USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Adams County in the World War : April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 > Part 21
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Biglerville has a record of fifty-four service men. Twenty- two were overseas and fifteen of this number saw real action. Ten branches of service are represented by them. The infantry elaimed twenty-seven; medical corps, four; aviation, quarter- master corps and field artillery, each three. There were two first
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GENERAL SUMMARY.
lieutenants, two musicians, twelve non-commissioned officers and twenty-seven privates. Of this number two were wounded and one gassed. One received the decoration of the Distinguished Service Cross.
Five men from Cashtown served with the colors, four were overseas and in action. Four were privates and one a corporal in the infantry. Two were wounded. Centennial had six men in service. Four served in camps in the States, while two were across. Five were privates and two served in the navy as sea- mien.
Twenty-seven men from East Berlin are recorded. Thirteen were overseas, twenty served as privates and two as second lieu- tenants of infantry. Two were wounded and one gassed. Emmittsburg's record shows five ex-service men. Four were across, two in action, and one wounded.
Forty-one men are listed with Fairfield, twenty-two overseas veterans and twenty who served in the States, fifteen of the twenty-two served on the front. Two were wounded and one gassed. Twenty-three served in the Infantry, four in the Med- ical Corps, three in each of the following branches; Quarter- masters Corps, Motor Transport and Coast Artillery. Fayette- ville had three men overseas and four who served in home camps.
Gardners has a record of twenty-four men who served in the World War. Thirteen were not across and two who were over did not get to the trenches. Fifteen served with the Infantry, three as non-commissioned officers, and one as a second lieutenant. Four were wounded and one gassed.
Gettysburg has a record of 374 men who served Unele Sam in the late war. One hundred twenty-eight were overseas and in action, sixty-five were across and 181 trained in camps in the States. There were 234 privates, twenty-six corporals, thirty- six sergeants. three sergeant-majors, fourteen second lieutenants, seven first lieutenants, eight captains and one chaplain. Fifteen seamen and seven petty officers represent the Navy. Eighteen branches of service had Gettysburg representations. Those having the highest number are Infantry, one hundred sixty-eight ; Medical Corps, thirty; Motor Transport. eight; Engineers. eleven ; Navy, twenty-one; Artillery, nine; Air Service, eleven ; Quartermaster, nine; Marines, six and Machine Gun Battalions, seven. Sixteen men were wounded and eleven gassed.
Greenstone and Hampton had seven men in service. all In- fantrymen. Hanover had an Adams County representation of forty-seven. Of this number twenty-four were overseas and
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1. ESTHER TIPTON, A. E. F. 2. M. KATE WOLF, A. E. F. 3. MONROE FEESER, "ONE OF THE MANY." MAN, A. E. F. 5. MALISSA MCELHENEY, A. E. F.
4. PAULINE SHER-
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seventeen of them in action, two were wounded and one gassed. Thirty-two served with the Infantry and three in the Medical Corps. Iron Springs is represented by eleven men, seven are overseas veterans and one received a wound in action.
Littlestown has a record of 128 veterans of the World War. Sixty-one were not overseas, while twenty-nine of the sixty-seven who crossed were not on the front lines. Seventy-seven served in the Infantry, thirteen in Medical Corps. ten in Artillery, four Engineers and three each in the Machine Gun and Quarter- master serviee. Sixteen were non-commissioned officers, four second lieutenants and one major. Littlestown had seven men wounded and two gassed.
Fourteen men from MeKnightstown were in the service, seven have overseas service and seven served in U. S. MeSherrystown has a representation of seventy-nine men. Twenty-nine were in action, twenty-one more served overseas while twenty-nine saw camp service in the States. Sixteen branches of service are rep- resented, Infantry, forty-one: Navy. seven ; Field Artillery. En- gineers and Medical Corps. four each, and the Air Service. three. Four men were wounded and two gassed.
New Oxford has a record of sixty-eight men who were in the armed service. Eighteen saw front line duty, twenty more were overseas and thirty-nine served in the States. Forty-three served as privates, twelve non-commissioned officers, two second lieu- tenants, one first lieutenant. one captain. three seamen and one lieutenant commander. Three men were wounded and two gassed.
Orrtana had eighteen men in service. fourteen of this number served in the States and four reached foreign shores. Two men were wounded and one gassed. Seven Stars is represented by three World War veterans. York Springs has a record of thirty ex-service men. Eighteen did not get overseas. while five of the twelve who crossed served on the front lines. There were twenty privates. five non-commissioned offieers, two second lieutenants. one first lieutenant and one lieutenant colonel. representing the Infantry, Quartermaster, Aviation, Engineers. Medical Corps and Navy. One man from the distriet was wounded.
It was not the purpose to give a detailed account of each dis- triet in this summary, but to give in round numbers the shining spots of each.
The War Department states that two out of every one hun- dred men in service have made the supreme sacrifice. The com- parison of men in service to those who gave their all proves that Adams County has gone beyond the average. She gave five out
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of every hundred in service. Of the 1074 men in service, fifty- three names now bear gold stars.
Thirty-seven county men made the sacrifice on foreign soil, while sixteen were ushered out during their preparations to take up duty over there. Sixteen were killed in battle, nine died from wounds, twenty-five from disease and three were accidental deaths. These men represented the ranks from private to major. Thirty-three were serving as privates, three seamen, four cor- porals, five sergeants, three petty officers, one second lieutenant, two first lieutenants, one captain and one major. Thirty of these men were serving in the Infantry, seven in the Medical Corps, six in the Navy, five in Machine Gun units and one each in the following branches: Motor Transport, Trench Mortars, Ammu- nition Train, Ordnance and Coast Artillery.
We have the statement issued by the War Department that two out of every three who were overseas took part in battle. Adams County again exceeds the average.
Of the 526 men who crossed, 342 saw action on the front lines, while 509 were training or giving instructions in the States, when the Armistice was signed.
The highest ranking army officer was lieutenant colonel, while the Navy was represented by a lieutenant commander.
Other Army ranks held were privates six hundred forty-three, ten wagoners, twelve cooks, three bakers, fifty-eight corporals, eighty-five sergeants, six sergeant majors, twenty-nine second lieutenants, sixteen first lieutenants, nine captains and one ma- jor. We furnished the Navy with thirty-six seamen and ten petty officers. This does not include the star names.
The great number of commissioned and non-commissioned men shows that Adams County supplied men for the Army who were capable. Not only did we have a very large percentage above the rank and file, but we also had a great number in the branches of service that demanded a special training. The following sum- mary gives the branches of service together with the number of county men who served in each. The Infantry had 711 members, Navy, forty-five; Ordinance Department, eleven; Musicians, five; Engineers, thirty-three; Motor Transport, twenty-two; Aviation, thirty-four; Machine Gun Units. eighteen; Chemist, one; Medical Corps, seventy-seven; Artillery, fifty; Quarter- master Corps, twenty-seven; Dental Corps, two; Chaplains, three; Cavalry, nine; Tank Corps, five; Ambulance Corps, three; Signal Corps, eight and Marine Corps, ten.
Thus there is to be found among Adams County's ex-service
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men representatives of many ranks as well as of many branches of service that required special training.
Another item of interest is that our county gave twelve nurses to the service. Seven of these were members of the A. E. F. Adams County has six men who were cited or decorated for gal- lantry in action.
So the total number of Adams Countains who have served with the armed forces of their country in time of danger as listed in this history is 1086. Of this number fifty-three made the su- preme sacrifice, while fifty-seven bear wound sears from the battle fronts and thirty-two have been weakened by the fumes of gas.
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CHAPTER XX. ACCOUNT OF SINKING OF "TUSCANIA." By ALBERT R. JACOBS.
The 158th Aero. Squadron to which I belonged was one of the units which sailed on the "Tuscania" from Hoboken, N. J., where we remained twenty-four hours and joined a convoy consisting of one other troop ship, carrying Canadians and Red Cross Nurses; and several Tankers and Freighters, under the leader- ship of a small British Cruiser. We encountered no severe storms and were met about two days out from Liverpool, England, (where we were supposed to land) by seven small British de- strovers.
In the evening of February 5. 1918, just before going down to supper I could see land on each side and was informed by one of the crew that the land on the right was Ireland and on the left Scotland. While we had been told that this was the most danger- ous part of our journey I somehow felt the danger was over when I could see land and descended to the mess-hall in good spirits. When I returned on deck, after eating, it was just getting dark, being about 5: 45 p. m., and I could see lighthouses in the dis- tance. As we expected to land in the morning I decided to get washed and shaved and went to the wash room for that purpose. While awaiting my turn at the basin we were surprised by a vio- lent lunge of the ship, and a peculiar sound of explosion which resembled what we would expect to hear if an enormous ehande- lier were to fall from a great height. This ean he explained by the fact that the torpedo struck amidship just under the kitehen.
The lights went out immediately and everyone knew what had happened and started for the location which had been assigned them during boat drills. There was not nearly the eommotion and excitement that you would imagine under the conditions. There was very little noise and confusion and in a surprisingly short time the majority of the men had arrived at their stations. Some few jumped overboard at onee but the rest remained quietly awaiting orders.
Six short blasts of the whistle was to be the signal that we were torpedoed and that each man was to go as quickly as possible to his station. As the boilers were damaged by the explosion
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there was not sufficient steam left to blow the whistle, although it started to make one faint blast. Rocket distress signals were sent up and the 4 inch gun on the rear was fired several times at objeets which might possibly be the submarine. A few depth bombs were dropped by the destroyers and then all was compar- atively quiet. The only light was made by a few battery lights on the boat deck which soon died out.
The explosion damaged several life boats on the starboard side; a number of remaining boats were wrecked in launching; the rest of the convoy steamed away at full speed as soon as they know we were struck and for the time being things looked very serious. One life boat was about fifteen feet from the water and loaded with men, most from our Squadron, when the rope broke on one end and spilled them all out. Another life boat dropped from considerable height on one that was loaded and previous- ly launched killing and injuring the majority of those in the low- er boat. Not many life boats got away safely.
There were four life boats supposed to come down from the davit under which I was waiting and the third one down was the one to which I was assigned. After one had been launched the tackle fouled so that it was neccessary to get the remaining boats overboard in some other manner. Volunteers were called for to come up and assist in getting them over and my chum and I were among those accepted. When we arrived on top we noticed con- siderable list toward the starboard side, and being on the opposite side it was very difficult to slide the life boats to the edge. While we were endeavoring to do so one of the small destroyers came along side and about 300 men boarded it by sliding down ropes. When it was loaded to capacity they were unable to stop the men from eoming aboard and had to steam away and leave those who had started down the ropes fall into the water or hang in the air. A number were injured in this way by swinging back against the side of the ship. Some of those who were already in the water were erushed between the Destroyer and ship when the former came along side. I learned later that two more Destroyers came up on the opposite side from where I was and took off between 500 and 600 men. I did not see this however, as I was too busily engaged in trying to get a boat over the side.
We had been working at it for an hour or more and we paused a minute to rest and on looking around found that we were the only three men in sight. We then looked over the side to the deck below and discovered that this was deserted and upon fur- ther investigation found that as far as we could see we were the only three men on board. As it would require considerable more
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time to launch the boat we were working on and as a much smaller craft would be sufficient we decided to abandon it and look for something which we could more easily get overboard. With this in mind we deseended to the main deck which was then about four feet above the water. When we arrived there were heard voices on the torpedo side and going to that side we were de- lighted to find a life boat already crowded with men bumping against the side of the ship. There were only three serviceable oars in the possession of the crew and the inexperience of the men using them is probably responsible for saving our lives.
They were vainly trying to row away but kept battering against the side of the ship. We jumped overboard and into this boat which was so crowded there was barely standing room. As I had some experience in rowing I took one of the oars and with a little instruction to the others we were able to make slow progress away from the ship. We were barely a half mile away when she disappeared under the waves. It sank very slowly, being about 21/2 hours from the time it was torpedoed until it sank, and made comparatively no disturbance in the surrounding water.
The water was very smooth about the time we were hit but by the time we got away in the life boat the wind came up and the waves began to rise. The boat that we were in was a low flat type with two air tanks to increase its bouyancy, and canvass sides about 18 inches high which could be set up around the edge to help prevent the waves from washing over the sides. As soon as I had time to look around I discovered that the water was nearly up to the seats of the boat and that apparently it was leak- ing fast. Fortunately somebody remembered there was a drain plug at the bottom of the boat which was kept open while the boat was on deek so that any rain water eould drain out. After some little search we found the hole and the plug which was at- tached to a short chain and elosed the hole.
By this time the waves were so high they kept washing in over the sides and it became urgently necessary to bale out. As we had nothing else we were compelled to use campaign hats. There was only room for three men to bale after the others had crowded to- gether as much as possible. We kept baleing rapidly and changed off at frequent intervals. Three men were kept busy at the oars in order to keep her headed in the wind, and three baleing until shortly after midnight when a small Mine Sweeper picked us up.
The only light we had to use as a signal was a nearly exhausted flash light which we flashed around occasionly. Some of the men objected to this as they were afraid a submarine would see us and
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sink us as had been done before. The only warning we had of a boat approaching was a very faint red light which kept drawing closer. We had no means of knowing whether it was friend or foe until it came along side, and turning on more lights we soon learned that it was a small Irish Trawler that had been converted into a Mine Sweeper. The water was then so rough that one min- ute the Trawler looked as big as a house and the next minute we could see down on the deck. The only way we could get aboard was to wait until a wave had carried us above the deck of the Trawler, and just as we were sinking down for one or two men to throw themselves in the arms of those who were waiting to catch them. Fortunately everybody got aboard safely. Without any further mishap we were landed in Larne, Ireland, about 6 a. m., February 6, 1918.
We received a hearty welcome and were taken to the best hotel in town in auto busses where we received breakfast and dry clothes and a place to sleep. When we had time to get settled we found that about 300 of the rescued had been brought to Larne, and that about fifteen out of our Squadron of 150 were among those. We did not know how many more of the 2200 that sailed from New York had been rescued. Information kept com- ing in from time to time that groups had landed at different points in Scotland and Ireland. After remaining in Larne about a week and received the best they had we were ordered to report to a British Rest Camp in another part of Ireland and there met quite a number of other survivors of our Squadron and other out- fits.
We remained there but two days and then went to Dublin and took the Mail Steamer to Hollyhead, England, and the train from there to Winchester where all the survivors assembled. After roll call had been made they placed the missing at about 175. Quite a number of those had been washed up on the shores of Scotland and buried there.
Nearly every man had an exciting story to tell of his exper- ience. A couple of life boats that had managed to get safely away were washed up on the rocks of Scotland, killing a number of their passengers. Most of those saved were saved by the three destroyers. Quite a number were also saved by keeping afloat on rafts consisting of two air tanks eight inches long by two inches through, and held together by a lattice work about four inches wide.
After a few weeks rest at Winchester the different organiza- tions departed to join larger units. We were sent to an English flying field near Lincoln, England, for further training.
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CHAPTER XXI.
CHATEAU-THIERRY.
By P. S. EICHELBERGER.
On the 6th day of April; 1918, just one year after the decla- ration of war, a transport laden with 3800 men and much cargo, began to wind its way across the Atlantic. This transport, the Great Northern, raised anchor at 4:30 p. m., and at 5:15, was speeding on her way from Newport News. Many solemn thoughts entered the reflective mind as one saw the land outline of good old U. S. A. slowly vanish in the lengthening distance. The sun in the western sky seemed to take on a sombre appear- ance and six lines of floating clouds dipping beneath his rim, rose on the opposite side and glided away. The blue land out- line grew fainter and fainter until finally, it required a strained imagination to perceive it there. Then followed the moment of farewell. A farewell, not of vocal expressions, but uttered silently from a suppressed heart and a resolving mind.
Slowly the eyes were turned from the land and friends so dear and permitted to gaze listlessly toward the darkening East. They saw in the imagination, a new land, struggling people and terrific war clouds. Some serious thinking, a firm resolve to do the best one could and permit all for time to tell was the best that a soldier in this position could do. So, moving from the place at the side of the deck, one mingled with the group and was taken up in the general spirit of ease going that soon pre- vailed.
The Atlantic was crossed without a thrill. Land was most welcome, especially to those who had the fortune to experience sea sickness. After debarking we began a three days' ride in a French box car. This gave ample opportunity to see France (a box car view) and to become acquainted with corn-willy, tomatoes and beans, also to experience sleeping in a sitting position while the old car wobbled along with the circumference of one wheel greatly dinged, which produced a bob of the head with each revolution. There was always something to mark time for us. What a hardship we thought we had just passed through by riding with forty-two men in a car less than two-thirds the size of an American car of the same type.
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After detraining at Chaumont, Gen. Pershing's headquarters. we hiked all day to a little French town and there took up quar- ters for a three months' training period.
The first impression of the country is the most favorable and thus should be the lasting one, for the second day after arriving in our village it began to rain. It was also very wet otherwise. Trusty water was a rarity. About May eighth, the resting period was declared ended and intensive training began. Front line guns and equipment were obtained, french systems were dug, practice marches and night maneuvers were held. a range for firing practice was constructed and the country around be- gan to take on an appearance of real warfare.
The imagination of men began to picture real engagements. A great majority were becoming anxious for a sniff at the front. Some pictured their bravery to themselves, how easy it would be to move on midst bursting shells, care naught for the ma- chine gun bullets sputting into the ground by your side, pass by the fumes of gas that lurked around, gaze fearlessly at all aeroplanes and smile at numerous other dangers. Yes, it is easy to picture the bravery of an instant, but that of hours. days and even weeks, is beyond conception. Many a soldier missed the mark of the imaginary picture of his own bravery as far as did the squad of one-pounders, who upon going on the range for the first time, not only fired over the top of the range but over the top of the hill behind the range and shelled a village in the valley beyond. After a little practice the quick adjust- ment of the sights of the gun brought the shell under control, so only eould real action dispell that imaginary braveness. How vastly different was the real thing from the impressions we possessed beforehand. Yet one could not help but carry to the front with him some idea of what he might experience. Having passed through the experience he could feel justly satisfied and fortunate to have become the possessor of invaluable ideas, ini- pressions and experiences.
During the elosing days of May the Germans began their third Spring drive. This time between Reims and Soissons. Gen- eral Pershing offered Marshall Foch all available troops to help stop the advance. We were considered available and with three weeks' training received orders to prepare to move toward the front. All excess equipment was turned in and we cele- brated the 30th of May en route to the front lines.
The forepart of the movement was without special interest. But before we reached the danger zone long trains of refugees began to pass us. Little could be observed from these people
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as they were huddled in box cars moving rapidly in the opposite direction. After traveling for two days, box ear fashion, we arrived at Montmiral, less than twenty miles from the Marne river. Some men thought they would step off the train and immediately mareh down an elaborate trench system and pre- pare to say "hello" to Jerry. But this was not the case. The country was open, the vieinity of the railroad station was crowded with refugees waiting transportation to the rear. To this con- fusion was added shouts of men and officers forming their commands into lines. To the disturbed mind the enemy should surely hear all this confusion and wonder was expressed that he was not shelling the place already.
When all were prepared the hike to "somewhere" began. It was during the first half day of this hike that the writer saw in reality many things he had read about. The atmosphere was warm. The road was dry and dusty, which was ever kept astir by American troops marching toward the front. French trucks carrying their troops, supplies, ammunition and other war ma- terials, were also moving forward. But from the opposite direc- tion eame a different army. We were tired, warm and dusty. It was our privilege by order to stop for an occasional rest, but the old men, women and children, driven from their homes, had to hurry on. While resting by the roadside one could see the long line approaching and then as they passed single out and note the individual.
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