USA > Indiana > Decatur County > History of Decatur County's part in the World War, 1914-1918 > Part 15
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Fred Marlow was gunnery sergeant in the Sixth Regular United States Marines. He was decorated at Vallendar, Germany, by General Pershing for cap- turing eighty-four Germans and nine machine guns near St. George, France, No- vember 1, 1918.
He also received a medal for marksmanship, and one presented by the Marine Corps in acknowledgment of his services, and the Liberty Medal.
Fred was gassed on April 13, 1918, near Verdun, and received treatment in hospitals at Soulby, Chaumont, Vichy, Bordeaux and Morgat.
The following is taken from the Greensburg Daily News concerning the funeral of Fred M. Marlow, November 26, 1920.
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THE FRED MARLOW MEDALS FRED MARLOWE Decorated
E. J. HARBISON
WALTER MOORE BENJAMINE T. STRAIN CARL AM RHIN
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"BODY OF FRED MARLOW LAID TO REST THIS AFTERNOON WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS. SERVICES IN CHARGE OF THE LOCAL LEGION POST. BUSINESS SUSPENDS FOR TIME AS MARK OF RESPECT AND FLAGS ARE AT HALF MAST-VETERAN DIES OF INJURIES IN EXPLOSION.
"Decatur county today paid tribute to her soldier hero, Fred M. Marlow, veteran of the World war, who died in Phoenix, Arizona, as the result of injuries received in a dynamite explosion, and whose body was laid to rest with military honors in Spring Hill cemetery this afternoon.
"The funeral ceremony, which was under the auspices of Joe Welsh Post No. 129, of the American Legion, was one of the most impressive in local history.
"The body was met upon arrival here yesterday, by a military escort. The remains were taken to the Chal Robison home, near Spring Hill, where the body lay in state. An armed guard, made up of former marines and soldiers, kept vigil throughout the night until the hour of the funeral today.
"After a short ceremony at the Robison home the body was taken to Spring Hill church where the funeral address was made by Reverend James H. S. Mc- Michael.
"Business was suspended some minutes this afternoon as a tribute to the memory of this brave young man, and the Flags over town were at half mast. At the high school, where Marlow was graduated in 1916, studies were dropped from 2:30 to 2:40 in solemn tribute to one who proved his bravery on the field of battle. Several high school students attended the funeral services.
"The following history of the departed hero was read at the funeral services :
"Fred M. Marlow enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Indianapolis, Indiana, April 25. 1917. After training at Paris Island, S. C., he sailed for France as a corporal of the Sixth marines in September. 1917. After further training in France, he entered the lines in the Verdun sector on March 15, 1918. During April he was severely gassed and was absent in a hospital nearly four months.
"Rejoining his regiment July 20, he participated in the Marbache operations. August 9 to 16, the Champagne offensive October 1 to 10, and the Meuse-Argonne offensive from November 1 to 11. He made the march to the Rhine with the Third Army following the signing of the armistice and took part in the occupa- tion of the Coblenz bridgehead, remaining with the Army of Occupation until March 12. He saw service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.'
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"Comrade Marlow was promoted from corporal to sergeant immediately fol- lowing the Champagne offensive and was made acting gunnery sergeant during the last phase of the fighting along the Meuse, receiving his warrant during the march to the Rhine.
"No greater tribute to his service need be given than the citation of the War Department upon awarding him the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in action during the Argonne offensive. The citation reads as follows :
"Serg. Fred M. Marlow, Seventy-fourth Company, Sixth Marines (A. S. No. 120330). For extraordinary heroism in action at Mim St. Georges, France, November 1, 1918."
(This letter was written to his mother giving his experience and stated that he had been recommended for bravery, but asked that nothing be said about it, as a great many were cited for decoration but nothing ever came of it. After he was decorated the story was told.)
He was recommended the 11th of November, 1918. "Dear Mother :
"I captured eighty-four Germans and nine machine guns by myself and then took charge of my platoon after the platoon leader was wounded. I captured these square heads all in one trench back of a hedge. I will admit that I didn't know that there were so darned many of them until I ran through the hedge to get one I had just took a shot at while he was trying to get a machine gun on me. I saw one down the line from him just giving the boys in my battalion the devil with his machine gun. I crawled up in about forty yards of him and took a good aim, because I sure had murder in my heart. I pulled the trigger and his helmet flew about fifteen feet right straight into the air. I wounded him in the side of the head and he got up and started to run. I took after him and he jumped down into this trench. I started for an opening in the hedge and there was a big square head with a machine gun pointing right at me. I knew I had to fire and fire quick so I took a hip shot at him, I ploughed up the earth in about four inches of his head, filled his face and eyes full of dirt and he ducked. I ran through the hedge at charge bayonets fully expecting to find only two or three Huns there, when Lord if there wasn't eighty-four Germans in a trench about 100 yards long. I began to yell and hollow for them to surrender and they began to come up out of that trench like bees. They always stick their hands up first and when their heads appeared they would yell "Kamerad" and whine like a bunch of whipped curs. Of course I had to appear awful mean so I slung my rifle, jerked
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out a hand-grenade and pistol and started after those who were a little slow in coming out. Believe me when I jerked that hand-grenade back like I was going to throw it they moved some. That was in the morning just about day-light and I didn't get scared until that night about 8 and say but I did sweat some.
Lovingly, your son,
FRED"
EXPERIENCES OF THE TWO DECATUR COUNTY MEN WHO WERE GERMAN PRISONERS
On May 4, 1919, James T. Ward, of Letts, one of the two Decatur county men captured by the Huns in the World war, arrived at home and told of six months spent in two prison camps at Laon and at Camp Rastatt. He ate horse meat and cow beets once a day while a prisoner at Laon. Coffee made of acorns was the only breakfast given the men, and a cup of tea for supper, with some- times soup for dessert. At Camp Rastatt he fared better, but the food was un- wholesome and he lost flesh. But for the fact that the Red Cross sent food from Switzerland, he would have starved.
Ward enlisted at Paris, Illinois, where he was employed, with two other men. The three remained together, even to going over the top and all were captured. Ward was taken prisoner five days after entering the front lines and for six months was in Hun prisons, being released December 6, 1918. He was wounded at the battle of Chateau Thierry, several ribs being broken and was taken prisoner.
He said that German surgeons dressed his wound, inflicted by shrapnel, in the chest, only twice. Ward said that he owes his life to the fact that one of the steel particles struck a Bible in his side pocket. He could hardly walk when released from Camp Rastatt.
No letters were received while he was over seas, and he learned on coming home, that his father had died while he was away.
After being released from prison, he was sent into Switzerland and was cared for by the Red Cross. He has high praise for this organization and the Salvation Army. His brother, Elmer, served in the marines.
Frank Joseph Wilmer, of Millhousen, was the other Decatur county man who was captured by the Germans.
Frank entered the service at Greensburg, September 22, 1917, and after training for some time at Camp Shelby, sailed on the "Megantic" from Hoboken,
FRANK JOSEPH WILMER German Prisoner
JAMES T. WARD German Prisoner
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June 12, 1918, with Company I, One Hundred Sixty-sixth regiment, Forty-second division.
While at Champagne, France, July 15, 1918, he and about twenty-four other soldiers under a lieutenant, were guarding some tank guns behind the front line which the French were holding at that time and "Jerry" came over ; the French made for their dugouts, not giving any signal of warning to the Americans. The French were all captured. When the Americans saw what was happening, they called for a barrage, but it was too late. The artillery could not shoot over them. However, they held the Germans back for almost three hours. The Germans broke past and got their machine guns in the trenches behind the Americans and forced them to surrender. Most of them were killed or wounded. Young Wil- mer was almost covered by an artillery shell, and couldn't hear for two days. The Germans came in from four sides and took them prisoners.
For sixteen days their rations for twenty-four hours consisted of one slice of black bread and a cup of soup made of-they didn't know what. They were taken out to work but were hardly able to stand. They slept out on the ground with no cover or even shelter, using their helmets for pillows. When it rained, which was most of the time, they walked all the time to keep warm. For sixteen nights they never had their shoes off, and were under artillery fire all the time.
They were then taken to Camp Rastatt and faired much better there, receiv- ing provisions from the "Good Old American Red Cross."
The German people never mistreated them, and gave them things to eat, if they had anything.
And Frank says in conclusion, "Believe me, we was a happy bunch when we heard that the Armistice was signed."
His two brothers, Joseph and Harry, were also in the service.
Furnished by
JAMES T. WARD and FRANK WILMAR.
Signal Corps, United States Army. Telegram.
Arreized at 12 VA K 17 DA
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VERSAILLES JUNE 28TH 1919
SECSTATE
WASHINGTON
ALL OF THE PLENIPOTENTIARICO HAVING BIONED THE TREATY
MOL MENDEAW DECLARES THE BEZSICH CLOSED
AVRAI SION
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EARL CAPPER, LETTS, IND., SENT MESSAGE OF THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE TREATY
MESSAGE SENT BY EARL CAPPER
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MESSAGE OF THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE TREATY SENT BY EARL CAPPER, A DECATUR COUNTY BOY
Earl Capper, of Letts, together with C. M. Herr, of Castleton, Indiana, and P. R. Stephenson, of Indianapolis, were the operators in charge of the United States signal station which started the message around the world that all of the delegates at the peace conference, at Paris, had signed the peace treaty.
Indiana can well be proud of the records of her soldier boys, in this, as in all other wars in which they took part. The first gun fired by the American forces was by an Indiana boy; an Indiana boy also fired the last gun of the war. The first supreme sacrifice by America was made by an Indiana boy. The first trip over the Atlantic ocean with the observation balloon, was made by an Indiana man, Oliver O. Kessing, of Greensburg.
Earl Capper enlisted three days before war was declared by the United States. He was assigned to Company A, One Hundred Thirteenth Field Signal Battalion, Thirty-eighth division, and was stationed at Le Havre, France, and on the 23rd of June, 1919, one of his associates in the office received the message of the signing of the peace treaty and the closing of the session. The other one translated it from the code and Earl sent it on its journey around the world.
HOME COMING DAY
Wednesday, August 20, 1919, was observed as "Home Coming Day." Most of the boys were home from the service and the town was decked in gala attire. It was estimated that 15,000 people welcomed the county's war heroes on that day.
The Indianapolis Shriners were present and gave displays of drilling and gatling gun practice on the square, and also out at the barbecue, which was held in the Vonphul woods. The Shriners' chanters composed of abont sixty voices, rendered a number of splendid selections, adding greatly to the enjoyment of the day.
The barbecue at the noon hour was a tremendous affair for this locality, at least.
Four thousand pounds of beef were placed on iron rods and roasted over trenches of fire, cooking from 5 o'clock on the evening of August 19, till noon on the 20th. Hundreds of gallons of "burgoo" were also served with the meat. The feast was prepared by N. D. Lawrence, of Louisville, and a corps of helpers.
MEAT FOR BARBECUE, HOME-COMING DAY
HOME-COMING DAY
SHRINERS FROM INDIANAPOLIS. HOME-COMING DAY
LARGE KETTLE OF BERGU READY TO BE SERVED MINIAR & COMPANY SHOW WINDOW.
BARBECUE HOME-COMING DAY
BARBECUE HOME-COMING DAY
(These pictures were presented by Walter Ehrhardt and Miss Myrtle Osting)
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The address of the day was delivered by Rollin A. Turner, at the barbecue grounds.
In the court house park were rest tents of the Red Cross, the War Mothers and the Knights of Columbus. Many of the boys filled out their war record blanks at the War Mothers' tent that day.
One of the great hits of the day was the lemonade of Fred Boyl, thousands being served the delicious beverage which few know so well how to prepare as Mr. Boyl. Barrels of ice water with plenty of new tin cups were in convenient places in town and on the grounds.
The churches down town and the Y. M. C. A. were open all day for rest rooms. Several towns over the county closed their places of business and came to do honor to our boys.
George H. Dunn, manager of the K. of P. Opera House, estimated that 5,000 persons were entertained during the afternoon and evening at his moving picture show.
The closing feature of the day was a dance on the brick street on the south side of the square which was cut short about 8 o'clock by a downpour of rain.
No one knew there were so many automobiles in Decatur county until the people poured in for the "Home Coming."
The great success of Decatur County's Welcome Home Day was due to the untiring efforts of the committee, which was composed of Will Lanham, Charles Woodfill, Raymond Magee, Charles Dalmbert, Harry Hillabold, and Walter Cris- ler.
Frank L. Donnell was chairman of the finance committee, and with a corps of twenty-five helpers, raised the money to enable Greensburg and Decatur county to furnish a day of free entertainment to all within the city gates.
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THE BLUE STAR IN THE WINDOW
Albert Simpson Reitz (Used by permission) There's a blue star beaming in the window, For a loved one far away ; And its light is shining through the gloaming As we kneel alone to pray: And we're longing for his returning To his home and happy days of old ; While with trembling our hearts are asking, "Will the blue star turn to gold?"
Of our dear ones ever we are dreaming ; In our heart there throbs a prayer ; "Put thy loving arms about him, Father, Guard and keep him over there." And if some day we hear the story, How he bravely fought and nobly fell, We will trust Him who knows our sorrows, For He doeth all things well.
There is One who heals the broken hearted ; O, how much He loves His own! For He sent His Son from Heaven's glory Here to die for us alone. And the bright star of old Judea Was a token of His love untold ; And He knows all our bitter sorrow, For His own star turned to gold.
If the blue star turns to gold, Then His love He will unfold. For the Father loves with a tender love, For His own star turned to gold.
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DECATUR COUNTY GOLD STAR HONOR ROLL OF DECATUR COUNTY
DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION Army
May 6, 1918, Joseph William Welch, France.
May 28, 1918, William L. Baxter, Cantigny.
June 7, 1918, John H. Barnes, Bouresches, France.
November 4, 1918, Homer Giddings, Argonne Forest.
November 10, 1918, John Martin Nesbit, Nevers Neivre, France.
KILLED IN ACTION
Marinc
June 6, 1918, Benjamin T. Strain, Chateau Thierry.
Army
July 20, 1918, Otis Clarence Jackson, Chateau Thierry. August 6, 1918, Sherman Patton, No Man's Land, Belgium. October 5, 1918, Michael Herbert Landis, Argonne Forest.
DIED OF DISEASE
Army
May 25, 1917, Dana C. Harrold, Elwood, Indiana. May 28, 1917, Joseph C. Osborne, Ft. Douglas, Arizona. December 9, 1917, Clarence E. Riley, Camp Shelby, Mississippi. May 26, 1918, Edward William Forkert, Camp Taylor, Kentucky. September 19, 1918, Joseph Henry Kinker, Keefantias, France. October 2, 1918, William B. Theising, Camp Taylor, Kentucky. October 3, 1918, Charles Warren Stewart, Camp Humphreys, Virginia. October 10, 1918, Jesse Arnold Jenkins, Everton, Liverpool, England.
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October 12, 1918, Herman Vogel, Camp Taylor, Kentucky.
October 13, 1918, Lewis Edward Ford, Camp Custer, Michigan.
October 13, 1918, Harold Addison Risk, Camp Taylor, Kentucky.
October 14, 1918, Walter Roy Morgan, Camp Sherman, Ohio.
October 17, 1918, Harry Thomson Carman, Franklin College.
October 27, 1918, Roy Hess, Camp Winona.
November 12, 1918, William Harrison Ray, Camp Sheridan, Alabama.
December 7, 1918, Harrison S. Wiley, Long Island.
January 18, 1919, Vernie S. Wamsley, Vancouver, Washington.
Marine
November 15, 1918, Leslie Raymond Shazer, Paris Island.
Navy
April 1, 1918, Pleasant Dennison, Brooklyn, New York.
April 5, 1918, Fred Leslie Luther, Chelsea, Massachusetts.
September 27, 1918, Glenn R. Trester, Great Lakes, Illinois.
RECORD OF THE GOLD STAR BOYS
JOSEPH W. WELSH
Joseph William Welch was born in Greensburg, November 13, 1894.
He was employed by George H. Dunn, as janitor of the K. of P. Opera House.
Joe enlisted April 16, 1917, in Company G, Eighteenth regiment, First di- vision, just ten days after the United States declared war on Germany. He was
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trained at Douglas, Arizona, and embarked for France June 10, 1917, landing at St. Nazaire June 24. He was trained under the Forty-seventh French Chasseurs.
He participated in the battles of Sommerville sector, Toul, Cantigny, and Chateau Thierry.
Joe Welch was the first Decatur county boy to make the supreme sacrifice on the battlefields of Europe, May 6, 1918.
Beautiful memorial services were held in the Christian church in Greens- burg, conducted by Rev. F. Z. Burkette. The church was a bower of Flags and bunting.
A special service was held at the K. of P. Opera House with his picture thrown on the screen.
He was the "Sammy" boy of Mr. and Mrs. George Dunn; and Joe received from them, while in the service, every comfort they could possibly provide.
Washington, D. C. May 10, 1918
Mrs. Mary Welch, Greensburg, Indiana.
My dear Mrs. Welch :
I deeply regret to inform you that it is officially reported that Private Joseph Welch died May 6, from wounds received in action.
M'CAIN, Adjutant General.
American Expeditionary Forces, Headquarters Services of Supply, Graves Registration Service. June 4, 1918.
From Chief Graves Registration Service, A. E. F.,
To: Mrs. Mary A. Welch, Greensburg, Indiana.
In the midst of all the horrors of war, it falls to my lot to be the one who must tell the most awful news to friends in grief, and I assure you that the task I have in hand today is full of sorrow and my message is full of sympathy.
Your son, Joseph Welch, who gave his life for liberty, was buried today in a cemetery whose location cannot now be given, for military reasons, but which is officially designated in this office as cemetery No. 170.
It will be the mission of the service, of which I am in command, to see that
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the grave is suitably marked with the headboard, or cross with which all our heroes' graves are distinguished, and to guard and care for the spot as carefully as you would wish.
It is not possible for the remains to be sent to you, so long as war continues, but I hope you will trust us to do everything which is possible, under the cir- cumstances of terrific war, to act as your agents and friends in caring for a grave which must mean more to you than all the world.
May God bless you in your grief.
Major A. Q. M., U. S. A. A. J. COUNER, Second Lieut. Q. M. C. N. A.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
122 U. 14th St., New York.
My dear Friend :
I must, on behalf of The Salvation Army, take the opportunity to say how deeply and truly we share your grief at this time of your bereavement. It will be hard for you to understand how anything can soothe the 'pain made by your great loss, but let me point you to the one Jesus Christ, who acquainted Himself with all our griefs so that He might heal the hearts' wounds made by our sorrows, and whose love for us was so vast that He bled and died to save us.
It may be some solace to think that your loved one poured out his life in a war in which high and holy principles are involved, and also that he was quick to answer the call for men.
Believe me when I say that we are praying and will pray for you.
Yours in sympathy, EVANGALINE BOOTH, Commander.
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WILLIAM L. BAXTER
William L. Baxter was the son of George and Minerva Baxter. He was born at Adams, Indiana, September 15, 1899.
When the call "to arms" was heard, William, at the age of seventeen, en- listed, at Greensburg, in the infantry. He was assigned to Machine Gun Com- pany, Sixteenth Infantry, of the First division.
William's mother died while he was away, and he did not know of her death until she met him as he entered the Pearly Gates.
The following letters were received by relatives, which were written to his mother, by his commanding officers and the American Red Cross.
(Copies of letters received concerning the death of William. Baxter).
From: Headquarters Society of the First Division, Society of the First Division.
To: The nearest relative, or friend :
I have the honor to forward herewith the card of membership in the Society of the First Division of Private First Class William L. Baxter, Machine Gun Company, Sixteenth Infantry, who met his death upon the field of honor of the First Division.
The unfaltering sacrifice of such soldiers as the above, has been the price of the achievement of the First Division, American Expeditionary Forces in this war.
O. L. SUMMERALL, Major General United States Army.
Headquarters Sixteenth Infantry, Selters, Germany, May 25, 1919.
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General Order 91/2.
Extract
The commanding officer cites the following named officers and enlisted men for distinguished conduct in the Sixteenth Infantry.
186. Private First Class William L. Baxter, 45044. M. G. Company, Six- teenth Infantry.
For exceptional bravery on May 28, 1918, during the capture and defense of Cantigny, for seven hours during a terrific bombardment of high explosive shells of all calibers, with no protection excepting a shallow trench. he helped to keep in action his gun which was firing a barrage on the wood in which the enemy tried to form up for a counter attack against the newly captured town.
By so doing, he was instrumental in breaking up five such attacks and thus contributed greatly to the success of the operation. He was killed while perform- ing this act.
By order of Colonel Harrell, G. T. PHILLIPS, Captain Sixteenth Infantry, Adjutant.
Headquarters First Division, American Expeditionary Forces, France, July 9, 1918.
General Order 34.
Extract
The division commander cites the following organizations for conspicuous gallantry in action.
Machine Gun Company, Sixteenth Infantry.
"During our attack on Cantigny, occupied advanced and important positions for ninety-six hours, during which time they accomplished their mission although working day and night, and without shelter and exposed to continuous harassing fire and fire of the destruction."
By Command of Major General Bullard, H. K. LOUGHRY, Major F. A., N. A. Division Adjutant.
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Headquarters First Division, American Expeditionary Forces. France, August 19, 1918.
General Order No. 49.
Extract
The division commander cites the following organization officers and men for distinguished conduct, during the operation of this divison south of Soissons, July 18 to 22, 1917.
Machine Gun Company, Sixteenth Infantry.
Displayed real efficiency and energy although going into positions under adverse condition and at every opportunity thoroughly protected exposed flanks and assisted materially in breaking up counter attacks.
By command of Major General Summerall. ROLLAND E. CLARK, First Lieutenant, National Army, Assistant Division Adjutant.
August 11, 1919. Private William L. Baxter.
Machine Gun Company, Sixteenth Infantry, First division.
Mrs. Mina Baxter.
St. Paul, Indiana.
My Dear Mrs. Baxter :
We have received some details of the death of Private William L. Baxter, which we are sending to you on the supposition that they will be additional to those you probably have already received. This report came from our Paris office, and was given out by Sergeant Robert Sedusky, of Machine Gun Com- pany, Sixteenth Infantry, whose home address is 60 State street, Stamford, Con- necticutt and the report is signed by Captain James Wheeling, of the Sixteenth Infantry. It reads as follows :
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