USA > Kansas > Shawnee County > Honor roll : Shawnee County, Kansas > Part 7
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Signed: H. A. DRUM, Chief of Staff."
When the 89th took over a sector of the front northwest of Verdin on October 19 and 20, relieving the 32nd, the relief was made so quietly and so effi- ciently, Maj. Gen. W. G. Hahn, Commanding the 32nd, was moved to write this letter to the 89th:
"The brigade and regimental commanders of the 32nd Division have reported on the conduct of the troops of the 89th Division in making the relief of that division on October 19-20. Each and every report indicates most excellent discipline in the organizations of the 89th Division. The Brigade and Regimental commanders had previously by reconnaisance and the collection of information informed themselves as to the location of our elements, and when it came to make the relief hardly any guides from the 32nd were necessary. This was most fortunate, as you are aware that our troops were very much worn out by the long fighting they had in this sector. It, therefore, gives me unusual pleasure to express to you the great satis- faction that my division felt, and we are all hoping that the two divisions may serve close together in the future."
Letter, 5th Army Corps, U. S. 1918:
"In transmitting the enclosed letter to you, your officers and men, the Corps Commander desires me to add his commendation to that of the Army Com- mander, and to congratulate you on the morale and spirit of your Division as shown by its recent work.
Signed: W. B. BURTT, Chief of Staff."
Letter, 5th Army Corps, U. S., 1918:
"I have this day visited a majority of the Battalions of your Division, and have talked with the soldiers upon the subject of the operations that may devolve upon them. I have been most favorably impressed Page 63
and highly gratified by the fine physical condition and the soldierly bearing and deportment of officers and men, and the superior morale that appears to exist. In particular I desire to commend the Division for the cleanliness in which the men keep themselves under adverse conditions, and the attention given to shaving and sanitation.
"The results of my visits to your troops inspire me with confidence that they will vigorously and successfully execute the missions intrusted to them, and that they will add further prestige to the Division and honor to themselves and to their country by de- feating the enemy wherever found, and by advancing rapidly and resolutely to their objectives regardless of the progress of neighboring units.
Signed: C. P. SUMMERALL, Major General, Commanding."
Telegram, 1st American Army, 1918:
"Army commander desires to grace and express to you his appreciation for the work done this day. He desires you to convey his appreciation to the 89th Division and Division Commander. Please have this information transmitted to all organizations as far as practicable this night.
"To C. G. 89th Division.
Signed: DRUMM."
Letter, Hdq. 5th U. S. Army Corps, 1918:
"In addition to my telephone message, I desire to convey to you and to the Officers and Soldiers of the 89th Division my profound appreciation and great ad- miration for the splendid manner in which the Division accomplished the mission allotted to it in the advance of the Fifth Corps on November 1st.
"With a dash, courage, and speed that is worthy of the best traditions of our service, the 89th Division quickly overran the enemy's strong organization, followed its barrage, and planted itself on all objectives in accordance with the schedule previously arranged. It has captured many prisoners, guns, and spoils of war, showing that the enemy was afforded no oppor- tunity to escape.
"The Division has more than justified the high confidence of the Commander in Chief when he se- lected it to form the advance in the great operations that have begun.
"It is a high honor to command such troops, and I beg that you will convey to your officers and soldiers the assurances of my abiding wishes for their continued success in the campaigns that lie before it.
Signed: C. P. SUMMERALL, Major General, Commanding."
Extract, 88th Division (German) order, 1918:
"In the last days considerable losses have been caused by enemy artillery fire. These are only to be prevented when the troops dig themselves in well. Moving about in prominent places is without object, as American Artillery places all landmarks under fire.
"I expect that the commanders personally see to it that the troops dig in and build shelters. Wood may be obtained in the Pioneer Park at MONTIGNY.
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"In the preceding night an American patrol hailed the 170th J. D. in German. This use of our tongue with the intention of deceiving our outposts has often been observed lately. The command has therefore ordered the use of a pass word: Pass word for tonight 'Danzig,' pass word from November 2nd, noon, 'Feuerschein,' pass word from November 5th, noon, 'Fischotter.'
"The division is again opposite the 89th American Division as in the St. Mihiel region. This division is as at that time still known as a good American shock division which undertakes many strong patrol move- ments. In the present sector the 89th Division is probably in the line with three regiments in the front line, the fourth regiment in reserve. The Division is at full strength, its combat strength is high, namely 5 officers and 250 non-coms and men per company. From the words of prisoners brought in in the last few days the Division has been placed in the present sector for an advance. From various maps and other notes it attempts to take as its objective the line from BUZANCY heights southwest of STENAY.
"The capture of new prisoners for the further clearing of the situation is urgently commanded."
Telegram, 1st American Army to Commanding General 5th A. C., 1918:
"November 6, 5:00 p. m. The Commander in Chief has informed the Commanding General First Army that he has received following telegram from Marshal Foch: 'The operations which were begun on the first day of November by the First American Army have already assured-thanks to the valor of the high command and to the energy and bravery of the troops-results of the greatest importance. I am happy to send you my warmest congratulations on the success of these operations.' The Commander in Chief adds to the above 'In transmitting the above telegram from the Allied Commander in Chief I desire to express my admiration of the past success of the officers and soldiers of the First American Army and my confidence that they are yet to accomplish still greater deeds.' Notify all concerned.
"By command of Lieutenant General Liggett. Signed: DRUMM."
Telegram, 1st U. S. Army, 1918:
"The following general order of the 1st Army has been published this date: 'On November first, after constant fighting for over one month, the First Ameri- can Army launched an attack against the German Army which had established itself for determined resistance. In five days it had penetrated 25 kilo- meters and had driven the enemy in retreat before it. Its brilliant success, in connection with the advance of the 4th French Army on its left, forced the Germans to retreat on a broad front to the east. It has fought and marched and endured the rigor of campaign with the most superb indifference to everything except the determination to go forward and imprint upon the enemy the marks of its courage and resolution. All arms and services, these in advance who smashed the way, and those in aid who rendered aggressive and
efficient service, and those in the rear who by their untiring industry made possible the continued advance, are worthy of the highest praise and the gratitude of their admiring country. The Army Commander is proud of such an Army, thanks it for the splendid results already achieved, and looks with confidence to the still greater successes that lie before it.'
"Notify promptly all concerned by command of Lieut. General Liggett.
Signed: DRUMM, 1:23 p. m."
G. O. 25, 5th U. S. Army Corps, 1918:
"The announcement of a general armistice with the enemy brings to a temporary suspension the brilliant advance of the Fifth Corps, which commenced November 1st. The Corps Commander therefore takes this occasion to congratulate the Officers and Soldiers of the troops engaged with the Corps upon the fortitude, the courage, the endurance, the skill, and the determination which have characterized their conduct throughout the operations. The Corps Commander further desires to express his gratitude for the loyalty with which the troops have responded to every de- mand that has been made upon them, and to assure them of the deep sense of his pride and the honor that has come to him in commanding such superb organiza- tions.
"Commending November 1st the troops of this Corps have advanced more than thirty kilometers against the strongest opposition that the enemy could offer by his best troops. They have broken through the last vestige of the Hindenburg line and the Freya Stellung, captured many prisoners, numerous guns, large quantities of war material, and have dispersed and destroyed the enemy organizations. On the very night preceding the armistice the troops of this Corps made a brilliant passage of the River Meuse, and occupied the high ground constituting a bridge head to the east of that River.
"Not withstanding the fact that since the last days of August these troops have been constantly marching and fighting, sleeping in the open, and even at times going without the regular supplies of food, and sub- jected to rain, cold, and exposure in the mud, there has been no thought of complaining, but with a single- ness of purpose they have devoted themselves to the great mission that developed upon them. By their progress they have contributed immeasurably to the total defeat of the enemy, and compelling him to sue for terms. Prior to the advance the Corps Com- mander took occasion to assure the troops that great results must follow upon their action, and they must expect to capture large numbers of prisoners and booty. The success in compelling the enemy to sue for peace has been beyond our greatest expectations. History will accord to the troops of this Corps their abundant share in the fruits of victory. All officers and soldiers who participated in this campaign must feel a just pride in the privilege that came to them, and the place that they must occupy in the gratitude and affection of our people.
"To those of our comrades who have laid down their lives, or who have suffered wounds and sickness,
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we and our nation will ever accord those sentiments of reverence and honor that they have justly earned.
"Not the least of the burdens of this campaign have devolved upon the Trains, Supply Departments, and all accessory Services, who with a determination and a self-sacrificing spirit have accepted the almost insurmountable difficulties of transportation, and of road conditions, in keeping the troops supplied with food and ammunition, without which the campaign would have been impossible.
"While such abundant results have crowned our efforts, we must accept them as only partial accom- plishment of our tasks. During the existence of the armistice every Officer and Soldier must exercise the same alert ness and the same attitude toward the enemy as existed during active hostilities. There has been no peace, but merely a suspension of fire action. The enemy of our country and of our troops must be ex- pected at any moment to take advantage of any situa- tion that might be offered to renew hostilities. It must be remembered that up to the last moment he opposed our advance with the greatest determination, inflicting casualties upon our troops, and that he now stands the most rigorous discipline, and extreme self- control, must be exercised every moment by all Officers and Soldiers. It must be made plain to all that intercourse with the enemy is an act of treason, and is punishable by death. Under no circumstances will any officers or soldiers communicate with the enemy, other than is provided by the laws of war under a flag of truce. Any hostile act on the part of the enemy will be met by a like hostile act, and the enemy approaching our lines must be treated exactly as is required under conditions of active hostilities. All troops must be placed in immediate readiness to resume the advance, and, if necessary, to attack on the enemy's position. They must be prepared to endure long marches, great fatigue, and much pri- vation. The war is not ended, but is merely under- going one of the phases by which we intend to bring it to a successful conclusion, and to restore peace and happiness to the world. The superb conduct of the troops in this campaign is a guaranty that they will continue to respond under all vicissitudes until their great mission is completed.
"By command of Major General Summerall.
Signed: W. B. BURRT, Brigadier General, Chief of Staff."
G. O. 8t, 89th Division, 1918:
"In leaving the 89th Division to assume command of the First Corps, I want to thank the officers and men for their splendid support and loyal service throughout the recent operations.
"You have won a reputation which my praise can not increase. I am proud to have been your com- mander.
Signed: W. M. WRIGHT, Major General, U. S. A., Commanding."
Telegram, G. H. Q. to 5th Corps, 1918:
"The following General Order of November 12th is telegraphed for your information. Inform Divisions: 'The enemy has capitulated. It is fitting that I ad- Page 65
dress myself in thanks directly to the officers and sol- diers of the American Expeditionary Forces who by their heroic efforts have made possible this glorious result. Our armies, hurriedly raised and hastily trained, met a veteran enemy, and by courage, discipline and skill always defeated him. Without complaint you have endured incessant toil, privation and danger. You have seen many of your comrades make the supreme sacrifice that freedom may live. I thank you for the patience and courage with which you have endured. I congratulate you upon the splendid fruits of victory which your heroism and the blood of our gallant dead are now presenting to our nation. Your deeds will live forever on the most glorious pages of American history. Those things you have done. There remains now a harder task which will test your soldierly qualities to the utmost. Succeed in this and little note will be taken and few praises will be sung; fail, and the light of your glorious achievements of the past will sadly be dimmed. But you will not fail. Every natural tendency may urge towards relaxation in discipline, in conduct, in appearance, in everything that marks the soldier. Yet you will remember that each officer and each soldier is the representative in Europe of his people and that his brilliant deeds of yesterday permit no action of today to pass unnoticed by friend or by foe. You will meet this test as gallantly as you have met the tests of the battlefield. Sustained by your high ideals and inspired by the heroic part you have played, you will carry back to our people the proud consciousness of a new Americanism born of sacrifice. Whether you stand on hostile territory or on the friendly soil of France, you will so bear yourself in discipline, appearance, and respect for all civil rights that you will confirm for all time the pride and love which every American feels for your uniform and for you.
Signed: PERSHING.' Signed: DAVIS, 11:02 p. m."
Letter, 2nd U. S. Division, 1918:
"My dear General:
"I am enclosing herewith several copies of orders in which reference is made to organizations belonging to the 89th Division.
Signed: JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General, U. S. M. C."
Order, 2nd U. S. Division, 1918:
"On the night of November 10th, heroic deeds were done by heroic men. In the face of a heavy artillery and withering machine gun fire, the 2nd Engineers threw two foot bridges across the MEUSE and the first and second battalions of the 5th Marines crossed resolutely and unflinchingly to the east bank and carried out their mission.
"In the last battle of the war, as in all others in which this Division has participated, it enforced its will on the enemy.
Signed: JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General, U. S. M. C., Commanding."
Order, 2nd U. S. Division, 1918:
"In the crossing of the MEUSE on the night of November 10th, Companies 'G' and 'H', 9th In-
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fantry, assisted the 2nd Engineers in throwing the bridges across the river. The 8th and 23rd Machine Gun Companies (Marine) accompanied the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 5th Marines in their crossing; the 2nd Battalion, 356th Infantry (89th Division), and Company 'C', of the 342nd Machine Gun Battalion (89th Division), crossed immediately after the above mentioned organizations; and, at dawn, the 1st Bat- talion of the 9th Infantry, accompanied by Company 'D' of the 5th Machine Gun Battalion, moved forward to the east bank in support of the advanced force.
"The names of the officers and men of these or- ganizations belong on the roll of heroic men who did heroic deeds in the last battle of the war.
Signed: JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General, U. S. M. C., Commanding."
Letter, from Commanding General, 89th Division to Commanding General, 178th Infantry Brigade, 1918:
"The enclosed orders from the Commanding Gen- eral, 2nd Division, relative to the operations, night of November 10-11, are enclosed for the 356th Infantry and 342nd Machine Gun Battalion.
"The action of your brigade in this operation was most commendable. The part played by Major Hanna's battalion and company of the Machine Gun Battalion, while not under your direct orders, was gallantly performed according to the best standards of the division. Their heavy losses, including the life of Major Hanna, shows the desperate character of their engagement. That they were successful shows that in our last battle of the campaign the spirit of the division was well carried out.
Signed: FRANK L. WINN, Major General, U. S. A."
G. O. No. 26, Hdq. 5th A. C., 1918:
"The following citations are announced :
"The 89th Division, preceding the attack of No- vember 1st, cleaned up the difficult and strongly hold BOIS de BANTHEVILLE and attacked on No- vember 1st. It broke through the enemy's lines advanced strongly day and night, defeating the enemy and his reserve in its front, and drove him across the MEUSE. Under heavy fire and against stubborn resistance, it constructed bridges and established itself on the heights. The cessation of hostilities found this Division holding strong positions across the MEUSE and ready for a continuation of the advance.
Signed: C. F. SUMMERALL, Major General, Commanding."
G. O. No. 232, G. H. Q., A. E. F., 1918:
"It is with a sense of gratitude for its splendid accomplishment, which will live through all history, that I record in General Orders a tribute to the victory of the First Army in the Meuse-Argonne battle.
"Tested and strengthened by the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient, for more than six weeks you battered against the pivot of the enemy line on the western front. It was a position of imposing natural strength, stretching on both sides of the Meuse River from the
bitterly contested hills of Verdun to the almost im- penetrable forest of the Argonne; a position, more- over, fortified by four years of labor designed to render it impregnable; a position held with the fullest resources of the enemy. That position you broke utterally, and thereby hastened the collapse of the enemy's military power.
"Soldiers of all the divisions engaged under the First, Third and Fifth Corps-the 89th-you will be long remembered for the stubborn persistence of your progress, your storming of obstinately defended ma- chine gun nests, your penetration, yard by yard, of woods and ravines, your hercic resistance in the face of counter-attacks supported by powerful artillery fire. For more than a month, from the initial attack of September 26, you fought your way slowly thru the Argonne, thru the woods and over the hills west of the Meuse; you slowly enlarged your hold on the Cotes de Meuse to the east; and then, on the first of No- vember, your attack forced the enemy into flight. Pressing his retreat, you cleared the entire left bank of the Meuse south of Sedan, and then stormed the heights on the right bank and drove him into the plain beyond.
"Your achievement, which is scarcely to be equalled in American history, must remain a source of proud satisfaction to the troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The American people will remember it as the realization of the hitherto potential strength of the American contribution toward the cause to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater reward for a soldier or for a soldier's memory.
Signed: JOHN J. PERSHING, General, Commander in Chief, American Expeditionaty Forces."
After advancing srom and leaving the Lucey Sec- tor, the Division was commended for its behavior the first night it was under fire as follows:
G. O. Hdq. 89th Division, 1918:
"Report of the Battalion Commander, 1st Bat- talion, 354th Infantry, and of the Inspectors of the 8th French Army recently submitted to the Division Commander, invite attention to the courage and forti- tude of the personnel of the 1st Battalion, 354th In- fantry, and the 1st Battalion, 355th Infantry, on the night of August 7-8, during the gas attack by the Germans on the center regimental zones of the Lucey Sector.
"This attack was made during the period of the relief of the 82nd Division by the 89th Division. In most instances it was the first night the troops had been in the line; in practically every instance it was the first time the personnel had been under fire.
"The orders in force at the time required troops of the advanced post position to hold that position to the death unless withdrawal was ordered by the Army Commander. This order was faithfully carried out in spite of the intensity of the attack and the help- lessness of the troops to retaliate. It was an example of courage and steadfastness deserving the highest praise and the spirit of the troops was further indi-
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cated by the fact that they requested to remain in the line and finish their tour of duty when relief was proposed.
"The Division Commander commends the officers and men of these battalions.
"This order will be read at the first assembly of each organization after its receipt.
"By command of Major General Wright.
Signed: C. E. KILBOURNE, Colonel, General Staff, Chief of Staff."
The following interesting data regarding the 89th AMERICAN DIVISION is furnished :
From August 6, 1918 (when the Division finished its five week's training in France), to November 11th, 11 a. m., 1918, covering a period of ninety-eight days, the 89th AMERICAN DIVISION was continuously holding an active front line sector, except from Oc- tober 9th to October 19th, when it moved from the ST. MIHIEL to the ARGONNE-MEUSE sector.
In addition it was a FRONT LINE ATTACKING DIVISION and took part in the American Army's two major operations, namely, ST. MIHIEL and the FINAL PHASE OF THE ARGONNE-MEUSE OFFENSIVE.
After these operations the Division not only held the sector that it had advanced thru, but took over sectors of flank front line attacking divisions that had been put in line just for the offensive. The Division then organized these large sectors, held them, prepared them for further advance and advanced further from them.
The below itemized table of casualties shows some startling facts as follows:
1. The casualties from September 18th to Oc- tober 9th when the line was held after the ST. MIHIEL offensive are 1,483 and greater than the casualties during the ST. MIHIEL offensive which were 1,008.
2. The casualties, August 7-8, the first night in the line in the ST. MIHIEL sector during the heavy shelling and gas attack when the orders were "For every unit to hold their posts until the death" total 623 against 1,008 for the ST. MIHIEL offensive.
3. The casualties from October 19th to October 22nd in attacking and mopping up the BOIS de BAN- THEVILLE, which was reported cleared of the enemy except for a few machine gun nests, total 442, against 1,646 casualties in the final phase of the ARGONNE- MEUSE offensive.
4. The casualties from twenty hours, November 11th, then the MEUSE was crossed, total 362, against 1,646 for the final phase of the ARGONNE-MEUSE offensive.
5. The casualties in holding the line in the BOIS de BANTHEVILLE from October 22nd to November 1st were 557 and those for holding the line along the River MEUSE from November 6th to November 10th were 571 against 1,646 for the final phase of the ARGONNE-MEUSE offensive.
ITEMIZED TABLE OF CASUALTIES.
Toul-St. Mihiel Sector. Casualties.
Gas attack and shelling of night of August 7th and 8th, 1918 . 623
Holding the line, August 8th to September 12th 310
St. Mihiel offensive, September 12th to 18th ... 1,008 Holding the line, September 18th to October 9th 1,483
Argonne- Meuse sector.
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