The Minute men of '17 - a history of the service rendered during the recent world war by the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps, New York Guard and the Veteran Corps of Artillery, state of New York, Part 15

Author:
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: [New York?] Published by Memorial and Property Committee of the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps
Number of Pages: 441


USA > New York > The Minute men of '17 - a history of the service rendered during the recent world war by the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps, New York Guard and the Veteran Corps of Artillery, state of New York > Part 15


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26


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COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND


facing south. When the three Battalions were formed each was in line facing south, one behind the other. The regiment then formed in "line of masses."


At evening parade the Battalions formed again in the same manner and the Regiment was presented to the Lieutenant-Colonel in line, each Battalion occupying a side of the armory. After passing in review the Regiment formed in "line of masses" for "trooping the colors" and was dismissed.


First Sergeant Kelly of the Sanitary Detachment received the New York State medal during the ceremonies, and, as the honor was un- expected, the Sergeant was said to have wondered what Kelly was meant when his name was called and he was ordered "front and center." Sergeant Kelly has served in the Guard for ten years, all but one being with the Ninth.


The Machine Gun Company gave an exhibition drill following the inspection and review, and executed a variety of complicated manoeuvres, most of them in double time. Then it moved in "col- umn of sections" at the double to forty paces from the big guns, when the command "in battery" was given and it went into action in skirmish line. After two bursts of fire the company advanced by rushes, a section at a time, covering with continued fire, and then fired a simultaneous continued burst. It may not have occurred to the spectators, and indeed to many of the men of the Regiment, that there was anything unusual about the firing of blank cartridges in machine guns, but this is something that has seldom been achieved successfully, as moving-picture directors will testify. Usually the dummy bullets are of wax, but in a machine-gun the wax melts and a jam is the immediate result. After a little experimenting Captain Murray and Lieutenants Callingham and Scott of the Machine-Gunners discov- ered that papier maché bullets, with a small charge of powder in them, would fire without jamming, and the bullets would not fly far, as the powder exploded them a few feet from the muzzle. The company fired over five hundred rounds on this occasion without a stoppage. Lieutenant-Colonel Delafield tells of a friend of his, an officer in the Twenty-third, who was in the gallery during the review,


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THE MINUTE MEN OF '17


and when the "emma gees" started to go into action calmed the fears of a companion by asserting that the Lewis guns would never be fired. "They won't work with blanks," he said, and would have said more, but that the rattle of the guns interrupted him. The ma- chine-gunners are fond of stating that they hate to talk about them- selves, but in this case they need have no such modesty. They have the words of Captain-Adjutant Gallaher, Lieutenant-Colonel Dela- field, and many other officers, that their performance proved beyond dispute that the Ninth has the best Machine Gun Company in the Guard.


On Wednesday, January 22, a review was tendered to Major-Gen- eral Daniel Appleton, former commander of the famous Seventh New York Infantry. Colonel Howard E. Crall, its present com- mander and his field and staff officers were present as guests of the Ninth.


The review was followed by an exhibition drill by the Machine Gun Company and a street riot drill by the First Battalion, Major Hoes commanding, in which a platoon of the machine Gun Company took part. The machine gunners varied their exhibition by dis- mounting and assembling their guns, and then firing them as evidence that there were no parts left over.


Colonel Burleigh, in addressing General Appleton, said:


"On behalf of the officers and men of the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps, I bid you a hearty welcome to this command. There is not a man in this Regiment who does not know you, and those of us who enjoy your friendship love you. We all look up to and admire you as the Nestor of the Military Profession in this State and among militia officers of this country. We are particularly proud, too, to welcome Colonel Crall and the officers of your former command, the Seventh New York Infantry. Its very name had always signified patriotism and valor. In fact, I believe your motto is Pro Patria et Gloria. The mention of the name Seventh Regiment has always been sufficient to convey the very acme of military preparedness and efficiency.


We are proud to number among the officers and men of this Regiment many who have been members of the Seventh, and we have become convinced that a little leaven must have leavened the whole lump, as even those of us who have not had the oppor- tunity of your military instruction, but have had the pleasure of your friendship, have absorbed some of your martial spirit and a desire to emulate your military disposition.


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COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND


We are honored tonight in having the opportunity to present to you for decoration with the State medal for fifteen years' military service, Color-Sergeant T. J. Oakley Rhinelander."


Here the Adjutant ordered Color-Sergeant Rhinelander to the front and center. Bearing the Regimental Color and accompanied by his Color-Guard, Sergeant Rhinelander presented himself be- fore the Colonel.


Colonel Burleigh continued :


"Mr. Rhinelander enlisted in Company K, Seventh Infantry, June 10, 1875, and served almost continuously in that company, except for periods when by removal from the district he was dropped from the rolls, until October 17, 1895, when he was given a full and honorable discharge after thirteen years, ten months and sixteen days actual active service. In 1897 Sergeant Rhinelander enlisted in the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York, and served continuously therein for over twenty years and until he was transferred with the twelve Provisional Batteries of that organization to this command on October 8, 1917. Sergeant Rhinelander should be entitled to a thirty-five year-medal, as he has been for more than that number of years a member of the militia of the State of New York.


Sergeant Rhinelander performed his duty as a member of this Regiment on guard duty on the Aqueduct last year with an accuracy and care that I am sure would com- mend him as a real living example of your military training."


I present Color-Sergeant T. J. Oakley Rhinelander."


General Appleton complimented Colonel Burleigh upon the Reg- iment, and in the course of a short talk told the men that one of his best memories of his own service was that of the eight years he spent as an enlisted man.


In his comment on the record of Sergeant Rhinelander, General Appleton cited the fact that the name of Oakley Rhinelander is known not only here but under the poppies in France, referring to the death at the front of Mr. Rhinelander's nephew, Lieutenant T. J. Oakley Rhinelander, 2nd, son of Philip Rhinelander, men- tioned below.


After General Appleton had presented the fifteen years' service medal, and fastened the ribbon about Sergeant Rhinelander's neck, Colonel Burleigh added :


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THE MINUTE MEN OF '17


"General Appleton, there is another tie between the Seventh Infantry and the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps. Our Color-Sergeant Oakley Rhinelander has a brother who is the Color-Sergeant of the Seventh, Philip Rhinelander, who has served for almost thirty years in that Regiment. Long live the Rhinelanders!"


Captain F. E. Davidson was Officer-of-the-Day, Lieutenant T. P. Battelle, Tenth Company, was Commander-of-the-Guard, and H. E. Nason, Headquarters, was Sergeant-of-the-Guard. A dance closed the affair after evening parade.


General Appleton's staff was as follows:


Colonel J. Weston Myers, Chief of Staff,


Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Elliot Warren, U. S. A.,


Lieutenant-Commander John H. Tappan, U. S. N., Major Gerald Stratton, Seventh Infantry, N. Y. G.,


Captain Sidney Appleton, U. S. A.


Captain Leslie Allen Oliver, Seventh Infantry, N. Y. G., Captain Thomas C. Wiswall.


Among others present at the review, besides Colonel Crall, com- manding the Seventh Regiment and his field and staff officers, in- cluding many of his company commanders, were Colonel John J. Phelan, Sixty-ninth Regiment, Colonel William Jay Schieffelin, Fifteenth Infantry, N. Y. G., Major Edward G. Schermerhorn, Cap- tain Douglas E. Dismukes, U. S. N., Captain Fourmestreux of the French Army, Colonel Prentice Strong, First Field Artillery, N. Y. G., Hon. Thomas R. Proctor, of Utica, N. Y., and M. O. Terry, former Surgeon-General of the State of New York.


On the afternoon of February 2 the Ninth Coast went to service in Trinity Church at the head of Wall Street. The regimental church service was held under the direction of the Chaplain, Captain Howard Duffield, who read the first and second lessons.


The Rev. Dr. William T. Manning, rector of Trinity Parish, delivered a short address on the quality of robust manhood repre- sented in the Guard and needed to combat the spirit of pacifism.


The Regiment assembled in the Armory at 2:15 and marched through Fifteenth Street, down Fifth Avenue, through Washington


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COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND


Arch, through Fourth Street and down Lafayette Street, Park Row and Broadway to the church. The band led the column. No pieces were carried and no sidearms were worn. The regiment returned to the Armory by way of the Sixth Avenue elevated.


Among Colonel Burleigh's staff were:


Colonel A. S. Schermerhorn, N. Y. G., Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Elliot Warren, U. S. A., Lieutenant-Colonel H. T. Kingsbury, N. Y. G., Major Edward G. Schermerhorn, N. Y. G., Captain H. Pushae Williams, U. S. A., Lieutenant John T. Harrison, U. S. N., Lieutenant Francis I. Woodburn, U. S. A., Captain Walter Lis- penard Suydam, R. L., N. Y. G., Captain George E. Cruse, R. L., N. Y. G., Captain Henry Sillcocks, R. L., N. Y. G., and Captain Robert H. Wilder, R. L., N. Y. G.


The Staff of the Ninth in attendance included Captain Harry P. Gallaher, Adjutant, Major Charles Alexander Clinton, Captain Paul Thebaud, Captain Howard Duffield, Captain Frank Everett David- son, Captain Louis Hays Dos Passos, Captain John W. Brannan, Lieutenant Joseph F. Sulger, Lieutenant Francis G. Lloyd and Lieutenant Robert Sedgwick.


Dr. John Winters Brannan enlisted in the V. C. A. early in 1917. He was a member of the celebrated Fifth Squad of the Second Bat- tery; served in the First Provisional Regiment on the Aqueduct, was made Captain in the Medical Corps attached to this Regiment. This promotion had been offered to him many times before, but he, one of the deans of the medical profession, to serve in the ranks.


On January 23, the Eleventh and Twelfth Companies furnished a guard of honor at a military mass held at St. Josephs R. C. Church in memory of Private William C. Meehan, Co. A., 395th U. S. In- fantry, who died in France.


The Inter-Company Team Match was decided on the Armory Range in February. On the 25th the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Machine-Gun Companies Shot, and on the 27th the Field and Staff, Supply, Ninth, Tenth, Elev- enth and Twelfth. The Machine-Gun Company won, with the Field and Staff second. The following are the scores:


-


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THE MINUTE MEN OF '17


MACHINE-GUN COMPANY


200 Yds.


500 Yds.


Total


Sergeant Snyder


33


27


60


Private Lewis, M ..


30


27


57


Private Mitchell


30


27


57


Private Lewis, J.


23


29


52


Sergeant Wildnauer


23


18


41-267


FIELD AND STAFF


Lieutenant-Colonel Delafield


32


35


67


Lieutenant Sulger


33


30


63


Colonel Burleigh


25


31


56


Major Hoes


28


20


48


Lieutenant Lines


25


6


31-265


ELEVENTH COMPANY


Captain Wilcox


28


28


56


Private Hartley


30


22


52


Lieutenant Foley


27


25


52


Private Morrison


25


27


52


Corporal Drew


23


25


48-260


Second Company


258


Seventh Company


251


Sixth Company


249


Tenth Company


243


Fourth Company


241


Eighth Company


233


Third Company


217


Fifth Company


210


First Company


209


Twelfth Company


198


Ninth Company (4 Men)


192


Supply Company


142


On March 15th the Regiment gave a review to Major-General Hugh L. Scott, U. S. A., formerly Chief of Staff United States Army, then in command at Camp Dix, New Jersey. General Scott


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COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND


is a distinguished officer and was continued on active duty after reaching the retiring age. General Scott insisted upon carrying out his military engagement although his son, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter Scott, U. S. A. was lying mortally ill in a hospital in New York, having been transferred from the Army transport on which he had just returned with Major-General O'Ryan, commanding the 27th Division, upon whose staff he was serving.


The Third Battalion gave a very interesting riot drill and exhibi- tion of wall scaling.


General Scott admired the regiment tremendously and highly complimented its efficiency. He stated that it should be a Rail- road or Heavy Artillery rather than a Coast Artillery Regiment.


On the occasion of the Welcome Home given by New York City to the 27th Division U. S. A. we were given an opportunity to show our appreciation of the services of the overseas men by taking care of some fifteen hundred officers and men of the 104th Field Artillery under Colonel Delaney. They were a fine lot of men, appreciative and considerate guests. Nothing was too good for them.


All the officers of the regiment in uniform made a formal call on Major-General John F. O'Ryan commanding the 27th Division at the Hotel Biltmore.


The ceremonies of welcoming home the veterans of the Ninth are described in another place.


On April 27, by order of the Governor, all organizations of the New York Guard held a Church Parade. The service of the Ninth was held under the direction of Chaplain Duffield in the Brick Pres- byterian Church, Fifth Avenue and Thirty-seventh Street.


During the Victory Loan Drive the regiment again did good work. Colonel Burleigh presided each day over the exercises held in the Court of Honor on Park Avenue.


During the ceremonies May 5 to 7, of welcoming home the 77th Division National Army, nearly fifteen hundred officers and men were quartered in the Armory. They were more than welcome, as would have been the case with any men who had fought overseas.


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CHAPTER SIXTEEN FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK


N O matter how large an Armory may be-and that of the Ninth certainly was not large-it can never be more than a rather poor substitute for the reality of open country. This is not only true of the drill proper, from Company to Battalion-not to mention Regimental evolutions or ceremonies-but particularly and most emphatically is it true of the various branches of Field Service, the practice of which is almost impossible in any Armory.


The importance of so-called Field Days was fully recognized by Colonel Burleigh, and, though his command was kept pretty busy with a variety of duties incident to the War which made it very hard to find the time necessary for such outings, he arranged, on two sep- arate occasions, to take the Regiment to Van Cortlandt Park, in the Borough of The Bronx. The advantages of this location were many, principal among them being the matter of transportation, the variety of terrain, and the fact that it was comparatively easy to obtain the necessary permission from the Park Commission and Police assistance in keeping the Parade Ground clear.


The first of these Field Days was held on Sunday, December 22, 1918. The choice of Sunday, while it had its advantages, also had drawbacks, as firing was not permitted, and it excluded the Regimen- tal Band. As it happened, it turned out to be a lucky day for the Band, for they were the only members of the Regiment who did not get a thorough wetting.


The day started most inauspiciously, damp and threatening, and before noon it had settled down to a steady rain, which later devel- oped into a drenching downpour. While ponchos had been issued by company sergeants, orders to take them were countermanded shortly before Assembly and overcoats were ordered worn. After Assembly at 8:45 the Regiment marched to the Seventh Avenue Sub- way station at Fourteenth Street and entrained for Van Cortlandt Park on a special train. On arrival at destination, Battalions were


190


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FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK


turned over to their Majors for an hour's drill. The Battalions took advantage of the time allotted to go through the various formations of Battalion and Riot Drill, as well as "extended order" evolutions, while the Machine-Gun Company simulated "combat" conditions for the benefit of a moving-picture concern.


The Regiment was then assembled, formed for parade in line, and reviewed by Park Commissioner Hennessy of the Bronx. Notwith- standing the fact that the ground was soft and wet from previous rains, and that it had by this time begun to rain in earnest, the Reg- iment made an excellent showing.


Colonel Burleigh then put his command through a brisk drill be- fore Recall and Mess Call were sounded. Arms were stacked on the hill, and mess was spread. It was a wet but enjoyable meal, and every one felt cheered, for they knew not that the worst was still to come !


Officers' call was sounded while the men rested, and Colonel Bur- leigh outlined his plans for the afternoon to the assembled officers. It was ordered that the Regiment should march from the Parade Ground by way of the East Mosholu Parkway through the Bronx Park to the Subway station at 180th Street and Southern Boulevard. War conditions were to be simulated by observing the principles of security as applicable to troops on the march.


Assembly was sounded at 1 :15 P. M. and the Regiment formed. On the march each Battalion in turn formed the "Advance Guard" and then the "Rear Guard." "Point," "Advance Party," "Support" and "Reserve," with the necessary connecting files, as well as "Flank Patrols," were provided, while the "Rear Guard" was formed in ac- cordance with established principles. Thus each Company had its opportunity in practice and instruction, while the Machine-Gun Company was divided between the "Main Body" and the "Rear Guard." The time passed quickly enough on this four-mile hike, notwithstanding the pouring rain, and the overcoats, which grew heavy as they absorbed the water.


At the entrance to the Zoological Garden at 180th Street the Regi- ment entrained and was soon back in the Armory.


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THE MINUTE MEN OF '17


The second "Battle of Van Cortlandt," as it was affectionately called, was "fought" on March 8, 1919. Season and weather were more favorable for this Field Day, and every one felt a great deal better-possibly because it was Saturday and the Band had no excuse for absenting itself.


Attendance at the early morning Assembly was voluntary, but it was obligatory to take part in the afternoon events. Thus the organi- zation, which proceeded by way of the Seventh Avenue Subway to Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground early that morning, numbered little over one-third of the entire strength, and companies had to be consolidated for the purposes of drill.


These temporary companies passed the forenoon in company drill, both "close" and "extended order," while some of the officers and sergeants practiced estimating distances under Major Hoes. The Supply Company was working hard at preparation for mess, while the Sanitary Detachment, after pitching its tent, practiced what it had been taught by Major Clinton, by inducing two boys to lie down on the field, as if wounded, and permitting members of the Detach- ment to "tag" them. A hurry call was sent for Ambulance and Sur- geons, and these arrived on the scene with such promptitude that the Ambulance was nearly overturned. Emergency dressings were ap- plied with the help of splints improvised from tree branches. The boys were carried on litters to the Ambulance and hurried to the hos- pital tent, situated close to the mess tent on the hill, and then treated -to eats! As recorded in the April issue of the "Ninth Coast News," "contrary to expectations, the boys, at last accounts, were still alive!"


Mess was held on the hill on the same spot as on that last memor- ably damp occasion. Bright sunshine cheered the scene this time, and it was a sight long to be remembered when the remaining De- tachment, which had left the Armory shortly after noon, was seen approaching the hill in "Column of squads," with the Band leading, the sun sparkling on the instruments and rifles, as the Battalions under command of Major Keyes approached in perfect cadence and formation to the tune of one of the best marches in Lieutenant Houts' repertoire.


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FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK


193


COLONEL BURLEIGH AND STAFF.


After providing for those of the late arrivals who had left the city without taking the time for lunch, the Battalions were assembled in column of squads and reported to Colonel Burleigh, who marched his command to the westerly side of the Parade Ground and formed the Regiment in line for Parade. The names of all officers and en- listed men who had qualified at Rifle practice in Peekskill during the summer of 1918 were read, and Expert Riflemen, Sharpshooters and Marksmen advanced in three separate ranks. Qualification bars and medals were distributed, and the Regiment then passed in review before a number of former officers, who had left the organi- zation during the War to enter Federal Service.


The Regiment then manoeuvered in command of Colonel Burleigh, and at about 4 P. M. entrained for Fourteenth Street in a special train of the Westside Subway.


The day had been one of great benefit to the Organization as well as to the individual, in practice and instruction, and in physical bene- fits, while it brought the members of the different Companies closer together and thus helped to uphold the high morale of the "Ninth."


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THE MINUTE MEN OF '17


When the men of the Ninth were detached from the V. C. A. and were transferred to the New York Guard they had had very little rifle practice. In the Service Detachment they had experience in qualifying every year with the revolver on the State ranges and had developed a Revolver Team which was second only to that of Squad- ron A. of the National Guard.


The Regiment was armed with Krag rifles, and, in addition, had the use of a number of Springfields. Immediately on entering into possession of the Armory in Fourteenth Street the rifle range was brought into constant use. Captain Thebaud, the efficient I. S. A. P., was faithful in the performance of his duty and always a warm ad- vocate of the training in shooting. Later he was assisted by Lieu- tenant Henry D. Brandyce, who had seen service in the First Pro- visional and left the Ninth to go to the Eighth C. A. C. as Captain and Inspector Small Arms Practice.


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195


EQUITATION SCHOOL, CAMP WHITMAN, AUG .- SEPT., 1918.


BAND OF THE 9TH C. A. C., N. Y. G., AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY.


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THE MINUTE MEN OF '17


But the real serious work came in the summer of 1918. On June 20-22, 1918, the Regiment began its experiences on the State Range at Peekskill and made its first record. Under all the circumstances it was a very creditable one and reflected credit on both officers and men. The Ninth Regiment went to Peekskill by battalions on June 20 to 22, inclusive, to qualify as Class A and Class B men. Those who made a minimum of 150 out of a possible 225 made class A, while Class B included the scores between 130 and 149, inclusive.


In the week of July 22 Class B men had an opportunity to qualify as Class A men.


On July 16, 18 and 20 the Class A men returned to Peekskill to try for records as Expert riflemen, 210 or better, Sharpshooters 190 or better, and Marksmen 160 out of a possible 250.


The qualifications made at record practice follow:


FIELD AND STAFF


Expert


Major Delafield. 229


Lieut. Col. Burleigh. 222


Lieutenant Brandyce.


215


Captain Thebaud


211


Colonel Delafield


210


Sharpshooter


Major Hodges 209


Major Gage. 208


Lieut .- Adj. Messenger.


193


Marksman


Lieut .- Adj. Lines


171


HEADQUARTERS COMPANY


Sharpshooter


Sergeant-Maj. Moon.


195


Sergeant-Maj. Hinkle.


191


Marksman


Sergeant-Maj. Leach


188


Sergeant-Maj. Smith


177


Captain-Adj. Davidson.


161


FIRST COMPANY


Expert


Greenfield 215


Sergeant Lane 211


Tallman


211


Adams


210


Sharpshooter


McClure 207


Corporal Dornin. 206


Connell 202


Sergeant H. Schwab 200


Huxtable


200


Coryell 197


Captain Low 197


Sergeant Parsons 195


Thayer


192


Corporal Pierrepont


191


Marksman


Safford 188


Lieutenant Watjen. 186


Slocovich


181


Perry


178


.


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RECORD PRACTICE-PEEKSKILL, 1918 197


FIRST COMPANY (Cont.) Marksman


Sergeant Hopson


177


Stewart


177


Tatham


173


McElroy


172


DeBuys


171


Corporal Winslow


167


Dewey


167


Sergeant G. Schwab


162


Oswald


160


SECOND COMPANY


Expert


Sergeant W. W. Mack


210


Sharpshooter


Sergeant Noyes.


200


Marksman


Pastor


183


Corporal Neumuller


181


Corporal Evans


177


Wilson


172


Morford


168


Sergeant Riley


164


Cowan


164


Dunsmore


164


Captain Harrison


163


THIRD COMPANY Sharpshooter


Baldwin


192




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