USA > Washington > Whitman County > An Honor roll containing a pictorial record of the loyal and patriotic men from Whitman County, Washington, U.S.A., who served in the world war, 1917-1918-1919 > Part 22
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By this time the United States had declared a
state of war existing with Austria Hungary, Ger- many's chief ally, and had swung her domestic machinery into the greatest war machine con- ceivable. She had begun to raise by popular subscriptions billions of dollars to supply guns and munitions, and food and clothes, for the boys who were going over to France to do the job.
Four Liberty Loans were floated during the war, and total subscriptions to these amounted to between eighteen and nineteen billions of dol- lars. The amount was taken by more than fifty million subscribers, and was to be only an insig- nificant factor in the financing of the ,war according to the Treas- ury Department. This cost, when compared with the war for four years - approximately four billion dollars --- is proof enough that the World War was not comparable with any previous war in his- tory. In April, 1919 following the Armis- tice, another, a Vic- tory Loan of approxi- Courtesy Ensign C. E. Miller mately the same pro- portions as the Fourth, was floated. The wonderful prompt and gener- ous response of the nation to each of the calls of the Liberty Loans was one of the greatest sources of inspiration for the man in uniform who had gone to fight for those at home. The same patriotic generosity that marked the success of the Liberty Loans was evident in each one of the scores of war work drives that were conducted for the various relief and welfare organizations.
Food conservation-conservation of man-pow- er, the work or fight order, the noble work of the women who sewed and knitted night and day for the Red Cross and the boys, the curtail- ment of profits and the simple economy that was practiced by the rich and poor alike, were but a few of the many war time meas- ures that characterized the life of America's hundred and some mil- lion people during the year and a half which she was at war. No history of that war will ever have room for a Courtesy Ensign C. E. Miller just story of the part played by the home folk -- those who waited and prayed, and worked and gave, to keep the "home fires burning."
BATTLESHIPS IN ROUGH SEA.
Foremost among the initial problems of Ameri- ca, after preliminary plans for the raising of her army had been laid, was the problem of transport- ing it to France, so that its strength might be thrown against the Hun on the battlefields. Ship- ping was not available, and even though it was be- in increased at maximum capacity, still there was
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AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW OF THE WORLD WAR
not more that half as much as was needed to trans- port the men in the numbers they were being trained and in the numbers they were needed by France and England and Italy.
England gladly placed her available shipping at the disposal of the United States, and before the war had ended she had carried more than one million Yanks to the side of her own men and those of the French, or nearly half of those who had gone overseas. The importance of the United States Navy in the war can hardly he exagger- ated. Within less than a month after hostilities were declared, she had sent a detachment of des- troyers to European waters. By October, 1918, there were 338 ships of all classes flying the American flag in foreign waters. The operations of the Navy during the war covered the widest scope in its history. It operated in European waters from the Mediterranean to the White Sea. At Corfu, Gibralter, in the Bay of Biscay, on the lrish coast, to the English channel ports, in the North Sea and at Archangel, it did creditahle work. This ser- vice was not as brilliant per - haps as that of the army, be- cause the na- ture of its vital work kept it from the front. Even though its activities were probably less glorious, still they were none the less important and necessary to the cause.
VIEW OF PART OF SURRENDERED GERMAN FLEET.
Naval men served on near- ly 3,000 craft that plied the waters of the German battleship, Kaiserin, followed by battleship, Kronprinz Wilhelm. Bow of globe, on sub- U. S. S. New York at left. Photo taken in fog at distance of one and one-half miles, from U. S. S. Florida as the vanquished fleet entered the Firt of Forth after the surrender of Nov. 21, 1918.
marines that had no fear of the underseas perils, and in aviation where men of courage fought and prevented surprise attacks with new-found weapons.
In diplomacy, in investigations at home and in all parts of the world by naval officers and civilian agents, in protecting industry from enemy spies, in promoting new industries and enlarging older ones to meet war-time needs-these are a few of the accomplishments that are constantly in the part part played by the Navy in the winning of the war.
Shortly after the declaration of war, the sub- marine problem had become so acute and the merchant ship losses so great, it became neces- sary to adopt more effective methods in dealing with the problem and making shipping safer. The system of convoy was adopted at the suggestion of President Wilson. This, although it slowed up shipping by fully twenty percent, enabled a com- paratively safe passage of troops and was prob- ahly the greatest stroke of the Navy during the war.
During all of the time the United States was engaged in the war the enemy's naval forces, with the exception of the submarines, were blockaded in his ports. This, of course, pre- vented naval engagements of a major character. The destroyers, submarine chasers and patrol vessels, however, waged an unceasing offensive against the submarine menace to shipping and troop convoy, and only three vessels were sunk. These were the Antilles, the President Lincoln and the Covington. Each was struck on her re- turn voyage, so that the loss of life was com- paratively small. Only three fighting vessels were lost as the result of enemy action-a patrol ship, a torpedo boat destroyer and a cruiser. The other transports and destroyers struck by the enemy during the war reached port without loss of life. Other transports carrying United States soldiers went down but these were being con- voyed by the British Admiralty. Chief among these was the Tuscania, sunk off the coast of Ireland February 5, 1918, with a loss of 110 lives. The most serious loss of life in the navy as a result of its war-time ac- tivity resulted when 111 offic- ers and men of the coast guard cutter Tampa perished when their vessel was sunk in Bristol Chan- nel, England, in September, 1918. The ves- sel had been doing escort duty in the Courtesy Leonard Hooper. transport had ser- vice. It gone ahead of the convoy and was sunk soon after leaving the party, having been struck by a torpedo.
With its record of phenomenal transport service in protecting troops and shipping against the ene- my submarine offense; its splendid co-operation with the British fleet in keeping the German navy in port and Germany herself blockaded; its stellar work with the giant 14-inch long range guns at the front, and its subsequent spectacular feat in first bridging the Atlantic hy air, the United States Navy had a share in the World War which al- though as previously stated is seldom character- ized as brilliantly as that of the Army and Marines, still was equally important and essential in keep- ing the war wheels turning victoriously.
The story of the activities of America's two million doughboys and marines in France is one which should be told in volumes rather than in paragraphs. From the time of their first clash with the Germans on November 3, 1917, until they "let go" the last unwelcome guests against the German lines early November 11, 1918- their deeds are a succession of courageous and
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brilliant performances in the line of duty.
"When I think of their heroism, their patience under hardships, and their unflinching spirit of offensive action, I am filled with emotion which I am unable to express," General John J. Persh- ing declared in commending the officers and sold- iers of the line of the American Army. "Their deeds are immortal, and they have earned the eternal gratitude of our country."
This simple tribute to the brave American lads who fought and died in France is indicative of America's reverence for her heroic armies. Their glory and fame will always live by the side of the deeds of their forbears in previous wars.
In May, 1917, shortly after war was declared, General Pershing, well known for his punitive expedition into Mexico, was selected by the War Department to command the American Expedi- tionary forces that were to go to France. After gathering about him a small staff the general set sail. His reception in both England and France was only equalled hy the readiness of the com- manders of both armies to co-operate with the United States in the prosecution of the war, ac- cording to the general's own report.
His general staff was organized in a short time and detailed plans worked out for the or- ganization and train- ing of millions of Ameri- can soldiers who were expected in France to help finish the Hun. Training areas, design- ed to give the final seas- oning to fresh troops arriving from the States before their entry into the front lines, and offic- ers' schools for the var- ious arms of the service were established.
Extensive construc- tion provided vast ware- houses, supply depots, munition storehouses, and the like for the huge task ahead. Although France offered much in the way of both ordnance and quartermas r property for the use of the American Army, still enormous quantities of ma. terials of all kinds had to he hrought across the Atlantic.
Flocking into the army from civil life were thousands of professional and business men with splendid talent along the lines needed to bulid up this important service of supply that was to keep the A. E. F. in action. To meet the shortage of supplies due to the lack of ship- ping, representatives of the various supply de- partments were constantly in search of supplies and materials in Europe. A general purchasing agency was provided, in order to better co-ordinate the purchasing end and to prevent competition be- tween departments of the army. So successful was this system in the American Army that it was almost universally adopted by the armies of the Allies hefore the war had ended.
"Our entry into the war found us with few of
SEA PLANE FOLLOWING A "CRASH."
Ensign Cleo E. Miller of Pullman and a companion dropped 2000 feet at Pensacola, Fla., and sustained but few injuries. Ensign Miller was killed in a crash with a commercial sea- plane at Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, July 19, 1920.
the auxiliaries necessary for its conduct in the modern sense," General Pershing declared in his official report. "Among our most important de- ficiencies in material were artillery, aviation and tanks. In order to meet our requirements as quickly as possible we accepted the offer of the French Government to provide us from its own factories with the necessary artillery equipment for thirty divisions. In aviation we were in the same situation and here again the French Gov- ernment came to our aid until we were able to set our own air service program under way. The necessary planes to train the air service per- sonnel were provided and we secured from the French a total of 2,676 pursuit, bombing and ob- servation planes. The first planes to arrive from America came in May, 1918, and a total of 1,379 was received during the war. The first American squadron completely equipped by American pro- duction, including airplanes, crossed the German lines on August 7, 1918. For tanks we were com- pelled to rely upon the French. We were less for- tunate here, however, for the reason that the French were scarcely able to meet their own pro- duction requirements in this respect. It should be remembered hy every American that the French Government always took a most lib- eral attitude in endeav- oring to supply the shortages in the Ameri- can Army."
Speaking of the sold- iers in Europe, General Pershing outlines with words of praise the work done by the var- ious welfare organiza- tions and of the respon- sive attitude found among the soldiers hy these organizations.
"The welfare of the troops touches my re- sponsibility mander-in-chief to the mothers and fathers and kindred of the men who went to France in the impressionahle period of youth. They could not have the privileges accorded the soldiers of Europe during their leaves of visit- ing their relatives and renewing their home ties. Fully realizing that the standard of conduct that should be established for them must have a perman- ent influence on their lives and the character of their future citizenship, the Red Cross, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Knights of Colum- bus, the Salvation Army, and the Jewish Welfare Board, as auxiliaries in this work, were encour- aged in every manner possible. The fact that our soldiers, in a land of different customs and language, have bourne themselves in a man- ner in keeping with the cause for which they fought, is due not only to the efforts in their he- half, but much more to other high ideals, their disclipline, and their innate sense of self-respect. It should be recorded, however, that the mem- bers of these welfare societies have been untir- ing in their desire to be of real service to our
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AN ILLUSTRATED REVIEW OF THE WORLD WAR
officers and men. The patriotic devotion of these representative men and women has given a new significance to the Golden Rule, and we owe to them a deht of gratitude that can never he en- tirely repaid."
The First Division of the American Army, after finishing its preliminary training behind the lines, went to the trenches for the first time in October, 1917, as the first contribution to the fighting forces of the Allies. By the time that the great German offensive in Picardy hegan, on March 21, 1918, the American army had four experienced di- vision in the line. The great crisis that this drive developed, however, made it impos- sihle for the Americans to take over a sector by themselves. Gradually, as their numbers in- creased and more reserves, fresh from the States, were placed in training behind the lines, the American boys went in in substantial numbers. Already they had displayed their splendid fight- ing qualities and had demonstrated that as sol- diers they had no superiors. Incidentally, it did not take them long to convince the enemy that contrary to their own opinions, they themselves were not invincible.
On August 30, 1918, the American forces took over the first American sector, in preparation for the St. Mihiel of- fensive. The American line was soon extended across the Meuse river to the west edge of the Argonne forest. The concentration of tanks, aviation units, artil- lery equipment, and ma- terials of all kinds for this first great Ameri- can offensive was enor- mous. The scores of elements of a complete army were moulded to- gether, with American railroad and American service of supply units throughout. The con- centration included the bringing up of approximately 600,000 troops. The French Independent Air Force, together with Brit- ish bombing units and American Air Forces, placed the greatest aviation personnel that ever took part in any Western Front offensive under the direct command of General Pershing.
On the day after they had taken the St. Mihiel Salient a great share of the corps and army ar- tillery that had operated in that offensive was on the move toward the area back of the line be- tween the Meuse River and the western edge of the Argonne. The German General Staff was well aware of the consequences of an American success along this line, and it was determined to use every available American division in an effort to force a decision at this point. The attack hegan on September 26. The work of the American army and of the American engineers in this drive will forever remain in the memory of genera- tions to come. Forcing their way through the densely wooded and shell torn areas, this fight
was one of the most brilliant battles of the war. The offensive was maintained until October 4, in the face of innumerable wooded patches of snipers and concealed machine gunners.
Fresh troops with little experience were thrown in with their seasoned comrades, who had hecome veterans over night with this most crucial battle, as their teachers. The second phase began with a renewed attack along the front on October 4. More positions were taken with a precision and speed that always characterized the Yank army. Their dogged offensive was wearing down the enemy, who, continuing desperately by throwing his best troops against them, was helpless before the spectacular advance.
At this juncture two divisions were dispatched to Belgium to help the French army near Ypres. On October 23, the last phase of the Meuse-Ar- gonne offensive hegan. Violent counter attacks by the enemy lost him heavily, while a regroup- ing of the American force was going on for the final drive. Plain evidences of loss of morale in the enemy forces gave our men added courage and spirit, and finally, using comparatively fresh divisions, the last advance was begun on Novem- ber 1. It was apparent at this time that the end was near for the enemy. Our increased artillery support did remarkable work in supporting the infantry, which by its dashing advance of the several weeks preced- ing had destroyed the Hun's will to resist.
Between September 26 and November 6 they had taken 26,059 pris- oners and 468 guns on this front.
The divisions engaged in this, the most im- portant of America's battles in the European war, were the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 26th, 28th,
.
Courtesy Harvey Copenhaver. AN EXECUTION IN SIBERIA.
Austrian and German prisoners and Bolsheviks killed by 29th, 32d, 33d, 35th, 37th, Czechs near Vladivostok July 3, 1918.
42d, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82d, 89th, 90th and 91st. Many of these di- visions remained in line or a length of time that required nerves of steel while others were put hack in line after only a few days of rest.
When the armistice was signed following a complete routing of the enemy by Americans in the Argonne forest there were in France, accord- ing to General Pershing, approximately 2,053,347 troops, less the casualties. Of this total there were 1,338,169 combatant troops. Up to Novem- ber 18 the losses were: Killed and wounded, 36,145; died of disease, 14,811; deaths unclassi- fied, 2,204; wounded, 179,625; prisoners, 2,163; missing in action, 1,160. As against this casualty total, the American forces captured about 44,000 prisoners and 1,400 guns, howitzers and trench mortars.
In this short summary of the principal activi- ties of the United States' part in the great war it is obviously impossible to more than skim over the various features of the great war machinery.
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WITH THE COLORS FROM WHITMAN COUNTY
The heroism and gallantry of the boys who fought and died over there; the unceasing devotion and courage of the parents and citizens at home who stood by them so unselfishly; and the determina- tion of everyone, young and old, to unite for the common cause, setting aside their personal de- sires and interests, was responsible for the glor- ious victory in which America was so conspicu- ously instrumental in bringing about. Outstrip- ping a hundredfold the dimensions of any previous war of the United States, the task accomplished was a revelation to all who viewed it in retro- spect. The accomplishments of the Liberty Loans, the devotion of the millions of mothers and sisters in behalf of the Red Cross, the wonderful response of the country to the operation of the Selective Service Act in raising an army of millions-the sacrifices of all, at home and abroad, were univer- sal during the year and a half at which America was at war.
Loyalty and love of country were terms with new meanings. Sedition was lurking only here
and there, and this was promptly done away with through the efficient secret service department and popular opinion. The four million American boys who were under arms, many of them at the front and the remainder eager for the chance to jump in, convinced the world that the fighting blood that gave birth to their nation had not been diluted through the riotous living of a century. The brave lads who gave their lives and are now buried over there went to their fate with hearts full of joy, and in a manner that gave courage to the veterans of four years who fought beside them. And their brave mothers in the States who waited in vain for peace to bring their sons back to them, made the greatest sacrifices within their power with a courage and willingness that was unequalled even by the Spartans themselves.
When the history of the great European strug- gle is permanently written, there will be no more brilliant chapters than those telling of the part played by the United States of America in stamp- ing out militaristic autocracy from the world.
Chronology of America's Participation in World War
Engagements
Cambrai
Somme Defensive
Mar. 21-Apr. 6, 1918
Lys Defensive
Apr. 9-Apr. 27, 1918
Aisne Defensive
May 27-June 5, 1918
2d Division, part of 3d and Chateau-Thierry, Bourre- 28th Divisions
ches, Belleau Wood
Montdidier-Noyon fensive
De- June 9-June 13, 1918
1st Division
3d, 42d and part of 28th Chateau-Thierry Division
1st, 2d, 4th, 26th, 28th, 32d The Ourcq, Foret de Fere, and 42d Divisions
Fere-en-Tardenois, Ser- inges, Seringes-et-Nesle, Sergy, Cierges, Sois- sons. Chipilly Ridge, Ypres, St. Quentin Canal
Somme Offensive
Aug. 8-Nov. 11, 1918
Oise-Aisne Offensive
Ang. 18-Nov. 11, 1918
Ypres-Lys Offensive Aug. 19-Nov. 11, 1918
St. Mihiel Offensive
Sept. 12-Sept. 16, 9118
1st, 2d, 4th, 5th, 26th, 42d, St. Benoit, Xammes, Jaul- 82d, 89th and 90th Divis- ny, Thiacourt, Vigneul- les, Fresnes ions. (In reserve 3d, 33d, 35th, 78th, 80th and 91st Divisions).
Meuse-Argonne Offen- Sept. 26-Nov. 11, 1918 1st, 2, 3d, 4th, 5th, 26th, Montfaucon, Cuisy, Nantil- sive
28th, 29th, 32d, 33d, 35th, 37th, 42d, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82d, 89th, 90th, 91st and 92d Div- isions (as liason).
lois,
Septsarges, Dan-
nevoux, Epinonville, Brienlles, Gesnes, Bois des Ogons, Beaumont, Cunel, Landres - et-St. Georges, Bantheville, Bois de Foret, Buzancy, Liny-devant-Dun, Dun- sur-Meuse
Vittorio-Veneto Offen- Oct. 24-Nov. 4, 1918 sive
332d Infantry Regiment and Ambulance Units.
Official Designation
Dates May 12-Dec. 4, 1917
Organizations Medical Units and Engi- neers
Medical Units, Engineers and Air Forces Medical Units, Engineers, and Air Forces
Champagne-Marne De- July 15-July 18, 1918
fensive
Aisne-Marne Offensive July 18-Ang. 6, 1918
27th and 30th Divisions and part of 33d Division
28th, 32d and 77th Divis- Laon, Fismes, Bazoches ions 27th, 30th, 37th and 91st Mount Kemmel, Aude- Divisions narde
Page Two Hundred Twenty-Two
History of Overseas Divisions
A brief history of the organization and activi- ties of the overseas divisions of the United States Army is given on the following pages. The data was supplied by the United States War De- partment, Office of the Chief of Staff, War Plans Division.
FIRST DIVISION
(Regular Army)
Divisional insignia-Crimson figure "1" on khaki background.
The First Division was organized in June, 1917, from troops of the Regular Army, which at that time were much scattered, most of them on Mexi- can border service. All were at peace strength, and were raised to war strength by transfer from other units.
Organization-1st Brigade; 16th and 18th In- fantry; 2d Machine Gun Battalion; 2d Brigade; 26th and 28th Infantry; 3d Machine Gun Battal- ion; 1st Machine Gun Battalion; 1st Field Ar- tillery Brigade: 5th (heavy); 6th and 7th (light). 1st Engineers; 2d Field Signal Battalion; 2d, 3d, 12th and 13th Ambulance Companies and Field Hospitals; Trains.
The division had six different commanding gen- erals, as follows: Major General Wiliam L. Si- bert, Oct. 25-Dec. 12, 1917 (left division to become chief of Chemical Warfare Service); Major Gen- eral Robert L. Bullard, Dec. 13, 1917-June 30, 1918, (left division to command 3d Army Corps) ; Major General Chas. P. Summerall, July 18-Oct. 11, 1918, (left division to command 5th Army Corps; Briga- dier General Frank E. Bamford, Oct. 12-24, 1918, (transferred to command 26th Division); Briga- dier Frank Parker, Oct. 24-Nov. 21, 1918; Major General Edward F. McGlachlin, Nov. 22, 1919, to date (Sept. 25, 1919).
The first troops sailed from Hohoken June 13, 1917, and debarked at St. Nazaire June 26; others followed in rapid succession, except the supply train which did not arrive until May 6, 1918. Infantry went into training in Condrecourt area, and artillery at Valdahon.
The division entered the line October 21, 1917, in the quiet Luneville sector, near Nancy, each unit being attached to a corresponding French unit. At 6:05 a. m., October 23, Battery C of the 6th Field Artillery, in position 400 m. east of Bathlemont, fired the first American shot of the war. In this sector the Americans took their first prisoner and suffered the first losses, three men of the 16th Infantry being killed November 3.
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