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 25
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"All American Division"
Insignia-The letters "AA" in gold on a circle of blue, the whole superimposed on a red square.
Organization-The Eighty-second (National Army) Division was organized August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Ga. The officers were from Georgia, Alabama and Florida and the enlisted men from Georgia, Alabama and Tennesee.
On October 10 the majority of the enlisted men were transferred out of the division to other divisions and newly drafted men were sent from Camps Devens, Upton, Dix, Meade and Lee, which resulted in there being in the division men from almost every state in the Union, but principally from the eastern states.
Units-153d and 164th Infantry Brigades ; 325th, 326th, 327th and 328th Infantry Regiments; 320th and 321st Machine Gun Battalions; 157th Artil- lery Brigade; 319th, 320th and 321st Artillery Regiments; 307th Trench Mortar Battery; 319th Divisional Machine Gun Battalion; 307th Engi- neer Regiment and Train; 307th Headquarters Train and Military Police; 307th Field Signal Bat- talion; 307th Supply Train; 307th Ammunition Train; 307th Sanitary Train; 325th, 326th, 327th and 328th Ambulance Companies and Field Hos- pitals.
Commanders-Maj. Gen. Eben Swift, Aug. 25, 1917-May, 1918; Brig. Gen. Wm. P. Burnham, May. Oct. 17, 1918; Maj. Gen. Geo. B. Duncan, Oct. 10- Oct. 17, 1918; Maj. Gen. Wm. P. Burnham, Oct. 24-Nov. 7, 1918; Maj. Gen. Geo. B. Duncan, Nov. 7-Nov. 11, 1918.
The first units left for overseas April 25, 1918, and the last arrived in France June 1, 1918. The division entered the Toul sector, which was oniet, which it occupied with a French division, until Aug. 9, when a move was made to the Bla- nod training area. It took over the Marbache sector, astride the Moselle river, and occupied it until Sept. 21. This was a quiet sector except during the battle of St. Mihiel, from Sept. 12 to 18. Division moved to Thiacourt area and on Oct. 6 entered the Meuse-Argonne offensive north of Varennees. Continued in this offensive on the line in the Aire valley up to St. Juvin and St. George until Oct. 30, when it was with- drawn. It was then transferred to the training areas of Florent-Les Islettes, Vaucoulers, Beau- mont and Tenth during the period between Nov. 2 and Nov. 15.
Casualties-8,300 of which 169 were prisoners of war.
Thirty-four individuals of the Eighty-second Division received distinguished service crosses.
EIGHTY-EIGHTH DIVISION
Insignia-Two figure "8's" in blue, crossed at right angles.
Organization-The Eighty-eighth Division was organized at Camp Dodge, Iowa, in September, 1917. This division was composed of National Army drafts from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois.
Units-156th and 157th Infantry Brigades; 163d Artillery Brigade; 349th, 350th, 351st and 352d Infantry Regiments; 337th, 338th and 339th Machine Gun Battalions; 337th, 338th and 339th Field Artillery Regiments; 313th Trench Mortar Battery; 313th Engineer Regiment and Train; 313th Field Signal Battalion; 313th Headquarters Train and Military Police; 313th Supply Train; 313th Ammunition Train; 313th Sanitary Train, composing 349th, 350th, 351st and 352d Ambu- lance Companies and Field Hospitals.
Commanders-Maj. Gen. Edward H. Plummer, Aug. 25-Nov. 26, 1917; Brig. Gen. R. N. Getty, Nov. 26, 1917-Feb. 9, 1918; Maj. Gen. Edward H. Plummer, Feb. 19-Mar. 14, 1918; Brig. Gen. R. N. Getty, Mar. 15-May 23, 1918; Brig. Gen. Wm. D. Beach, May 24-Sept. 28, 1918; Maj. Gen. Wm. Weigel, Sept. 28-Oct. 24, 1918; Brig. Gen. Wm. D. Beach, Oct. 24-Nov. 7, 1918; Maj. Gen. Wm. Weigel, Nov. 7-Nov. 11, 1918.
The first units embarked for overseas August 8, and the last arrived in France on September 9, 1918. The division, except the artillery, was ordered to the Twenty-first training area. On Sept. 14 the division was placed under the com- mand of the Fourth French Army and moved to the Hericourt training area. On Sept. 23 relieved the Thirty-eighth French division in the center sector (Haute-Alsace). Held this sector until Nov. 2, when it was placed under the Fourth American Army Corps, and moved to the Lagney area as part of the Second Army reserve, where it was located at the time of the signing of the armistice.
Casualties-Killed, 27; wounded, 63; prisoners, nine.
EIGHTY-NINTH DIVISION "Middle West Division"
Insignia-A black "W" in a black circle.
Organization-The Eighty-ninth Division was composed of National Army drafts mainly from Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.
Units-177th and 178th Infantry Brigades; 164th Artillery Brigade; 353d, 354th, 355th and 356th Infantry Regiments; 340th, 341st and 342d Machine Gun Battalions; 340th, 341st and 342d Field Artillery Regiments; 314th Trench Mortar Battery; 314th Engineer Regiment and Train; 314th Field Signal Battalion; 314th Headquarters Train and Military Police; 314th Ammunition Train; 314th Supply Train; 314th Sanitary Train.
Commanders-Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood, Aug. 27-Nov. 26, 1917; Brig. Gen. Frank L. Winn, Nov. 26, 1917-April 12, 1918; Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood, April 12-May 24, 1918; Brig. Gen. Frank L. Winn, May 24-Sept. 14, 1918; Maj. Gen. Wm. M. Wright, Sept. 14-Oct. 24, 1918; Maj. Gen. Frank L. Winn, Oct. 24-Nov. 11, 1918.
On June 4, 1918, the majority of the division embarked for overseas and the last units ar- rived in France July 10. The division was or-
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HISTORY OF OVERSEAS DIVISIONS
dered to the Reynel training area, and the ar- tillery to Souge. On Aug. 15 the division moved to the Toul front where it occupied the line un- til Sept. 12 when the division participated in the St. Mihiel offensive as the right division of the Fourth American Corps, and advanced a depth of 21 kilometers. On Oct. 7 the division was re- lieved and moved to the Recicourt area and he- came a part of the Thirty-second Division. As part of the Fifth American Army Corps it took part in the Argonne offensive, and on Oct. 20, went into the line along the Sommerance-Rom- age road. The division attacked on Nov. 1 and continued the assault until the armistice was signed.
Casualties-Battle deaths, 1,919; wounded, 7,394; prisoners of war, 24.
One hundred eighty-seven individuals of the division were awarded decorations of various kinds.
NINETIETH DIVISION "Alamo Division"
Insignia-A monogram composed of the letters "TO" in red.
Organization-The Ninetieth Division was or- ganized at Camp Travis, Tex., on August 25, 1917. All the first men of the division were from Texas and Oklahoma. Great numbers of men were tak- en from the division to fill up regular and nation- al army divisions to form special organizations.
The division commenced leaving for overseas early in June and the complete organization was in France hy June 30. The most of the division was sent to the Aignay-le-Duc training area. The division spent six weeks in that area. In the middle of August it was sent to relieve the First Division in the Saizerias sector along the Moselle river. The division entered the line for the St. Mihiel offensive. On Sept. 12 infantry went over the top and reached objectives by 2:00 p. m. On the 13th 180th Brigade captured the Bois le Prete; the 179th Brigade cleaned out the Ven- cheres. On Sept. 14 the same brigade pushed for- ward to the La Souleuvre farm and the 180th captured Villers-sous-Preny. On the 15th the ad- vance was continued, Vandieres taken and the line established along the Huit Chemins (White Chimney). At close of St. Mihiel offensive the sector extended to the Moselle river. On Sept. 26 First American Army of which the Ninetieth division was a part, commenced the last great battle of the war. The heaviest attack occurred west of the Meuse. Early in October the divis- ion was relieved by the Seventh Division. The division, after a rest, was made a part of the Third Corps. Ninetieth Division participated in capture of Bantheville. Established a line along the Aincreville-Bantheville road and held position until Nov. 1, when an advance was made on the enemy lines. The advances continued, the at- tacking forces driving the Germans back to the Meuse. The Ninetieth Division broke the line at Freya Stellung which gave control of the railway from Sedan to Montmedy. On Nov. 9 the 179th Brigade crossed the Meuse at Sassey, and soon occupied Mouzay. Blanc Fontaine was captured and a foothold secured in Stenay. The enemy then threw his last reserves against the Ninetieth Division. The signing of the armistice put an end to hostilities.
Casualties-Killed, 1,079; wounded, 8,288.
Up to March 1, 1919, 57 individuals of the divis- ion had received distinguished service crosses.
NINETY-FIRST DIVISION "Wild West Division"
Insignia-A green fir tree.
The Ninety-first Division was organized at Camp Lewis, Wash., August 25, 1917. The ma- jority of the officers were from California, Ore- gon and Washington, and the men were from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Ne- vada, Montana and Alaska.
Units-18Ist and 182d Infantry Brigades; 361st, 362d, 363d and 364th Infantry Regiments; 347th and 348th Machine Gun Battalions; 166th Artil- lery Brigade; 346th, 347th and 348th Artillery Regiments; 316th Trench Mortar Battery; 346th Divisional Machine Gun Battalion; 316th Engi- neer Regiment and Train; 316th Field Signal Bat- talion; 316th Headquarters Train and Military Police; 316th Supply Train; 316th Ammunition Train; 316th Sanitary Train; 361st, 362d, 363d and 364th Ambulance Companies and Field Hos- pitals.
Commanders-Maj. Gen. Harry A. Greene, Aug. 25-Nov. 24, 1917; Brig. Gen. James A. Irons, Nov. 24-Dec. 23, 1917; Brig. Gen. Frederick S. Foltz, Dec. 23, 1917-Mar. 2, 1918; Maj. Gen. Harry A. Greene, Mar. 2-June 19, 1918; Brig. Gen. Freder- ick' S. Foltz, June 19-Aug. 31, 1918; Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Johnston, Aug. 31-Nov. 11, 1918.
The division began leaving Camp Lewis June 19, 1918, for overseas, the move continuing until early in July and was through Camp Merritt, Camp Mills, England and France. The first units of the division sailed from the United States on July 6, 1918, and the last units arrived in France July 26, 1918. All units of the division, artillery excepted, were trained in the Eighth training area, France. The artillery was trained in the vicinity of Clermont-Ferrand, France. The divis- ion left the Eighth area Sept. 6, and from Sept. 11 to the 14th constituted a part of the reserves in the St. Mihiel offensive, moving thence to the northwest of Verdun, where it took an active part in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, Sept. 26, advancing from west of Avocourt to north of Ges- nes. Continued in the offensive until Oct. 6, when it moved to the Nattancourt area. One brigade stayed in the line with the First Division until Oct. 16. On Oct. 19 the division passed to the command of the king of Belgium. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, the division, under the direction of the French army in Belgium, took part in the Lys-Schneldt offensive west of the Escaut river in the vicinity of Audenarde. From Nov. 10 to Nov. 11 the division took part in the Lys-Schneldt offensive east of the Escault (Schneldt) river in the vicinity of Audenarde.
A detachment of the division on Nov. 22, 1918, participated in the ceremony in connection with the entrance into the city of Brussels of the king and queen of Belgium.
In December, 1918, and January, 1919, the di- vision moved to the Le Mans area. In March and April it embarked for the United States.
Casualties-5,838, of which 23 were prisoners of war.
To include March 1, 1919, 19 individuals of the division were awarded distinguished service crosses.
Page Two Hundred Thirty-Three
The Surrender of the German Fleet
(By Leonard W. Hooper, Aboard U. S. S. Florida).
The downfall of one of the greatest navies of the world is an event that will long be remember- ed. It will probably be many, many years before such an event will again happen, and perhaps never if the proposed league of nations is adopted.
In the latter part of October, 1918, the British grand fleet, accompanied by a squadron of Ameri- can dreadnaughts, was lying at anchor in the Firth of Forth-lying peacefully at anchor, but ready at any moment to put to sea if the German fleet chanced to venture out.
The British grand fleet is by no means a small one. On the contrary, it is the most powerful fleet that has ever been assembled. The fleet at that time was composed of 37 great battle ships, nine heavy fast battle cruisers, seven heavy cruis- ers, 32 light cruisers, a squadron of four aero- plane ships and countless destroyers and submar- ines. This included the squadron of American dreadnaughts, composed of the New York, Texas, Arkansas, Wyoming and Florida.
It has been said that the cause of the mutiny in the German high seas fleet was the ordering out of that fleet on November 5, and no man of the combined fleets of the British and Americans doubts that the Germans knew what would hap- pen if they left their base. The German crews well knew the outcome, and, rather than go to certain destruction, mutinied. Contrary to reports that the Grand fleet was out on the sixth and sev- enth of November searching for the German fleet that was reported out, we were still at anchor, al- though four of the American ships did go out of the Firth on the seventh for manouvers and for the New York to fire five fourteen inch guns.
As we received press news by radio several times daily, we were aware of the great victories on land and were anticipating the downfall of the Central Powers in the near future, and expected the German high fleet to make an appearance he- fore it surrendered.
On the morning of November 11 we received a message stating that the armistice had been sign- ed and that hostilities would cease at 11 a. m. of that day. Now that the armistice was signed and hostilities were over, it was time to celebrate. The celebration did not start, however, until dark. About 7:30 a few British vessels began blowing sirens and whistles, sending up rockets and playing their searchlights over the harhor. In just a few minutes every vessel had joined the celebration, and not a man who saw the harbor with the rockets and searchlights coming from every ship and lighting it will ever forget that memorable night.
The day following messages were exchanged be- tween a British shore station and a German sta- tion. Admiral Sir David Beatty of the grand fleet asked that an authorized representative be sent to arrange details of the surrender of the enemy fleet, together with all submarines. Admiral Meurer of the German navy was designated and sail‹ 1 from Wilhelmshaven on the cruiser Konigs- berg November 14 to a rendezvous named in the
North Sea. He was met and escorted to the Firth of Forth on November 15 by the British cruiser Cardiff. The Konigsberg was the first German ship to know immunity on the high seas for over four years. Admiral Meurer was taken aboard Admiral Beatty's flagship, the Queen Eliza- beth, and there details for the great surrender were arranged. Returning to his ship, Admiral Meurer sailed for Germany the following day.
From the messages exchanged, we found that the surrender of the heavy ships of the German fleet was to be made Thursday, November 21. Everything was in readiness and we were await- ing a chance to get a glimpse of the once great fleet.
One incident that will always be remembered occurred that day. King George V. and Queen Mary reviewed the grand fleet from the cruiser Oak, which passed the great warships as they lay at anchor. Perhaps this was to get a probable last look at each ship before taking chances with the German navy.
On the evening of November 20, every vessel in the fleet rigged for sea except the aero squadron. A few days before this a French cruiser and two destroyers arrived to take part in the surrender. The fleet was now composed of British, French and American ships, comprising a total of 86 large ships and a large number of destroyers and sub- marines.
The first British squadron weighed anchor at midnight, followed by the remaining squadrons in order. On the ships of the American squadron reveille hlew at 3:00 a. m. The crew, having the ship rigged for sea, did not have to get up to per- form that duty, but on this occasion all hands "hit the deck." The only accident on board the Florida occurred when a seaman's trousers became tangled in the anchor chain and he lost his leg just below the knee. We put to sea at 3:15 a. m. As 1 said before, the first British squadron weighed anchor at midnight and all of this time ship after ship steamed out of the Firth of Forth. The American squadron, weighing anchor at 3:15, was not the last squadron out of the Firth. From the length of time it took for the grand fleet to get out of the harbor, some idea of its size may be formed by the reader. It took from three and one-half to four hours steaming at about fifteen knots to get out of the Firth.
All minor preparations were made early so that we would be in complete readiness by 9:30 o'clock, the time the German fleet was to be at the designated rendezvous. We had an early break- fast and were through at daybreak. Contrary to published reports, the ships were not cleared for action. This would not hinder the use of the hig twelve- and fourteen-inch guns, however. I doubt if any five-inch shells would have been used in case of an engagement, because we meant busi- ness.
We arrived at the rendezvous early to be in readiness for any kind of a reception that the Germans wanted to give us. Two great columns
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HISTORY OF OVERSEAS DIVISIONS
of battle ships with battle cruisers and light crnis- ers and with countless destroyers, zig-zagging and playing around, the big ships were drawn up in readiness. Of course everybody was on deck to get the first glimpse of the German ships. During the intermin before the appearance of the Ger- man ships the grand fleet circled and passed back and forth.
At last the message came. General quarters sounded and every man went to his battle station. The cruiser Cardiff, while scouting for the Ger- man ships, had found them and flashed the posi- tion to the grand fleet. The little cruiser turned in front of the mighty enemies and they followed her in single column between the two great columns of allied vessels as a lion would follow its keeper to its cage. They had surrendered and no more complete victory had ever been won by a naval force in the history of the world than that of the grand fleet over the German high seas fleet.
Immediately the message was flashed to the Admirality at London from the flagship Queen Elizabeth: "At 9:30, grand fleet met nine battle ships, seven light cruisers, and destroyers of the German high seas fleet which surrendered and are being brought to the Firth of Forth." Nine battle- ships, five battle cruisers, and fifty destroyers! What a fleet to surrender without firing a shot! It must have been a bitter pill to swallow, but they well knew the consequences if they fired a single gun. Again, contrary to the articles in the newspapers, the big guns were not trained upon the German ships. They were in a secure posi- tion-trained fore and aft. A move from the German fleet, though, and they would have all been fired in less than ten seconds.
These great ships were escorted to an anchor- age outside of the nets of the Firth of Forth and were then inspected and placed under guard.
At 2:30 o'clock p. m. the following message was sent to Admiral Von Reuter, the German com- mander in charge: "The German flag is to be haul-
ed down at 1:57 today. It is not to be hoisted again without permission." And so it was that the prowess of the German high seas fleet came to an end and at last the German flag was lowered from the once great fleet, second only to Britian's.
Immediately messages began to come to Ad- miral Sir David Beatty, not of congratulations, but of sympathy for the grand fleet that the victory was accomplished without damage to the enemy ships. The surrender, as it was, perhaps, was best. We did not expect sympathy, but the Ger- mans would have needed it had the engagement taken place.
Now that the surrender had been accomplished, the American squadron prepared to return home. The Nevada joined us on the 22d inst. and the six great dreadnaughts steamed out of the Firth of Forth in single column on December 1. Admiral Hugh Rodman was on his flagship, New York, and was leading. Next followed the Texas, Arkansas, Nevada, Wyoming, and last, but not least, the Florida. Every British ship gave each American ship as it passed a hearty cheer which was re- turned.
That the true spirit of friendship prevailed at all times is shown in the following messages be- tween Admiral Beatty and Admiral Rodman: "Commander in Chief Grand Fleet to Sixth Battle Squadron-Your comrades in the grand fleet re- gret your departure. We trust it is only tempor- ary and the interchange of squadrons from the two great fleets of the Anglo-Saxon race may be repeated. We wish you good bye, good luck, have a good time and come back soon." In answer Ad- miral Rodman sends: "Admiral Rodman to Ad- miral Beatty-Your friendly and brotherly signal of Godspeed deeply appreciated by the officers and men of your Sixth Battle Squadron. We will never forget the hospitality which has made us feel as a part of one big family and we intend to maintain that relation for all time. We all hope to serve again under your command."
At the Front with the Ninety-first
By M. CHRISTENSEN, Private in Machine Gun Company, 361st Infantry
The 361st regiment landed at Le Harve, France, July 20, 1918. At this place we entrained and went to Is-En-Bassigny, France, where intensive training began. In about two weeks my company moved to Thivet, where we trained for nearly a month.
After leaving the training area we were placed in reserve for the Saint Mitchell sector. The 91st Division did not go to the Saint Mitchell sector at all. Shortly after being placed in reserve the Di- vision was sent to the Argonne Woods where the big American drive started September 26, 1918, at 5:30 a. m.
On the night of September 25 the big allied bar- rage was started. Everything was peaceful until about 11:30 p. m., when thousands of guns began to roar and bellow. It seemed like the world had gone mad, for the noise was great enough to awaken the dead. The big guns continued to send out greetings of shrapnel, "H. Es." and gas all that
night and part of the next day. At about 12 o'clock midnight my company was moved up close to the batteries of heavy artillery. It surely made us feel good to know that we had so many effect- ive weapons to aid us in starting Fritz on the run.
A few days prior to this time we were told that when we went over the top at the "H" hour, suf- fering, hunger and sorrow would follow. These facts bore a considerable significance with many of us during the night while the barrage was in progress.
We went over the top the next morning at 5:30 a. m. I expected to encounter machine gun fire, but much to my surprise all we could see was shell holes and smoke. After I saw the holes that our artillery had made I knew why we did not have opposition at first. About noon the echoes of the Boche machine guns could be distinctly heard. Soon we came across some of my com- rades who had been killed and wounded. This took
Page Two Hundred Thirty-Five
WITH THE COLORS FROM WHITMAN COUNTY
all the joy out of life for me. Shortly afterward we met a couple of Yanks bringing in a bunch of Huns. This made me feel better and also made me want to even up matters with the enemy for killing and wounding my comrades. By now one could see American soldiers rounding up prison- ers in all directions. At that time I witnessed a humorous incident. One of our long, lanky sold- iers was chasing a Hun, apparently both going about the same rate of speed. Sammy could not gain on him, but with the extension of the bayo- net, contact was produced. It was comical to see the Boche jump about ten feet and stick his hands up.
Early in the afternoon I received my first big scare. A German aeroplane flew over us, giving the signal to his artillery as to our location. Soon I heard a whizz and then a bang. It was the first greeting from the enemy artillery. I did not have to be told to get down. I fell flat on the gound as low as I could get and tried to get lower. I was mighty glad to be close to terra firma.
Several shells came over during the rest of the afternoon. My nerves were tuned up to a high key during the remainder of the day. At night practically all the shelling ceased. Our first day was only an initiation for those that followed.
The next day we saw war in its worst stages. At Epinonville the infantry was held up by enemy machine gun nests. The Boche could see the ad- vancing Americans but it was difficult for us to see them. We went farther ahead into an orchard which was full of snipers. Every time one of our men would stick his head above the bank behind which we sought protection, a bullet would sing past his ears. We had to go farther to the front in order to locate the enemy machine gun nests and mop them up. To accomplish this we took ad- vantage of a hedge. But there were openings in the hedge where the observers could see us as we passed. We got to our position all right. Just as our guns were ready for action, an order came to fall back, as the Boche were preparing to blast out our artillery. The enemy, seeing that we were falling back, gave us a dreadful baptism of ma- chine gun fire as we appeared in the open places in the hedge. Many of my comrades were wound- ed here. The enemy had his fire directed about knee high. I had the presence of mind to jump on the top of the bank that extended along the hedge, just above where the bullets were strik- ing. I traverser the open places with great rap- idity, before the enemy could play his guns onto me, getting out of sight. At this time the Boche directed a heavy artillery fire at us, causing a great many causalties. The deadly artillery fire continued for some time, but the Americans did not falter or break. It was the ardent desire of my regiment to close with the enemy forces.
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