landed on French soil. On November 3d, 1917, the Yanks had their first clash with the Germans. On January 31st, 1918, a report reached America that American infantrymen were occupying first line trenches for the first time.
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French Crossing a Perilous Bridge on the Advance Toward St. Quentin, 1917.
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Austrian Artillerymen and Mechanics Assembling a Giant 30.5 Cm. Siege Gun for the Second Bombardment of Przemysl, June, 1915.
By this time the United States had declared a state of war existing with Austria Hungary, Germany's chief ally, and had swung her domestic machinery into the greatest war machine conceivable. She had begun to raise by popular bond subscriptions billions of dollars to supply guns and munitions, and food and clothes, for the boys who were going over to France to do the job.
Four Liberty Loans were floated during the war, and the total subscriptions to these amounted to between eighteen and nineteen billions of dollars. This amount was taken by more than 50 million subscribers, and was to be only an insignificant factor in the financing of the war, according to the Treasury Department. This cost when compared with the total cost of the Civil War for four years-approximately $4,000,000,000-is- proof enough that the World War was not comparable with any previous war in history. In April, 1919, following the armistice, another Fifth or Victory Loan of approximately the same dimensions as the Fourth, was floated. The wonderfully prompt and generous. response of the nation to each of the calls of the Liberty Loans was one of the greatest sources of inspiration for the men in uniform who had gone to fight for those at home- The same patriotic generosity that marked the success of the Liberty Loan was evident in each of the scores of war work drives that were conducted for the various relief and welfare organizations.
Food conservation-conservation of man-power, the work or fight order, the noble, work of the women who sewed and knitted night and day for the Red Cross and the boys, the curtailment of profits and the simple economy was practiced by rich and poor alike, were but a few of the many war time measures that characterized the life of Amer- ica's hundred and some million during the year and a half during which she was at war. No history of that war will ever have room for a just story of the part played by the loyal home folks-those who waited and prayed, and worked and gave, to keep the home fircs- burning.
AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
H
Foremost among the initial problems of America, after preliminary plans for the raising of her army had been laid, was the problem of transporting them to France. so that their strength might be thrown against the Hun on the battlefield. Shipping was not available, and even though it was being increased at maximum capacity, still there was not more than half as much as was needed to transport the men in the numbers they were being trained and in the numbers they were needed by France and England and Italy.
England gladly placed her available shipping at the disposal of the United States, and before the war had ended she had carried more than one million Yanks to the side of her own men and those of the French, or nearly half of those who had gone overseas. The importance of the United States Navy in the war can hardly be exaggerated. Within less than a month after hostilities were declared, she had sent a detachment of destroyers to European waters. By October, 1918, there were 338 ships of all classes flying the American flag in foreign waters. The operations of the Navy during the war covered the widest scope in its history. They operated in European waters from the Mediter- ranean to the White Sea. At Corfu, Gibraltar, in the Bay of Biscay, on the Irish Coast, at the English Channel ports, in the North Sea and at Archangel, they did creditable work. This service was not as brilliant perhaps as that of the army, because the nature of its vital work kept it from the front. Even though its activities were probably less glorious, still they were none the less important and necessary to the cause.
Naval men served on nearly 2000 craft that plied the waters of the globe, on sub- marines that had no fear of the under-sea perils, and in aviation where men of courage fought and prevented surprise attacks with new-found weapons.
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An American Whippet Tank Moving Up to the Support of the French for the Storming of Juvigny, Near Soissons, in the Last Weeks of the War.
=
THE GREAT POMEDRAR
H
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood.
American Doughboys Shown Taking Another Hill After the Usual Spectacular Dash Over the Top.
In diplomacy, in investigation at home and in all parts of the world by naval officers and civilian agents, in protecting industry from enemy spies, in promoting new industries and enlarging older ones to meet war-time needs-these are a few of the accomplish- ments that are outstanding in the part played by the Navy in winning the war.
Shortly after the declaration of war, the submarine problem had become so acute and the merchant ship losses so great, it became necessary to adopt more effective methods in dealing with the problem and making shipping safer. The system of convoy was adopted at the suggestion of President Wilson. This, although it slowed up shipping by fully twenty percent, enabled a comparatively safe passage of troops and was probably the greatest stroke of the Navy during the war.
During all the time the United States was engaged in the war the enemy's naval forces, with the exception of the submarines, were blockaded in his ports. This, of course, prevented naval engagements of a major character. The destroyers, submarine chasers and patrol vessels, however, waged an unceasing offensive against the submarine menace to shipping and troop convoy, and only three vessels were sunk. These were the Antilles, the President Lincoln and the Covington. Each was struck on her return voyage, so that the loss of life was comparatively small. Only three fighting vessels were lost as the result of enemy action-a patrol ship, a torpedo boat destroyer and a cruiser. The other transports and destroyers struck by the enemy during the war reached port without loss of life. Other Transports carrying United States soldiers went down but these were being convoyed by the British Admiralty. Chief among these was the Tuscania, sunk off the Coast of Ireland February 5th, 1918, with a loss of 110 lives
The most serious loss of life in the navy as a result of its war-time activity resulted when 111 officers and men of the Coast Guard cutter Tampa perished when their vessel was sunk in Bristol Channel, England, in September, 1918. The Tampa had been doing escort duty in the transport service. It had gone ahead of the convoy and was sunk soon after leaving the party.
AN ILLUSTRATED ISTVIEW
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood.
British Flyers "Taking Off" at Dawn for a Trip Over the Lines and a Few Fokkers.
With its record of phenomenal transport service in protecting troops and shipping against the enemy submarine offensive; its splendid co-operation with the British Fleet in keeping the German navy in port and Germany herself blockaded; its stellar work with the giant 14 inch long range guns at the front; and its subsequent spectacular feat in first bridging the Atlantic by air, the United States Navy had a share in the World War which although as previously stated is seldom characterized as brilliantly as that of the Army and Marines, still was equally important and essential in keeping the war wheels turning victoriously.
The story of the activities of America's two million doughboys and marines in France is one which should be told in volumes rather than in paragraphs. From the time of their first clash with the Germans on November 3d, 1917, until they "let go" the last unwelcome guests against Fritz's lines early November 11th, 1918-their deeds are a succession of courageous and brilliant performances of duty.
"When I think of their heroism, their patience under hardships, and their unflinching spirit of offensive action, I am filled with emotion which I am unable to express," General
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A Troop of the Famous Australian Camel Corps, So Conspicuous in Allied Successes in the Deserts of Turkey.
THE GREAT WORLD WAR
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood
A Giant 14-Inch U. S. Naval Gun, Manned by American Jackies, Pounding Away at Fritz at Several Miles' Range.
John J. Pershing declared in commending the officers and soldiers of the line of the American Army. "Their deeds are immortal, and they have earned the eternal gratitude of our country."
This simple tribute to the brave American lads who fought and died in France is indicative of America's reverence for her heroic atmies. Their glory and fame will always live by the side of the deeds of their forbears in previous wars.
In May, 1917, shortly after war was declared, General Pershing, well-known for his punitive expedition into Mexico, was selected by the War Department to command the American Expeditionary Forces that were to go to France. After gathering about him a small staff the General set sail. His reception in both England and France was only equalled by the readiness of the commanders of both armies to co-operate with the United States in the prosecution of the war, according to the General's own report.
His general staff was organized in a short time and detailed plans worked out for the organization and training of the millions of American soldiers who were expected in France to help finish the Hun. Training areas, designed to give the final seasoning to fresh troops arriving from the States before their entry into the front lines, and officers schools for the various arms of the service were established.
Extensive construction provided vast warehouses, supply depots, munition store- houses, and the like for the huge task ahead. Although France offered much in the way of both ordnance and quartermaster property for use by the American Army, still enormous quantities of materials of all kinds had to be brought across the Atlantic.
Flocking into the Army from civil life were thousands of professional and business men with splendid talent along the lines needed to build up this immense service of supply that was to keep the A. E. F. in action. To meet the shortage of supplies due to lack of shipping, representatives of the various supply departments were constantly in search of supplies and materials in Europe. A general purchasing agency was pro-
AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood.
The Guide Post to Headquarters of the German Field Marshal Being Guarded by Austrian Soldiers.
vided, in order to better co-ordinate the purchasing and to prevent competition between departments of the army. So successful was this system in the American Army that it was almost universally adopted by the armies of the Allies before the war had ended.
"Our entry into the war found us with few of the auxiliaries necessary for its conduct in the modern sense," General Pershing declared in his official report. "Among our most importent deficiencies in material were artillery, aviation and tanks. In order to meet our requirements as quickly as possible we accepted the offer of the French Govern- ment to provide us from their own factories with the necessary artillery equipment for thirty divisions. In aviation we were in the same situation and here again the French Government came to our aid until we were able to get our own air service program under way. The necessary planes to train the air service personnel were provided and we secured from the French a total of 2676 pursuit, bombing and observation planes. The first planes to arrive from America came in May, 1918, and a total of 1379 were received during the war. The first American squadron completely equipped by American production, including airplanes, crossed the German lines on August 7th, 1918. For tanks we also were compelled to rely upon the French. We were less fortunate here, however, for the reason that the French were scarcely able to meet their own production require- ments in this respect. It should be remembered by every American that the French Government always took a most liberal attitute in endeavoring to supply the shortages existing in the American Army."
Speaking of the soldiers in Europe General Pershing outlines with words of praise the work done by the various welfare organizations and of the responsive attitude found among the soldiers by these organizations.
"The welfare of the troops touches my responsibility as Commander-in-Chief to the mothers and fathers and kindred of the men who went to France in the impressionable period of youth. They could not have the privilege accorded the soldiers of Europe
THE OREITY ORLD PR
L
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Chateau-Thierry Forever Will be Linked With Most Sacred Memories in America. The Deeds of the 8,000 Heroic Marints Here in July, 1918, Will Never be Forgotten.
during their leaves of visiting their relatives and renewing their home ties. Fully realizing that the standard of conduct that should be established for them must have a perma- nent influence on their lives and the character of their future citizenship, the Red Cross, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army and the Jewish Welfare Board, as auxiliaries in this work, were encouraged in every manner possible. The fact that our soldiers, in a land of different customs and language, have borne themselves in a manner in keeping with the cause for which they fought, is due not only to the efforts in their behalf, but much more to other high ideals, their discipline, and their innate sense of self-respect. It should be recorded, however, that the members of these welfare societies have been untiring in their desire to be of real service to our officers and men. The patriotic devotion of these representative men and women has given a new significance to the Golden Rule, and we owe to them a debt of gratitude that can never be entirely repaid."
AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
The First Division of the American Army, after finishing its preliminary training behind the lines, went to the trenches for the first time in October, 1917, as the first contribution to the fighting forces of the Allies. By the time that the great German offensive in Picardy began, on March 21st, 1918, the American army had four experienced divisions in the line. The great crisis that this drive developed, however, made it im- possible for the Americans to take over a sector by themselves. Gradually, as their numbers increased and more reserves, fresh from the States, were placed in training behind the lines, the American boys went in in substantial numbers. Already they had displayed their splendid fighting qualities and had demonstrated that as soldiers they had no superiors. Incidentally, it did not take them long to convince the enemy that contrary to their own opinions, they themselves were not invincible.
On August 30th, 1918, the American forces took over the first American sector, in preparation for the St. Mihiel offensive. The American line was soon extended across the Meuse River to the west edge of the Argonne Forest. The concentration of tanks, aviation units, artillery equipment, and materials of all kinds for this first great American offensive was enormous. The scores of elements of a complete army were moulded together, with American railroad and American service of supply units throughout. The concentration included the bringing up of approximately 600,000 troops. The French Independent Air Force, together with British bombing units and American Air forces, placed the greatest aviation personnel that ever took part in any Western Front offensive under the direct command of General Pershing.
On the day after they had taken the St. Mihiel Salient a great share of the corps and army artillery that had operated in that offensive were on the move toward the area back of the line between the Meuse River and the western edge of the Argonne. The German General Staff was well aware of the consequences of an American success along this line, and it was determined to use every available American division in an effort to force a decision at this point. The attack began on September 26th. The work of the American army and of the American engineers in this drive will forever remain in
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood. British Official Photo
Desolation of Flanders, Where the Germans Were Trying to Break Through Early in 1918.
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THE URLU REDWY
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British Tommies Shown on Outpost Duty in a Flanders Dugout.
the memory of generations to come. Forcing their way through the densely wooded and shell torn areas, their fight was one of the most brilliant battles of the war. The offensive was maintained until October 4th in the face of innumerable wooded patches of snipers and concealed machine gunners.
Fresh troops with little experience were thrown in with their seasoned comrades, who had become veterans over night with this most crucial battle as their teacher. The second phase began with a renewed attack all along the front on October 4th. More positions were taken with a precision and speed that always characterized the Yank army. Their dogged offensive was wearing down the enemy, who, continuing desper- ately by throwing his best troops against them, was helpless before the spectacular advance.
At this juncture two divisions were dispatched to Belgium to help the French army near Ypres. On October 23d, the last phase of the Meuse-Argonne offensive began. Violent counter attacks by the enemy lost him heavily, while a regrouping of the Amer- ican force was going on for the final drive. Plain evidences of loss of morale in the enemy forces gave our men added courage and spirit, and finally, using comparatively fresh divisions, the last advance was begun on November 1st. It was apparent at this time that the end was near for the Boche. Our increased artillery support did remarkable work in supporting the infantry, which by its dashing advance of the several weeks preceding had destroyed the Hun's will to resist.
Between September 26th and November 6th they had taken 26,059 prisoners and 468 guns on this front.
AN ILLUSTRATEDTEMIZW
The divisions engaged in this, the most important of America's battles in the Eu- ropean war, were the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 32d, 33d, 35th, 37th, 42d, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82d, 89th, 90th and 91st. Many of these divisions remained in line for a length of time that required nerves of steel while still others were put back in the line after only a few days of rest.
When the armistice was signed following a complete routing of the enemy by Amer- icans in the Argonne Forest there were in France, according to General Pershing, ap- proximately 2,053,347 troops, less the casualties. Of this total there were 1,338,169 combatant troops. Up to November 18th the losses were: Killed and wounded, 36,145; died of disease, 14,811; deaths unclassified, 2,204; wounded 179,625; prisoners, 2,163; missing in action 1,160. As against this casualty total, the American forces captured about 44,000 prisoners and 1,400 guns, howitzers and trench mortars.
In this short summary of the principal activities of the United States' part in the great war it is obviously impossible to more than skim over the various features of the great war machinery. The heroism and gallantry of the boys who fought and died over there; the unceasing devotion and courage of the parents and citizens at home who stood by them so unselfishly; and the determination of everyone, young and old, to unite for the common cause, setting aside their personal desires and interests, was responsible for the glorious victory in which America was so conspicuously instrumental in bringing about. Outstripping a hundredfold the dimensions of any previous war of the United
Copyright By Underward & Underwood. Devastation Near Town of Albert, After Evacuation by the Germans in October, 1918.
AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood.
Graves of Marines Who Died "In Flanders Fields."
States, the task accomplished was a revelation to all when viewed in retrospect. The accomplishments of the Liberty Loans, the devotion of the millions of mothers and sisters in behalf of the Red Cross, the wonderful response of the country to the operation of the Selective Service Act in raising an army of millions-the sacrifices of all, at home and abroad, were universal during the year and a half at which America was at war.
Loyalty and love of country were terms with new meanings. Sedition was lurking only here and there, and this was promptly done away with through the efficient secret service department and popular opinion. The four million American boys who were under arms, many of them at the front and the remainder eager for the chance to jump in, convinced the world that the fighting blood that gave birth to their nation had not been diluted through the riotous living of a century. The brave lads who gave their lives and are now buried over there went to their fate with hearts full of joy, and in a manner that gave courage to the veterans of four years who fought beside them. And their brave mothers in the States who waited in vain for peace to bring their sons back to them, made the greatest sacrifices within their power with a courage and willingness that was unequalled even by the Spartans themselves.
When the history of the great European struggle is permanently written, there will be no more brilliant chapters than those telling of the part played by the United States of America in stamping out militaristic autocracy from the world.
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