CITATIONS
Page 2
CITATIONS
RECEIVED BY MEMBERS OF THE 308TH INFANTRY
HEADQUARTERS 77TH DIVISION,
A.E.F.
August 2nd, 1918.
General Orders No. 14
The following Officers and Enlisted Men are announced as
having distinguished themselves by gallant and
meritorious conduct:
1ST LIEUT. L. WARDLAW MILES, 308th Infantry-in order to
correct the disposition of his platoon walked along the
parapet during a heavy gas projector attack on June 24,
1918, encouraging his men by his coolness and bravery.
SERGEANT JOHN T. E. MONAHAN, No. 1707790, Co. B, 308th
Infantry-in order to encourage and make the proper
disposition of the men of his command, went from post to
post during a heavy artillery barrage on June 24, 1918,
taking short cuts over the open ground, to the utter
disregard of his own personal safety.
SERGEANT GEORGE STRASSLE, No. 17xo853, M. G. CO., 308th
Infantry-in command of a Machine Gun Section did, on June
24, 1918, get his teams to their guns during a barrage
and with one man stood by his gun firing during the
bombardment, showing coolness and bravery.
CORPORAL RUDOLPH WISSEL, No. 171o863, M. G. CO., 308th
Infantry, did, on June 24, 1918, bring his machine gun
team to its post through a bombardment and fired
continuously until his gun jammed. He then remedied the
stoppage under fire until his gun was hit and destroyed.
PRIVATE I ST CL. N ICHOLAS J. CAMERA, No. 17 1 0877, M.
G. Co., 3o8th Infantry, on June 24, 1918, while on sentry
duty remained alone and fired unaided about seven hundred
rounds with his rifle until the piston of his gun bent,
showing bravery under heavy fire.
PRIVATE EDWARD SCALA, No. 1677646, Co. B., 3o8th
Infantry, a gas sentinel, during a gas projector attack
on June 24, 1918, entered a dug-out after his rifle had
been shot from his hands, awakened all the soldiers in
the dugout and returned to his post to continue sounding
the alarm.
PRIVATE JOHN ENSWENGER, No. 1707882, Co. B, 308th
Infantry --on June 24, 1918, although gassed continued to
perform his duties as a runner throughout an attack
showing coolness and unhesitating devotion.
This order will be read to all organizations at the first
assembly formation after its receipt.
By command of Major General Duncan:-
J. R. R. HANNAY,
Colonel, N. A.
Chief of Staff.
November 3rd, 1918. General Orders No. 35.
I desire to record in the General Orders of this Division
a tribute to the valorous conduct of the following
Officers and Enlisted Men who have distinguished
themselves by their splendid courage, service and
sacrifice:
CAPTAIN JAMES F. WAGNER, M.C., attached to 308th Infantry
-behaved with conspicuous gallantry on the afternoon of
October 5, 1918. In the course of an attack on the
enemy's lines north of L'Homme Mort in the Argonne
Forest, did leave his first aid station and go to the aid
of a wounded soldier who was bleeding to death and who
had been deserted by his bearers and was lying within two
yards of the firing line in a position which was swept by
machine gun fire, and did under such machine gun fire,
bind up the wounds of the soldier and did obtain
assistance and carry him to a place of safety.
CAPTAIN L. S. BRECKINRIDGE, 3o8th Infantry-in command
that time of the regiment, on October 5th and 6th, 1918,
in a position north of L'Homme Mort in the Argonne
Forest, did on both occasions under the enemy's fire,
personally direct the movement of his troops, moving from
place to place and exposing himself without regard to
personal safety, in his efforts to break through the
enemy's line and did encourage his officers and men by
his personal example in their efforts to break the
enemy's line.
1ST LIEUT. BERNARD M. BURNS, Co. L, 308th
Infantry-behaved with conspicuous gallantry, on or about
October 8th,1918. In the course of an attack on the
enemy's lines, north of L'Homme Mort in the Argonne
Forest, after being painfully wounded, he refused to be
evacuated and he continued to direct the operations of
his company until ordered from the field personally by
the Brigade Commander.
November 14th, 1918.
General Orders No. 39.
2ND LIEUT. D. S. McGUIRE, 308th Infantry-who behaved with
conspicuous gallantry on the morning of October 16, 1918,
in an attack on the enemy's lines north of the River
Aire, between Chevieres and St. Juvin, and showed marked
aggressiveness and ability in placing and handling his
machine guns while holding the position taken across the
St. Juvin-Grand Pre Road from 3 A.M. to 6 P.m. This
officer's disposition and use of his machine guns
operated very largely to make the position tenable.
SERGEANT JOSEPH A. BOFFA, No. 1708294, Co. D, 308th
Infantry -who led his men through heavy machine gun and
artillery barrages until severely wounded during the
advance through the Argonne Forest, near Binarville.
SERGEANT HERBERT E. ROCH, No. 1708408, Co. D, 308th
Infantry-who on September 27th, 1918, in the Argonne
Forest, S. E. of Binarville, led his platoon against two
machine gun nests at great risk of his own life, thereby
reducing their fire and aiding in the advance of his
Battalion. He was killed in action during the advance.
SERGEANT HERMAN G. ANDERSON, No. 1707546, Co. A, 308th
Infantry-this soldier was with a detachment in the
Argonne Forest, near Binarville, from October 2nd to 7th,
1918. While his Company was with-. out an officer, he
took command, reorganized his detachment and kept the men
in perfect order, exposing himself to heavy machine gun
and shell fire. With utter disregard of his personal
safety, he rendered first-aid to the wounded in his own
and other companies.
CORPORAL JOHN DAVIS, No. 1708283, Co. D, 308th
Infantry-who, in the Argonne Forest, east of Binarville,
led his patrol through a line of machine gun nests on
October 7th, 1918, with a disregard for his personal
safety thereby reducing their fire and aiding in the
advance of his Battalion.
CORPORAL MAX KOEPPE, No. 1708333, Co. D, 308th Infantry,
who during the advance of his Battalion through the
Argonne Forest, east of Binarville, led his squad against
four machine gun nests, reduced their fire and continued
the advance until he was killed in action on October 5th,
1918.
PRIVATE WILLIAM ZAPKE, No. 17o8431, Co. D, 3o8th
Infantry- who, on October 5th, 1918, in the Argonne
Forest, east of Binarville, showed great bravery, after
having been surrounded by the enemy, refused to surrender
and fought until he was killed.
PRIVATE GEORGE H. ROWLEY, No. 1679964, Co. D, 3o8th
Infantry, who was with a patrol of his company on their
flank in the advance through the Argonne Forest southeast
of Binarville. He stuck to his post under heavy machine
gun and artillery fire with an absolute disregard for his
personal safety until he was killed on September 29th,
1918.
PRIVATE FRANK G. S. ERICKSON, No. 343H6, Co. H, 3o8th
Infantry-who displayed extraordinary heroism in action in
the Argonne Forest, near Binarville, between October 3rd
and October 8th, 1918. This soldier was with his Company
from October 2nd to October 8th when that Company,
together with other companies of the 1st and 2nd
Battalions of this regiment, were surrounded by the enemy
and cut off from communications with friendly troops.
During this period he was a runner between his Company
and Battalion Headquarters. Though completely without
food during all this period, he cheerfully and
courageously performed his duties as runner. During a
heavy attack by the enemy on October 3rd he carried
messages from his Company Commander to Battalion
Headquarters under heavy fire from machine guns and
trench mortars. He succeeded in delivering his message
and in guiding supporting troops to the left flank which
was then being subjected to heavy pressure by the enemy.
On succeeding days of the siege, this soldier continued
to perform his duties over exposed places and in full
view of the enemy and always under heavy machine gun fire
which raked the position on the least exposure. These
duties he performed in absolute disregard of his personal
safety.
November 3oth, 1918. General Orders No. 42.
MAJOR C. W. GAYLORD, (then captain), 3o8th Infantry-for
his action in personally assisting, of his own volition
the delivery of five ration trucks to a point just
outside of St. Juvin, on the night of October 14th, 1918,
following the capture of the town in the late afternoon.
From Fleville to St. Juvin the road was under machine gun
fire and was constantly and heavily shelled, repeatedly
covering the ration trucks with dirt and stones.
Nevertheless, this officer accompanied the trucks as far
as the road would permit and personally notified the
troops of the arrival of the rations, and assisted in the
bringing back of the five ration trucks, although one
truck was badly ditched and was righted under a burst of
shell fire.
December 2oth, 1918. General Orders No. 48.
CORPORAL OSCAR DAHLOOFF, No. 1710339, 3o8th Infantry, Co.
M-who during the operations of September 26th-27th in the
Argonne Forest near Le Mort Homme carried food from his
post to a wounded man until he could be evacuated, having
to pass through heavy machine gun fire to reach him.
CORPORAL OSCAR DAHLOFF, No. 1710339, CO. M, 308th
Infantry, PRIVATE A. RABINOWITZ, No. 1708916, Co. F,
308th Infantry, PRIVATE GEORGE W. COLLINS, No. 1709699,
CO. I, 308th Infantry -who on September 8th, 9th and ioth
on the River Aisne operated, under enemy machine gun and
one-pounder fire, a Divisional 0. P. in a very exposed
position of the front line.
CORPORAL OSCAR DAHLOFF, No. 1710339, CO. M, 308th
Infantry, PRIVATE 1ST CL. A. RABINOWITZ, No. 1708916, Co.
F, 3o8th Infantry-who on August 25th left cover in the
Bois de Cochelet and while under heavy enemy barrage of
artillery fire repaired telephone lines to the Divisional
0. P. which had been cut by shell fire.
January 4th, 1919. General Orders No. 1
1ST LIEUT. CHARLES SMITH, 3o8th Infantry-was in charge of
the Regimental Transport from its entrance in the line in
the Baccarat Sector on June 23rd, 1918, through the work
of the Regiment on the Vesle, on the Aisne, in the Foret
D'Argonne, up to the withdrawal of the Division from the
line at the Meuse River on November 18th, 1918. Lieut.
Smith, by his untiring devotion to duty and supervision
of the work of the regimental transport, aided in every
way for the success of our troops and his prompt and
efficient handling of the transport service of the
regiment demonstrated extreme faithfulness to the work
demanded of him.
1ST. LIEUT. JOHN F. D. BEBELL, 3o8th Infantry-personally
supervised the forwarding of supplies to his Regiment
throughout its operations in the Baccarat Sector, Vesle
Sector and on the Aisne, being daily in danger of shell
fire.
1ST LIEUT. WILLIAM J. WILKINSON, 308th
Infantry-personally supervised the forwarding of supplies
to his Regiment throughout its operations in the Baccarat
Sector, Vesle Sector and on the Aisne, being daily in
danger of shell fire.
The following named soldiers all of Headquarters Company,
308th Infantry:-
SGT. GERALD F. McCARTHY 1710568
SGT. CHARLES J. CAHILL 1710567
CPL. AARON RISHIN 1710100
CPL. H. CHARLETON FICKER 1710562
CPL. JOHN V. McGUIRE 171o62I
CPL. WILLIAM F. PERINE 1710630
CPL. JOHNSON F. EVANS 1710539
PVT. EDWARD J. McMENAMIE 1657350
PVT. HAROLD L. WILSON 1682971
PVT. GEORGE W. DONOVAN 1681337
These men had been with the Signal Platoon of the
Regiment in all the organization's most severe
engagements, and have served with courage and
faithfulness to duty at all times. Sgt. McCarthy, Sgt.
Cahill and Corp. Rishin in charge of telephone stations;
Corporals Ficker and McGuire directing T.P.S.
communication; Corporal Perine, wire supplies; Corporal
Evans, panel work; Privates MeMenamie and Donovan,
linemen; and Private Wilson in charge of pigeons, have
rendered invaluable and courag-eous service in
maintaining liaison in action and under fire.
CORPORAL JOHN H. TEWES, No. 1716126, and Corporal William
J. Wellington, No. 171o639, both of Headquarters Company,
308th infantry-at Chery Chartreuvre, on the Vesle Sector,
these two men had complete charge of maintaining all
telephone lines to the forward-stations, and although
working the greater part of the time under intense shell
fire, they repaired breaks with utter disregard of
personal safety and danger, maintaining communication
throughout.
CORPORAL THOMAS H. MURPHY, No. 171o695, Headquarters
Company, 308th Infantry, was in charge of a forward
telephone station located just outside of Ville Savoye,
on the Vesle Sector, which was a very important link in
the forward system of communication. For three days he
worked constantly to keep the line open and in operation.
During the night he went out innumerable times, many of
them under heavy shellfire, to repair the wires and
maintain communication, and continually, regardless of
personal risk and danger, kept the liaison intact,
manifesting throughout a high courage and steadfastness
to duty.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS JAMES MURRAY, No. 1707670, Co. A, 308th
Infantry-this soldier displayed great bravery and
disregard of his Own safety when acting as a company
runner when this regiment was holding a. sector on the
Vesle River near Ville Savoye from August 23rd to August
25th, 1918. Again in the advance through the Forest of
Argonne, Private 1st Class Murray repeatedly carried
messages from his company commander to troops in the
front line positions, under machine gun and artillery
fire.
January 10, 1919. General Orders, NO. 2.
CAPTAIN EDWIN N. LEWIS, 308th Infantry-this officer has
served with the regiment during all its severe campaigns,
and on numerous occasions has displayed extreme bravery
and heroism under shell and machine gun fire. On or about
August 25, 1918, near Ville Savoye, Capt. Lewis, then 1st Adjutant and
Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, 3o8th Infantry, was on duty with his
battalion during its relief by the 2nd Battalion, 307th Infantry, when a
company of the latter organization came under most intense enemy shell
fire, one officer and several men being killed and a number wounded.
Lieut. Lewis, with utter disregard of his own safety, left the battalion
P.C. and aided personally in evacuating wounded, helping to carry
himself one of the wounded men more than a kilometer, although constantly
under shell fire. Again on September 29, 1918, during the advance of the
1st battalion, 308th Infantry, in the Argonne, Capt. Lewis, then 1st
Lieutenant and in command of one of the front line companies pushed
forward with great vigor and courage despite heavy enemy resistance.
Liaison with the units on the left was lost, however, and a number of
the enemy, supported by machine guns, attacked his company from the
flank and in the rear. Lieut. Lewis, in shifting his position to meet
the attack exhibited great personal courage and bravery, continually
exposing himself to constant machine gun and rifle fire, with utter
disregard of his own safety and danger. He succeeded in
executing a turning movement and consolidated his
position.
CAPTAIN ALLIE D. MORGAN, M.C., 308th Infantry-when a
First Lieutenant and Surgeon for the 1st Battalion, 308th
Infantry, between August 15 and August 22, 1918, in the
support line in front of Chery Chartreuve in the Vesle
Sector, this officer displayed the highest type of
personal bravery and devotion to duty. Daily he went out
under shellfire to attend to the wounded and to cheer and
encourage the men. On Or about August 20, 1918, the
Battalion was subjected to a particularly heavy
bombardment of gas and high explosive shells. Lieutenant
Morgan left his aid station and went to that section of
the Battalion position where the fire was heaviest and
the casualties most numerous and there gave first aid
treatment with utter disregard of his own safety. He
insisted upon being present personally so that prompt
medical attention might be given to men seriously wounded
by shell fragments. This medical officer has not been
absent from duty one day during all the operation of this
regiment in France. During the advance through the
Forest of Argonne from September 26th to October 15,
1918, he was warned on several occasions that his advance
aid station was so far forward that both himself and his
assistants would be in danger from sniper and machine gun
fire. Captain Morgan refused to move back knowing that
owing to the difficulties in evacuating wounded his
presence forward with the companies would result in
prompt attention for the most serious cases.
1ST LIEUT. JAMES J. HALLIGAN, Senior Chaplain, 308th
Infantry -this officer has rendered faithful and
distinguished services in the performance of the
difficult duties of his office during all the operations
of this regiment in France. On the night of August 23rd,
1918, Chaplain Halligan, displayed a remarkable devotion
to duty and utter disregard of his own safety by coming
to Ville Savoye in the outpost zone on the Vesle River to
arrange for the burial of four officers and two enlisted
men who had been killed by shell fire at the entrance to
a natural cave on the hillside above the town and in
direct observation from the enemy. Owing to unusually
heavy enemy artillery activity the Chaplain was forced to
abandon plans for the burials that night. On the
following night he appeared again, organized a detail
when the command post of the battalion commander was
under artillery fire, and supervised, personally, under
shell fire, and in the moonlight, the interment of the
bodies in the hillside near the cave. Again in the
Argonne from September 29th to October 1st, 19M Chaplain
Halligan showed the same untiring devotion to duty and
disregard of his own safety when he searched for two days
through the forest until he found the body of Lieutenant
Colonel Frederick E. Smith, 308th Infantry, and arranged
for an appropriate funeral in the cemetery of the ruined
church at La Harazee. By his encouraging talks with the
men, his cheerful and sympathetic letters to anxious
relatives at home, and his general cheerfulness under all
the hardships incident to field service, this officer
contributed immeasurably to the morale of his regiment.
1ST LIEUT. CARL F. KOENIG, M.C., 308th Infantry--on
September 5th, 1918, one kilometer northeast of
Blanzy-les-Fismes, during the attack of the 3rd
Battalion, 308th Infantry, on Serval, the troops were
subjected to heavy converging machine gun fire and later
to artillery bombardment. Lieutenant Koenig, accompanying
the first wave of the attack, rallied the men to further
efforts when the line had become broken under fire. He
showed the utmost disregard of his own safety,
administering first aid to the wounded until he, himself,
was seriously wounded by the explosion of a shrapnel
shell.
2ND LIEUT. J. B. SCHRIDER, 308th Infantry-on or about
October 15th, 1918, on the north side of the Aire River,
near St. Juvin. Lieut. Schrider, while in command of a
flanking party of 8 men, crawled out into the open under
extremely heavy machine gun fire after one man had been
killed and two wounded and for a period of nearly two
hours, kept up, incessant and extremely accurate rifle
fire against machine gun nests along the St. Juvin, Grand
Pre Road until the 37mm cannon could be brought up. This
action was done absolutely without cover of any sort, and
by drawing the fire upon themselves greatly aided the
companies of this Battalion who had, taken position on
the hill commanding the St. Juvin-Grand Pre Road.
2ND LIEUT. SHERMAN W. EAGER, 308th Infantry-this officer
was with the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 308th Infantry, when
they were surrounded by the enemy near Charlevaux in the
Argonne Forest from October 3rd to October 7th, 1918. He
exposed himself to heavy machine gun and artillery fire
with utter disregard of his own personal safety,
directing his men in a cool and fearless manner during
the frequent enemy attacks on the position of the
beleaguered battalions.
2ND LIEUT. CECIL H. STRAUB, 308th Infantry-during the
operations in the Argonne and in the advance to the
Meuse, this officer was on,", duty constantly with
the Supply Company, rendering faithful and meritorious
service in a position of great responsibilities.
Lieutenant Straulb. displayed on frequent occasions the
highest type of personal bravery walking in front line
areas without regard of his own safety. He established
advance ration dumps and distributed supplies under
artillery and machine gun fire, fearlessly exposing
himself in the execution of his duty.
2ND LIEUT. DEWITT 0. MORGAN, 3o8th Infantry-on November
6th, 1918, this officer displayed extraordinary bravery
and leadership when he conducted a patrol into the
village of Stonne, one kilometer ahead of the attacking
infantry. The patrol caused two German machine gun posts
to, flee, thereby aiding, materially, in the liberation
of the town which was held by the enemy when the patrol
was made. Caught in a heavy artillery bombardment while
making a reconnaissance in the village, Lieutenant
Morgan, with extreme coolness and courage, directed his
men to safety at great risk to his own life.
SERGEANT MAJOR CLARENCE R. ROESCH, No. 1709312, 308th
Infantry-this N.C.O. was Sergeant Major of the 2nd
Battalion at the time the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the
308th Infantry were surrounded and cut off in the Argonne
Forest, October 3rd to October 7th, 1918. During the five
days of separation, Sgt. Major Roesch aided materially in
keeping liaison between the various companies, exposing
himself continually to snipers and machine gun fire,
regardless of personal danger. On numerous occasions at
the imminent risk of his own life, he gave first aid to
the wounded during shell and machine gun fire, and
assisted them in reaching positions of shelter and
comparative safety. After several unsuccessful attempts
to deliver a message to Regimental Headquarters by the
runners, Sgt. Major Roesch volunteered to attempt to
break through and was on his way to carry out this
mission when the relief arrived.
SERGEANT MAJOR ERCOLE L. SOZZI, No. 17 1 0448, 308th
Infantry -for extraordinary bravery under shell fire
displayed on or about August 17th, 1918, near St. Martin
when he was on duty with a liaison patrol. When
communication was interrupted by intense shelling, this
soldier, then a private in Company M, 308th Infantry,
volunteered to deliver a message of great importance to
the Battalion P.C. Crossing an area of one kilometer in
plain view of the enemy, he succeeded in his mission,
bringing back with him as much food as he could carry for
his comrades. Again at Ville Savoye on or about August
29, 1918, while acting as guide for a ration party to the
front line, which had to cross an area subjected to heavy
shelling, this soldier with utter disregard of his own
safety, pointed out the most advantageous position for
his men. He refused to take cover himself until all the
men in the ration party had been cared for. His coolness
and courage under fire set an inspiring example to his
comrades.
SERGEANT RICHARD BREW, No. 1709791, Co. K, 3o8th Infantry
-on or about August 22nd, 1918, near Ville Savoye, when
his company was attacked by the enemy, this soldier
conducted himself with extraordinary bravery, and
rendered invaluable service to his platoon and company.
When the supply of grenades was exhausted, he carried
German bombs to his men and under heavy shell fire,
instructed them how to throw the potato mashers against
the attacking Germans. Up to the time he was wounded he
traveled up and down the lines encouraging and assisting
his men. His coolness and fearlessness under fire and his
utter disregard for his own personal safety, set a high
example for his platoon, and assisted materially in
repelling the attack of the enemy.
SERGEANT CHARLES MATELUSCH, No. 1711206, M.D., 308th
Infantry-on the morning of September 5th, 1918, during an
advance of the 3rd Battalion, 308th Infantry, near
Blanzy-les-Fismes. The Battalion Surgeon, having been
wounded dangerously, this non-commissioned officer ran to
him with stretcher bearers, dressed his wounds under
heavy shell fire and machine gun fire, and personally
supervised his transportation for more than one kilometer
across an open field to the first aid station. Again on
September 12th, 1918, near Revillon, forced to act
independently of a Medical Officer, he improvised an aid
post in a ramshackle shed, dressed the wounds of fifteen
men while exposed to shell fire and with a detail of
Medical Detachment men as stretcher bearers personally
supervised the transportation of the wounded to the
ambulances.
SERGEANT CHARLES GILMARTIN, No. 1707641, Co. A, 308th
Infantry-on November 6th, 1918, this noncommissioned
officer displayed great bravery and inspiring leadership
when he accompanied his platoon leader on a patrol into
the village of Stonne, one kilometer in advance of the
attacking infantry. The patrol caused two German machine
gun posts to flee, thereby aiding materially in the
liberation of the town which was held by the enemy at the
time the patrol was made. Caught in a heavy artillery
bombardment while making a reconnaissance in the village,
Sergeant Gilmartin, with extreme coolness and courage,
directed his men to safety at great risk to his own life.
SERGEANT DANIEL TUCKER, No. 1709809, Supply CO., 3o8th
Infantry-on or about September 14th, 1918, near Revillon
when as non-commissioned officer in charge of the 3rd
Battalion Transport, he wanes ordered to haul cookers and
water carts from the front line position over looking the
Aisne Canal. Caught in a heavy artillery barrage on the
Barbonval-Blanzy-les Fismes Road, Sergeant Tucker had to
abandon the attempt to move the transport that night. On
the following morning, however, in plain view of the
enemy and under a constant artillery and machine gun
fire, he persisted in the attempt, supervised personally
the hauling out of the cookers and water carts one at a
time, and by his splendid leadership and absolute
disregard of intense enemy activity carried out his
orders.
SERGEANT BERNARD GILLECE, No. 1708617, Co. E, 308th
Infantry-this noncommissioned officer was a member of
Company B when the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 308th
Infantry, were cut off and surrounded by the enemy near
Charlevaux in the Forest of Argonne from October 3rd to
October 7tb, 1918. In many attempts to break through the
enemy. lines and get word to the relieving companies,
Sergeant Gillece served with high courage and devotion to
duty, exposing himself frequently to hostile fire
regardless of his personal safety. Only when it proved a
physical impossibility to get through the enemy lines
would he relent in his splendid efforts. He returned on
numerous occasions with invaluable information regarding
enemy works and positions. His conduct was an inspiration
to all his comrades.
SERGEANT GERALD G. KIRCHNER, No. 1709285, Co. H, 308th
Infantry-was in charge of the Battalion Scouts, 2nd
Battalion, during the period that the organization was
cut off and surrounded in the Argonne Forest, October 3rd
to 7th, 1918. On numerous occasions he led various
reconnaissance patrols out in front of his lines to
locate the enemy positions, and on these continually
displayed a good judgment and courage worthy of the
highest mention. Throughout, whether under machine gun,
shell or trench mortar fire, he manifested a keen sense
of devotion to duty, disregarding at all times his own
personal safety and danger.
SERGEANTHERBERT C. ELLUM, No. 1709385, Co. H, 3o8th
Infantry-this sergeant has been with the regiment in
every engagement since its first trip to the Baccarat
Sector, and throughout has displayed a high degree of
devotion to duty and courage under fire. During the
severe fighting in the Argonne from October 1st to 5th,
1918, he was of invaluable aid to the regiment in
bringing up ration and ammunition details in the face of
grenade and machine gun fire.
SERGEANT JOHN J. SEXTON, No. 1710577, Stokes Mortar
Platoon, Headquarters CO., 308th Infantry-during the
advance through the Forest of Argonne from Sept.
26th-Oct. 15th, 1918 this noncommissioned officer
displayed remarkable bravery, disregard of his own
welfare, and devotion to duty when in command of a
section in the Stokes Mortar Platoon. Although seriously
ill with dysentery and pyorrhea he refused to be
evacuated and continued to place his guns to assist in
clearing away enemy opposition. This noncommissioned
officer's teeth were in such a condition that he derived
practically no protection from a gas mask. Throughout the
operations of his company in France, however, he begged
to be assigned to the most advanced positions, although
he knew that he ran great risk of being a gas casualty.
He was an inspiration to, and a real leader of his men.
SERGEANT RAYMOND GILL, No. 1708394, Co. D, 308th Infantry
(deceased)--on the night of August 21St, 1918, near Ville
Savoye this non-commissioned officer showed extreme
personal bravery under intense artillery fire when he
assisted in the evacuation of a wounded officer from a
natural cave in the hillside in plain view of enemy. On
August 24th, 1918, when his company was advancing against
the enemy across the Vesle River, Sergeant Gill, though
wounded severely, refused to go to the rear for medical
attention and insisted upon taking out a patrol to
capture a sniper who was in a position to pick off our
men. While leading this patrol he was killed.
SERGEANT MARK C. HAGERMAN, No. 1709048, Co. G, 308th
Infantry, this soldier then a corporal, displayed
extraordinary heroism when his company, with the 1st and
2nd Battalions, 308th infantry, was surrounded by the
enemy near Charlevaux: in the Argonne Forest from October
3rd to October 7th, 1918. During all the enemy attacks he
was ever watchful of the position of his men, directing
them in a cool and fearless manner, although in so doing
he exposed himself to heavy machine gun and artillery
fire. He also volunteered his services to attempt to
break through the enemy lines in order to report
conditions and bring aid.
CORPORAL LEONARD E. ALLEN, No. 1680022, Headquarters Co.,
308th Infantry-this N.C.O. during the advance to the
Aisne on September 12, 1918, maintained the telephone
wires and kept the lines open from Regimental
Headquarters, outside of Blanzy, to the advanced
Battalion P.C., although continually under heavy shell
fire and in direct observation of the enemy. As he
repaired the breaks, he was sniped at by Boche
one-pounders, and on several occasions had hardly
finished making a splice and completing connections when
another bursting shell tore up the wire. Despite this, he
kept communication open, displaying the greatest bravery
and heroism throughout. Again, in the Argonne, from
September 29th to October 1st, 1918, he was in charge of
a Battalion telephone station and in maintaining the
lines exposed himself time and again with utter disregard
of machine gun fire and his own safety.
CORPORAL JOHN F. HUBNER, No. 1710351, CO- M, 308th
Infantry-this noncommissioned officer displayed
extraordinary daring and coolness under fire on or about
September 28th, 1918, near Depot de Machines in the
advance through the Forest of Argonne. While on a
reconnaissance patrol he discovered an enemy machine gun
nest, which had been holding up the advance of his
company. He immediately opened fire on the enemy,
displaying absolute disregard of his own safety. After
remaining in No Man's Land until long after dark he
returned with valuable information of the enemy
positions for his Battalion Commander.
CORPORAL LUKE ARCHER, No. 1709574, CO. I, 308th Infantry
-this noncommissioned officer displayed extraordinary
daring and coolness on or about September 28th, 1918,
near Depot de Machines in the advance through the Forest
of Argonne. While on a reconnaissance patrol he
discovered an enemy machine gun nest, which had been
holding up the advance of his company. He immediately
opened fire on the enemy displaying absolute disregard of
his own safety. After remaining in No Man's Land until
long after dark he returned with valuable information of
the enemy positions for his Battalion Commander.
CORPORAL JOHN B. REARDON, No. 1677923, Headquarters Co.,
308th Infantry-this noncommissioned officer has been in
charge of getting up rations from the dumps to the
company kitchens since this regiment arrived in France.
Throughout his service he has displayed remarkable
personal bravery and devotion to duty, never failing to
get food to his company regardless of difficulties. In
the Vesle Sector from August 14th to August 26th, 1918,
he delivered rations each night to Chery Chartreuve and
to Les Pres Farm, although the road between these points
was frequently under terrific shellfire. During the
advance to the Aisne from September 3rd to September
15th, 1918, he brought limbers nightly from
Blanzy-les-Fismes to Barbonval under shellfire. During
the advance in the Forest of Argonne he had charge of the
establishment and rationing for a forward kitchen near Le
Moulin de L'Homme Mort. More than six hundred hot meals
were served daily from this kitchen although the enemy
directed artillery fire against the place. Through the
splendid service of Corporal Reardon the morale of his
company was stimulated, the men always feeling confident
that hot meals would be served regardless of weather,
enemy activities, or other difficulties.
CORPORAL FRED R. ROMEREIN, No. 1429363, Co. E, 3o8th Infantry-on September 3rd, 1918, on the Vesle River,
west of Fismes, dur-ing a terrific bombardment of the
company position, during which many men were severely
wounded and killed, Corporal Rornerein displayed unusual gallantry by
going about amongst the men of his company and personally seeing that
they were taking every advantage of cover. With total disregard for his
own safety he assisted the wounded in every way and made frequent checks
of the casualties reporting same to his Commanding Officer. His fine judgment and coolness
during the heavy shelling was a great inspiration to
every man in his company.
CORPORAL PETER MAHER, No. 1709394, Co. H, 308th Infantry
(deceased)-this corporal has been with the regiment in
every engagement since arrival in France, displaying
throughout all operations great courage under fire and a
high devotion to duty. During the advance through the
Forest of Argonne, he was calm and faithful to duty under
heavy grenade and machine gun fire. He met his death on
October 2nd, 1918, while attempting to get rations
forward to the 1st Battalion, 308th Infantry.
CORPORAL DANIEL GALLAGHER, No. 1707729, Co. A, 308th
Infantry-in the advance through the Argonne Forest near
Binarville on September 28th, 1918, this soldier,
although armed with a Chauchat rifle, volunteered to go
ahead of his platoon under machine gun fire to capture a
German prisoner whom he chased for 200 yards. On the
following day Corporal Gallagher, alone, pursued four
Germans, wounding one of them, and returning to his
platoon only after ammunition for his Chauchat rifle had
been exhausted.
CORPORAL JAMES J. ROONEY, No. 1708146, CO. C, 308th
Infantry-for extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty
displayed -on August 23rd, 1918, in an attack on the
enemy positions along the Vesle River near Ville Savoye.
This noncommissioned officer was one of the first to
volunteer in a squad of automatic riflemen to accompany a
sergeant and advance across the river in the open to draw
fire from the enemy while two platoons of C Company
executed a flanking maneuver against two enemy machine
guns. Advancing fearlessly under heavy machine gun and
artillery fire, Corporal Rooney displayed the highest
type of personal bravery. He was wounded severely when on
this patrol.
WAGONER ALEXANDER V. BRENNAN, No. 1709836, Supply CO.,
308th Infantry-for extraordinary bravery and persistence
in duty displayed near Blanzy-les-Fismes on or about
September 5th, 1918, while he was driving " C "
Company's water cart forward to the First Battalion
position. A shrapnel shell burst so close to the cart
that one mule was killed and the other injured. Showing
great coolness under intense artillery fire, Wagoner
Brennan unhitched the injured animal, returned to the
corral for another team, went back to the cart, and
continued on his way. On this night the road to Blanzy
was subjected to a particularly heavy artillery
bombardment.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS ALBERT H. KENT, No. 1709336, Co. H,
308th Infantry-Private 1st Class Kent was a Company
runner for Company H, 308th Infantry, acting as a
Battalion runner for the 2nd Battalion of that Regiment
when it was at Ville Savoye, during the period August
12th to 16th, 1918. He was an exceptionally faithful
runner under any and all conditions, manifesting a
disregard for personal danger. He performed his duties
with coolness and speed, even when under heavy shellfire,
as was usually the case. He was conspicuous for
volunteering to take more than his share of the dangerous
tasks that fell to the Battalion runners, thus setting a
very good example as well as inspiring his fellow
runners.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS MORGAN L. CHUBB, No. 1709328, Co. H, 308th
Infantry-Private 1st Class Chubb was a company and battalion runner in which capacity he showed unusual
coolness and bravery under heavy fire. During the latter
part of August, 1918, while the Regiment was on the Vesle
Sector, he carried messages from Les Pres Farm to the
307th Infantry Headquarters. This necessitated his
crossing open country under direct observation of the
enemy and under continual sniping by Boche one-pounders.
Despite this, he stuck faithfully to his job and
manifested a high degree of devotion and steadfastness to
duty.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS JOHN SWEENEY, No. 1683654, Headquarters
CO., 308th Infantry--during the fighting on the Vesle and
in the advance to the Aisne, Private 1st Class Sweeney
was assigned to telephone work to and from front line
troops that necessitated his going constantly under fire,
both shell and machine gun, in keeping the wires open.
During the preparations for the attack on the Vesle
front, August 30th to September 3rd, 1918, he worked for
five days on a line running near Mont. St. Martin and
Ville Savoye, that was under direct enemy observation and
continually sniped at by Boche one-pounders. By
consistent high courage and disregard of personal danger,
he kept this wire open at a time when communication with
the front was vitally essential. He was severely wounded
on September .5th,1918, near Blanzy, advancing with the
line, battalion, to which he was attacked as telephone
line man.
PRIVATE JOHN ISAKSEN, No. 1708142, CO. C, 3o8th
Infantry-for extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty
displayed on August 23rd, 1918, during an attack against
the enemy positions along the Vesle River near Ville
Savoye. This soldier volunteered in a squad of automatic
riflemen to accompany a noncommissioned officer and
advance across the river in the open to draw fire from
the enemy while two platoons of C Company executed a
flanking maneuver against two enemy machine guns.
Although nearly overcome by heat Private Isaksen showed
extreme courage under heavy machine gun and artillery
fire, sticking to his position until rescued by his
comrades.
PRIVATE GEORGE W. BARHYDT, No. r677505, Headquarters Co.,
308th Infantry-on September 14th, 1918, during the attack
on Revillon, this soldier displayed extraordinary courage
and devotion to duty. Having lost his rifle in action
early in the day, he did, when his platoon was
ordered to follow Company M, 308th Infantry, for the
purpose of digging it in, unhesitatingly seize a stick,
and advance with it as his only weapon. He later armed
himself with the rifle taken from a dead comrade and
showed extreme bravery under fire until wounded severely
by a shell fragment which wound caused the loss of the
sight of one eye.
PRIVATE PATRICK O'CONNOR, No. 1681198 (deceased) and PRIVATE PAUL F. ANDREWS, No. 1709198 (deceased), Co. G,
308th Infantry-these two enlisted men were killed in
action while G Company and other companies of the 1st and
2nd Battalions, 308th Infantry, were surrounded by the
enemy in the Forest of Argonne near Charlevaux from
October 3rd to October 8th, 1918. During the time while
the advance troops were cut off, they displayed personal
courage and a devotion to duty worthy of the highest
praise.
PRIVATE FRANK H. WALLACE, No. 3138145, Co. A, 308th
Infantry-for extraordinary heroism and disregard of his
own safety displayed in the Forest of Argonne near
Binarville on October 1st, 1918, when three men who were
helping him carry his wounded platoon commander to a
place of safety were killed by shell fire. In spite of
terrific fire from enemy trench mortars and artillery,
Private Wallace kept cool and stayed with the wounded
lieutenant until assistance came. He afterwards guided
under shellfire two more wounded soldiers to the first
aid station, all the while showing the highest type of
personal courage and devotion to duty.
PRIVATE STEPHEN WANDOWLOWSKY, No. 1707696, Co. A, 308th
Infantry-during the advance through the Forest of Argonne
near Binarville on September 28th, jqi8, he went to the
rescue of a wounded sergeant, dressed his wounds and
alone, carried him to safety across an open path which
was under heavy machine gun fire. When his company was
surrounded by the enemy with the 1st and 2nd Battalions,
308th Infantry, near Charlevaux from October 3rd to
October 8th, 1918, Private Wandowlowsky displayed extreme
bravery and utter disregard of his own welfare. By his
coolness and courage he steadied the men on his post and
assisted in driving off several enemy attacks on the
position.
PRIVATE SAMUEL H. CHESTER, No. 1711192, Medical Detachment, 308th Infantry--on September 3rd, 1918, on
the Vesle River, near Fismes, while Company E, 308th
Infantry, was under terrific shell fire fr6m enemy guns,
this soldier moved about with utter disregard for his own
safety and although every man was taking advantage of
available cover, he continued to apply first aid to make
the wounded men comfortable. His heroism was an excellent
example to every man. On all occasions Private Chester
performed his duties in the line with total disregard
for his own safety.
PRIVATE LOUIS CALMENSON, No. 17o8853, Co. F, 308th
Infantry -for extraordinary heroism in action near La
Harazee in the Forest of Argonne on September 29th, 1918,
when his company, together with other companies of the
1st and 2nd Battalions, 308th Infantry, were surrounded
for thirty-six hours by detachments of the enemy who cut
all communication with friendly troops in support. This
soldier volunteered to ascertain the location of an enemy
machine gun, which was causing casualties in the isolated
companies. With utter disregard of his own safety,
Private Calmenson advanced alone, with his hands up as
though he intended to surrender, to engage in
conversation with a German who came out to meet him.
Detecting his purpose, the German fired, wounding Private
Calmenson severely. He killed the German with his
revolver, and in spite of his wound, managed to crawl
back to his company with information of the enemy
position which was of great value in silencing the
machine guns.
PRIVATE JOHN W. HAMMILL, No. 1678936, Headquarters Co.,
308th Infantry--on September 14th, 1918, near R6villon on
the Aisne Canal this soldier displayed extraordinary
heroism and loyalty when he volunteered and did accompany
his commanding officer in crossing a slope in plain view
of the enemy and under heavy shell fire, to bring in a
severely wounded comrade.
The following named
soldiers, Co. H, 308th Infantry--during the night of
August 22-23, 1918, under intense shell fire, these men
carried machine gun ammunition from Chery Chartreuve,
through Mont St. Martin, to the position held by the
Machine Gun Battalion above Ville Savoye. Many of the
party were lost, but these men made repeated trips all
through the night and up to noon the next day. Their work
showed a bravery and pluck, worthy of high praise:
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS ISADORE SPIEGEL No. 1710728.
PRIVATE JOHN DELMONT, No. 1682961
PRIVATE HARRY WASSERMAN, No. 1709436
PRIVATE ALEXANDER ROYFE, No. 1709556.
February 2nd, 1919. General Orders No. 10.
SERGEANT WILLIAM ADDIE, No. 1710543, CO. C, 3o8th
Infantry -on August 23rd, 1918, in an attack on the enemy
on the Vesle River near Ville Savoye, this
noncommissioned officer volunteered, with a squad of
Chauchat automatic riflemen, to advance in the open and draw fire from
the enemy while e two platoons of C Company executed a flanking maneuver
against two enemy machine guns. Although five of his men became exhausted
from heat, being rendered practically unconscious, and
one man was wounded severely, Sergeant Addie accomplished
his mission under heavy machine gun and artillery fire.
Through his coolness and splendid leadership he returned
safely, bringing all his men back across the Vesle River
to safety.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS LEO H. DOWNS, No. 1679971, CO. C, 308th
Infantry-for extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty
displayed on August 23rd, 1918, during an attack against
enemy positions along the Vesle River near Ville Savoye.
This soldier volunteered in a squad of automatic riflemen
to accompany a noncommissioned officer and advance across
the river in the open to draw fire from the enemy while
two platoons from C Company executed a flanking maneuver
against two enemy machine guns. Although nearly overcome
by the heat, Private 1st Class Downs showed extreme
courage under heavy machine gun and artillery fire,
remaining at his position until rescued by his comrades.
PRIVATE PAUL SEGAL, No. 17o8231, CO. C, 3o8th
Infantry--on August 23rd, 1918, during an attack against
the enemy positions along the Vesle River near Ville
Savoye, this soldier volunteered in a squad of automatic riflemen to
accompany a noncommissioned officer and advance across the river in the
open to draw fire from the enemy while two platoons of C Company
executed a flanking maneuver against two enemy machine guns. Although
nearly overcome by the heat, Private Segal showed extreme courage under heavy machine gun and
artillery fire, sticking to his position until rescued by
his comrades.
February 21st, 1919. General Orders No. 14.
MAJOR FRANCIS M. WELD, 3o8th Infantry-during the advance
to the Meuse, this officer commanded the 2nd Battalion,
3o8th Infantry. His splendid efforts in looking out for
the men and untiring work in pushing the advance, were an
inspiration to all concerned. He was wounded on November
5th, 1918, near Oches, when reconnoitering in front of
his troops who had been held up by fire from a German
machine gun nest.
1ST LIEUT. ARTHUR H. ROBINSON, 308th Infantry-for extreme
bravery and utter disregard for his own safety displayed
on or about October 5th, 1918, in the Argonne Forest near
Binarville. While the 3rd Battalion was attempting to
break through the enemy lines it became necessary to get
an important message to Company I on the extreme left
Rank of the Battalion position. Three runners had been
either killed or wounded in attempting to accomplish this
mission. Lieut. Robinson volunteered to carry the
message. He crossed an open space more than 200 yards
while under machine gun and artillery fire and succeeded,
by his remarkable courage, in delivering the message to
the company commander for whom it was intended.
2ND LIEUT. HERBERT F. GEROLD, 308th Infantry--on or about
October 15th, 1918 when the 3rd Battalion, 3o8th Infantry
had taken up a Position on the Army Corps line along the
St. Juvin-Grand Pre Road, it was learned that an enemy
machine gun crew had worked in around the right flank and
was opening fire on our troops from the rear. Lieut.
Gerold accompanied by Sergeant Harry June, CO. K, 3o8th
Infantry, succeeded in creeping up close to the German
machine gun crew, rushed at them, and captured four
prisoners and the gun, thereby relieving his company from
the danger of fire from the rear.
BATTALION SERGEANT MAJOR WALTER J. BALDWIN, No. 1710601,
Headquarters CO., 308th Infantry---on October 5th, 1918,
when companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 308th
Infantry, were cut off and surrounded by the enemy in the
Forest of Argonne near Moulin de Charlvaux, Sergeant
Major Baldwin, then Corporal in charge of runners at
Major Whittlesey's headquarters, displayed extraordinary
heroism in leaving his funk-hole, under heavy shell fire,
and going to the assistance of a comrade who lay wounded
in an exposed place. Corporal Baldwin, without regard to
his own safety, carried the wounded man to a place, which
offered better shelter. Throughout the advance in the
Argonne and in particular during the period while the
troops were surrounded by the enemy, Corporal Baldwin
displayed remarkable bravery, devotion to duty, and
indifference to hardship, his example steadying and
encouraging the Battalion runners who were in his charge.
SERGEANT LAWRENCE M. OSBORNE, No. 1707849, Co. B, 308th
Infantry (deceased)-for extreme bravery, devotion to
duty, and inspiring leadership while acting as an officer
in command of a platoon in the advance from the Vesle to
the Aisne and later in the Forest of Argonne. This
noncommissioned officer, called suddenly from a Supply
Sergeant' s duties to take command of a platoon in
action, owing to the existing shortage of officers and
sergeants in the company, distinguished himself by his
for remarkable qualities of leadership. He displayed
absolute disregard for his own safety, exposing himself
frequently to shell and machine gun fire to look after
his men and assist them in finding shelter. Under the
most trying circumstances, when rations were low and
intense suffering was caused by exposure to rain in the
Argonne, Sergeant Osborne's indifference to hardship set
a high example to his platoon. He was of invaluable
assistance to the Lieutenant commanding the company.
While serving faithfully with the small detachment of
" B " Company men which were cut off and
surrounded with companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions,
3 8th Infantry near Charlevaux: from October 3rd to 8th,
19 18, Sergeant Osborne was killed by shell fire. His
services to his company, both as supply sergeant and
later as platoon leader in the front line, called forth
the highest admiration from his officers and his
comrades.