Clarence J. Minick Diary - June 22, 1918 - April 22, 1919
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C. J. Minick
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[newspaper clipping] Training Camp Has Military Wedding [photograph]
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[newspaper clipping continued] [photograph]
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[photograph] Clarence J. Minick Captain, 361st Infantry. A.E.F. A.P.O. 776 Glasgow, Scotland. [Southampton], England. [Sarrey], France. Audenarde, Belgium. Belleme, France. Paris, France. St. Nazaire [Le Havre], France Motto & By Word Powder River Let 'er Buck." [Long] May She [Live] 91st Division Wild West. [insignia] INSIGNIA. [photograph] This book Dedicated to Wife & Babe.
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[page 1] "Diary" Sunday 22nd June, 1918. Today is the “Day" of all "Days" One I have looked forward too for many long months. I have two feelings towards this Day one a Happy feeling - while the other is opposite. "Happy" because today is the day we start for the "other side". Known to us ""As" Over there." To help the Allies "Down" "an inhuman foe," so the world will be safe for our families and to posteritys. "Sorry" because I am leaving behind a "Little Girl," who is "Broken Hearted" But who is as "brave" as can be. And long will I remembers, "The words" She Said to me "this morning" when we parted. (at 5:24- S-J. St. Tacoma, [Washington].) "Some day" I know" you will return we left Camp Lewis, American Lake, [Washington] at 2:30 P.M. for Camp Merritt, New Jersey. Over the Northern Pacific Companies "I" & "K" and the Medical Detachment. "I" as Train Commander all Details for the starting grid leaving of the train was completed on time and at the Scheduled minute our train left old Camp Lewis. Leaving behind "Cheers" from those, "who had Loved ones" Bound for "Over there."
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[page 2] Leaving Loved Ones” & Camp Lewis [Washington] Tuesday 24th June, 1918. we are having some beautiful weather all are having a fine trip. our first stop of any length was at Missoula Montana. Here is where we got the first real meaning of the Red Cross and the good work they are doing. The entire train being supplied with candy, tobacco and post cards. we have crossed thru Washington, Oregon, Idaho and a part of Montana. Men are all enjoying the trip. we are going to try for a few hours of rest this after-noon. The 1st Battalion is just ahead of us and the rest of the 3rd Battalion is one hour behind us. With Captain A. J. Potter as train commander. My (Co.) Company consists of five (5) officers and two hundred and forty (240) Enlisted Men. A list of men who came with me from Camp Lewis is attached.
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[page 3] June 25th 1918. Wednesday. We are still enjoying a fine ride. Never saw more beautiful weather. we have seen some beautiful country. Scenery is something great. we have had our daily exercise which we are enjoy after sitting all day in the cars. The people have treated us wonderful all along the way furnishing us with post cards cigars and tobacco. Passenger Agents are doing all they can for our comfort and to make us enjoy our trip. June 26th 1918. wednesday. More beautiful weather and more beautiful country To day we passed through, Fort Wayne, [Indiana] (Chicago, Illinois) (at this place one man went absent to see his mother - missed the train. Some more of the towns were Milwaukee, [Wisconsin], St. Paul, [Minnesota], and last Buffalo, at which place we halter for a hour or so. The Red Cross Canteen workers gave us some more Cigarettes here - Some of the companies got a good Bath. I am trying to make arrangements for a good swim tomorrow for the entire Battalion and I think I will make it. The president of the road has his Special Car on behind us. we (officers) took dinner with him today.
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[page 4] Cross Country. June 27th 1918. Thurs we are having a wonderful trip. Have just finished our daily Stop for exercise at Binghamton, [New York]. Some "Big Duck" Took me up town in his car while The companies took their exercises we are going to have a fine Swim soon - - - - We got about 8 miles from Binghamton, stopped the train along the Lake. Every one undressed in the train and all took a swim. sure was great. Had a Barrel of fun. The entire two companies about 500 men. All out swimming. was a sight worth Seeing we had about 30 minutes The whistle blew and all got "aboard" we were off again. Dressing as we went. We have had no sickness. My Man that was lost in Chicago, has caught up having caught a fast train out of [Chicago] and let him change. All are in find Spirit and am having very little trouble with the men. we are feeding fine. Having plenty of funds to purchase extra things along the way such as fruits and meats & vegatables.
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[page 5] June 28th 1918. [Friday] Tonight I can see "Quarentine" Staring us in the face when we reach Camp Merritt [New Jersey]. For one of my men have the mumps. "Just our Luck." we are having a wonderful weather Have passed Scranton, [Pennsylvania]. we Stopped at a fine little town today for exercise. The name of it I have forgotten. we expect to arrive in Camp Merritt [New Jersey] Tomorrow some time. Have written wifie Several cards and letters since Starting out. No doubt she has arrived home safely by to day. we are getting close to [New York City]. will probably see it early tomorrow morning. L&M Co's. are about one hour behind me. am beginning to get rather tired of riding but not one bit tired of the trip as it has been wonderful. And could enjoy another week of it. I have had a compartment all alone since Starting out. am going to "retire" early tonight. 8:15
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[page 6] Camp Merritt, [New Jersey] June 19th 1918. Saturday "Qaurentined" in Big letters are posted on our quarters. we passed the out skirts of New York at 5:00 A.M. This morning and arrived at Cresskill, New Jersey at 7:05 A.M. Marched to our quarters which was only a short distance from where we detrained placed under quarentine. we have fine quarters. Similar to our Camp Lewis home. I sent wifie a telegram this morning telling her of My Safe arrival. Hope for an early reply by wire. we have a big job before us here. we have to fully equip every Man for "overseas" service which will take all of one week. we got Some of our equipment this after noon and from the looks of things we will soon be sailing towards France. And all are Ready to go. Lt’s Bailey, Lt. McKay Tongate and Rodgers are still with Me all in fine health, and hard workers. Look for News from wifie of her Safe arrival Tomorrow.
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[page 7] Camp Merritt [New Jersey] June 30 1918 Sunday Of all the jobs I've had since I hit Uncle Sams Army. The one I have now is the worse. we have been equipped with New Clothing and equipment and have Salvaged all of our old clothing. we are working both night and day. Inspectors of all Kinds are hanging around. we will probably be here about a week fixing up this regiment ready for over seas work. we are to have an inspection tomorrow to see how things stands. I want to make a trip to New York before I leave for France so far I have not received any messages that Mrs. C. J. has reached home. I look for a Telegram tonight or tomorrow sent another Telegram home to-day. [photograph] Referred to in this book as "Babe" and "Chick"
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[page 8] July 1, 1918. Monday Got a pass to New York this morning went by Automobile to the Bay and crossed over to New York. Lt. Tongate went with me had a fine Trip. went to Theatre show was fine. Lt. Tongate and I stayed together. sent wife a Telegram. went to see some of many of the interesting parts of New York. Returned home about 9:00 P.M. found telegram awaiting me from wifie, Telling me all was well and that she had reached home O.K. worked the most of the night on equipment for us expect to Sail before many days and we sure have lots of work to do before we leave. I am in command of Battalion tomorrow I have to inspect the Company [ms illegible: 1 wd] Books of the 1st Battalion which will Take all day. Camp Merritt [New Jersey] July 2-1918 This is to certify that I have examined Capt. C. J. Minick and find him physically qualified for overseas service. Fred B. Coleman 1st Lt. M.R.C.
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[page 9] July 21" 1918. Tuesday Only got a few hours sleep last night. worked most all night. we are having some time getting this bunch equipped for "Overseas" My Company out of quarentine this morning. one corporal A.W.O.L. in New York. sent wifie another Telegram. Recieved one from her this after noon at 3:00 P.M. All is well. [telegram] RECEIVED AT A202NY JS 11 CAMP MERRITT [New Jersey] FY KANSAS CITY [Missouri] 335P [June] 29 CAPTAIN CLARENCE J MINIK CO K 361 INF CAMP MERRITT [New Jersey] ARRIVED OK FEELING FINE RECEIVED LETTER ALL WELL HAVE WRITTEN LOVE VIOLA A MINICK 8PM July 1, 1918 8:05 P.M. 1st message-answered. so.on.
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[page 10] July 3" 1918. Wednesday Had another chance to visit New York today. Took in some more of the town. Took a Rubber Neck ride over town, and out to Riverside drive in the Evening Lt. Edich, Lt. Fortune Lt. Tongate & Lt. McKay went to Coney Island. and some place it is. Had a fairly good time. sent Wifie a Telegram from the City. when I got home another Message was awaiting Me from home we are fairly well equipped now and really believe we will be on our way Soon. we will probably be gone is Another week! [telegram] RECEIVED AT CAMP MERRITT, [New Jersey] B51NY BN 42 NL KANSAS CITY [Missouri] July 3 4 198 CAPT CLARENCE J MINICK CO K 361 DEAR GLAD TO GET MESSAGE MET TRAIN FOLKS DID NOT COME DO NOT KNOW WHY WILL WIRE WHEN I HEAR FEELING GOOD NO LETTER TODAY WIRE ME AGAIN AS I LOVE TO GET THEM HAVE A GOOD TIME TOMORROW LOVE AND KISSES VIOLA A MINICK 755 AM
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[telegram] RECEIVED AT CAMP MERRITT, [New Jersey] B105NY GV 44BLUE KANSAS CITY [Missouri] 1105 AM [July] 1 CAPTAIN CLARENCE J MINICK CO K 361 INF NA CS GLAD TO GET MESSAGE FEELING FINE WILL SEE YOUR FATHER SUNDAY LIZZIE IS COMING TO GO WILL SEE ROSE WEDNESDAY CORDIE AND GEORGE VISITING ME VERY HOT HERE FOLKS WELL GLAD TO SEE ME LET ME HEAR ANYTHING NEW AND OFTEN LOVE AND KISSES. VIOLA A MINICK 243PM
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[page 11] July 4th 1918. Thursday Today the 4th of July. No Meaning for me at all for to day is the last day we have to complete our equipment and my company is about ready to say - we are ready to go. we received the - confidental Orders setting forth the hour of departure from Camp Merritt [New Jersey] for the Docks where we cross the Hudson at the Alpine Landing over to Hoboken. (we are to Leave here at 1:50 Tonight. we have packs rolled and rifles stacked in the company street ready to go. all are feeling fine. we are more or less sleepy oweing to our work at night which we just had to do. I have sent my trunk and Baggage to the ferry. Have one more A.W.O.L. in New York. we have about 8 miles to go to the landing. And to make me feel better, I have just received what I guess will be my last Telegram in the States from My Little Girl as follows B51NY BN 42 N.L. Kansas City [Missouri] July 3-4-1918 Capt. Clarence J. Minick Co. K. 361 1040. Dear glad to get Message. Met train folks did not come do not know when will wire when I hear. feeling good. no letter today wire me again as I love to get them. Have a good time tomorrow. Love & kisses Viola A Minick
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[page 12] July 5th 1918. [Friday] Left Camp Merritt [New Jersey] This morning at 1:50 for Alpine landing. at this place 6:00 A.M. we loaded on a ferry and started toward Hoboken [New Jersey]. Arrived about an Hour later and at 11:00 A.M. we commenced to load on the "Good Ship" Scotian and English Commercial Steamer. A few Civilians were loaded on, about 60. we are still in docks. after I came aboard I am not so proud of the Good Ship. I was assigned cabin #7. along with Capt. Potter and another Capt. from the Medical Department. Men's accomidations are pretty rotten. But I suppose (oweing the fact that we have been used to the Best.) it looks worse than it actually is. More than likely we will leave Docks tonight some time. I am so tired that I expect to be in bed Pretty early in 9:00 A.M. Have filled out a card which will be mailed home if arrive on the other side Safely.
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[telegram] RECEIVED AT CAMP MERRITT, [New Jersey] A352NY SF 42 BLUE FY KANSAS CITY [Missouri] 3P [July] 2 1918 CAPT CLARENCE J MINICK CO 361 ST INF [Camp Merritt, New Jersey] GLAD TO GET MESSAGE ALL WELL RECEIVED WORD FATHER AND CHILDREN COMING WEDNESDAY TO SPEND FOURTH I WILL MEET THEM MAKES ME LONESOME FOR YOU WISH YOU WERE WITH US ALL SEND REGARDS BE GOOD AND ENJOY THE FOURTH LOVE AND KISSES VIOLA A MINICK 9P Answered
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[page 13] Going "over" There. July 6th 1918. Saturday At exactly 4:05 A.M. This morning we started seaward. I thought we were off. But we moved about 3 miles out of the Harbor and Halted. This I found out later (was because we had to await the remainder of our Convoy. There are at the Present writing About 8 big Commercial Steamers that have joined us. At 11:15 A.M. we start for "Over There" There are fourteen Ships in our Convoy including the Cruzier & Colorado) The Big Empress of Russia is one of the Ships we have a few (3) Torpedo Destroyers and an [airplane] along as Guards. This is a beautiful sight. But rather exciting To think that a large a convoy as this will ever get accross without a Hun Sub" getting at us. Here's Hoping of course they don't. Lt. Bailey, Lt. McKay, Lt. Tongate and 239 Men in Co. K. This date. some are beginning to get sick already. We have had our first boat Drill already. (preparedness")
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[page 14] "Sailing Along" July 7th 1918. Sunday I arose pretty early this morning. (6:25) Had a wonderful sleep last night. A very good breakfast and was as hungry as a Lion. It was real foggy this morning and it was impossible to see half of our Convoy. The weather otherwise is beautiful. Lt. Bailey, McKay and Tongate are all seasick. Tongate the worse. I feel fine. and am enjoying the trip wonderfully. so far we have seen no Hun Subs. Our [airplanes] which started out with us has returned to town. I have spent most of the day riding up on the Deck, and I sure do enjoy the Ocean Breeze. I have written 3 letters home but of what use no place to mail them and suppose I will have others to destroy if There are and Censor rules to comply with. All the postals which were to be mailed in [New Jersey] were left aboard the ship. another Bonehead Slipped. Which was a bad Slip.
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[page 15] "Scotian Life" July 8th 1918 Monday Today is another wonderful day. weather is beautiful and what is more pleasant than to sit out on Deck and smoke and read. we have had to boat drills today. which means when the Major's whistle blows every mans on board the Ship speeds to his place. The lifeboats are lowered and the roll is called. a sub will have a time getting us all for we have it down Pat" Censoring rules were given out today. I destroyed the letters I wrote. Major Finzer is in Command of our Boat being senior Officer on Board. Our Colonel and the 1st Battalion is on another ship. we have a Piano on the Ship and music is plentiful which we all enjoy especially at night when one cannot see much from the Deck. Lt. Tongate is Some sea Sick Boy and he hits the Railings & feeds the fishes Pretty often. So far I feel fine. And hardly think I will be sea sick at all.
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[page 16] Boat Drills and Life Belts July 9th 1918. Tuesday what a wonderful Sleep I had last Night. So wonderful that I missed My breakfast with the rest. But finally got a waiter to get me two Eggs and some Toast & Coffee. Feel fine and dandy. Lt. Tongate still a sick boy, "Says" if he evens sees Land, no more boats or Life Belts for him. we have to wear our Life Belts at all times when out Side our Cabins and sleep close to them at night. we are allowed no lights at all after dusk on the Decks not even a cigarette. we sail along under cover of Darkness and the skilful guiding hand of our pilots are wonderful or we would bump into one of our comrade's ships.
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[page 17] Still Sailing July 10th 1918 Wednesday still beautiful weather. am feeling fine. Had Physical drill on Deck this Morning. There are about 100 Canadians on board our ship all belong to the Royal Flying Corps fine Bunch of Lads. This being an English ship Each afternoon tea is served between 3:30 and 4:30 P.M. supper at 6:00. we have to set our watches up about 25 Minutes each Morning. There is something like 5 hours difference in time between [New York] and London, England. No Subs so far. Not Even a Scare. Hoping we have None wrote Several Letters today. Lieut Fortune has been appointed Censoring Officer. This is our fifth day out from Hoboken Lt. Tongate Still Sea Sick. Bailey McKay about over it. we are now in the south Seas. pretty weather
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[page 18] In the South Seas. July 11th 1918 Thursday Somewhat cooler last night Had a fine sleep and am feeling fine this P.M. we had a fine entertainment last night in the Dinning room. Rumors were out that there was a collision over to our right last night. Nothing official could be gotten. Today I preferred charges against 31 of My Non-Commissioned officers - which I hated to do of course. But Military reasons demanded it be done to the predjudice of good order and Military dicipiline.
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[page 19] Sailing Yet" July 12th 1918 Friday. Little rough this Morning Had our usual routine of Boat Drills & Physical Drill nothing of interest has happened. would Like to See Land as My ride is getting old. But think 3 or 4 More days will settle it
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[page 20] Entertainment" Aboard. July 13th 1918 Saturday Sea some what rough but so far no Seasickness for me. Usual routine of Duty - Drills & etcs. Tonight we are having a entertainment in the Dinning room for the benifit of the Seaman's Orphans at Liverpool England.
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21st July 1918. Extract 8. In compliance with verbal instructions of the Commanding General, [ms illegible] of Supply, Amer. E.F., the undermentioned organization will entrain at [ms illegible], at 17:00 Hours, 21st July 1918, proceeding therefrom to Foulain [ms illegible] Haute Marne), reporting upon arrival to the Commanding Officers, at that [ms illegible] Captain C. J. Minick in command. [ms illegible], I. 4 and 196 K. 5 and 217 L. 6 and 220 M. 6 and 208 Staff 2 Med. Det. 3 and 15 TOTAL 26 and 858 31-873 Forseen delays enroute will be promptly reported by wire to the Commanding [ms illegible] U.S. Troops at point of destination, such report in all cases to include [ms illegible] time of arrival. [ms illegible] any car, or cars, belonging to troop train be set off at any point for [ms illegible] the Commanding Officer, of such train will before leaving such point, [ms illegible] fact, by telegraph to car record Officer at Tours, giving number, [ms illegible] contents and destination of each car. [ms illegible] immediately upon arrival at destination, the commanding officer of organization [ms illegible] herein will report date of arrival by wire to HEF. If local conditions [ms illegible] that this telegraph report cannot be make, the same will be forwarded by addressed to the Adjutant General. GHQ, AEF., and marked "RUSH". The quartermaster Department will furnish necessary subsistence. The Transportation Department will furnish the necessary transportation. The Journey herein directed is necessary in the public service. By Command of Brigadier General Coulter.
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[page 21] July 14th 1918 Sunday weather still good. The show last night was fine a Hospital Corps Man gave a fine talk over $100 was taken up in the collection. Everything going nicely. No accidents just the usual routine of Duty on board the ship.
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[page 22] July 15th 1918 Monday Nothing of interest today all is O.K. Not Sea Sick.
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[page 23] Near The Irish Coast. July 16th 1918 Tuesday we were met this Morning by six Submarines (at 11:30) we are near the Irish coast & in the most dangerous waters of our trip. Everything O.K. we expect to land at [Glasgow] Scotland probably tomorrow Men were ordered to Sleep with Life Belts on last night oweing to the danger of Hun Subs.
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[page 24] Land in Sight. July 17th Wednesday This Morning I arose bright and early, To find land in Sight - welcomed by all. We are in That wonderful river the "Clyde" One of the largest ship building centers in the world - and I guess it is for both Sides of the river for miles we could see nothing but ships under construction all Sizes and Kinds. we arrived in [Glasgow] Scotland at 6:00 P.M. Docked - Got Permission here to go up town and cable wife - Message - Safely Overseas well - Love - went back to Docks and we stayed all night at the harbor and aboard the ship. we are to unload early tomorrow Morning and entrain for [Southampton] England.
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[page 25] Landing in [Glasgow] Scotland. July 18th 1918. Thursday. This morning we unloaded off the Scotian at 7:15 A.M. and marched about ½ mile to station and were loaded on box cars and left [Glasgow] at 8:40 A.M. via North British Railroad Company. we arrived in [Southampton] England at 10:30 P.M. (18th) we came through [Carlisle] England. This is our first trip the French cars. French Style (Soldat) of traveling (Chaveaux & Hommes 40) from [Southampton] (where we detrained.) we hiked to "what is called" a rest camp." But we gave it a different name soon after arriving. Here all the men got to Bathe. we leave here Tomorrow. Officer's were quartered in Huts and had his meals at the Officers Mess. Here I got all My American Money changed into French Currancy (Soap rappers) is the name we gave the paper money.
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[page 26] [Southampton] England. July 19th 1918. Friday we left this rest camp at 3:30 P.M. this date for the Docks at [Southampton], England and embarked on the Steamer "Viper" and set sail for "Fair France" It took us 11 hours to Cross the English Channel" and she was a rough Old Channel. I am in command of 3rd Battalion.
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[page 27] "Fair France. July 20th 1918 Saturday at 5:00 A.M. This morning the steamer "Viper" Have in sight of the Docks at [Le Havre] France. and unloaded and marched too another (So Called) Rest Camp. Here the Officers were Billeted in "Small Huts" The men were quartered in Tents. We ate at a Y.M.C.A. Hut. we leave here tomorrow. So anyone can see where they get the Name "Rest" out of a camp where you only get a few Hours to yourself.
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[page 28] [Le Havre] France. July 21st 1918. Sunday First good nights rest for several nights. we Leave here at 3:30 P.M. today for Foulain Dept. of Haute Marne) Co's I, K, L and M. Med. Det. 26 officers and 858 Men. This is our 2nd "French Ride" Box cars again But that is all there is here to ride in. We stopped at Mantes for our first meal and were furnished with our first French coffee. Plenty strong enough to walk But welcome as the Flowers in May. I am in Command of Train. Special Orders 197. 1st Rec'd after arriving in France. Train following had a collision last night - Killing 1 Officer and 7 Men of the 362 Infantry.
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[page 29] Versailles, France. July 22 1918 Monday we are having fine weather and rather pretty Scenery. we have passed through Versailles. Had a 5 minute stop there. The [airplanes] are thick as birds overhead can see 15 & 20 in a bunch. We are having some trouble getting water as all water has been pronounced bad and must be chlonated. we expect to arrive at Foulain early tomorrow. The wheat crop looks fine in this Section of France and in fact about all that one sees in the line of Grain no Corn at all, Lots of Hay some oats. The railroad ticket for 25 Officers and 857 Men
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[page 30] Meuse France. July 23rd 1918. Tuesday Instead of stoping at Founlain we continued on to Meuse France arrived at Meuse at 8:30 A.M. Co's I, K, L, M and Medical Detachment. I am still in command of the Battalion. Lt. J.C. Fortune Adjutant Lt. Bailey commands Co. K. Capt. Scuder Co. I. Capt. Naftgager Co. M. Capt Potter Co. L. we unloaded and the General (General Foltz) Gave me a Me. map and told me to proceed to [Sarrey], France. He left. I finally found our road and we started out. It was raining and rather cold we Hiked through [Montigny le Roi] to [Sarrey], France and were billeted. Regimental Hq's. and the 1st Bn. are at Chauffort France. 2nd Bn. at Is-En-Bassigny, France Co. C &D of 1st Bn. are at Epinant France.
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Headquarters 3rd Battalion Sarrey, France July 24, 1918. (First Order by Me. Please do not destroy.) Extract General Order No. XXI. 1. The following regulations for the government of troops billeted in Sarrey are hereby published for the guidance of all concerned: (a) Cafes will be open to troops for sale of light wines and beers during the following hours: 1:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Absolutely no drinking of other intoxicants will be permitted and all cases of intoxication will be summarily delt with. Wine or beer purchased in cafes will be used on the premises and not carried away in bottles or other receptables. (b) All ranks are cautioned that property of all kinds belonging to French inhabitants must not be interfered with in the least degree. This includes wood, stock, fruit, vegetables, trinkets and other property. (c) No buying of food of any kind will be permitted. All men must depend on their company messes. (d) All water in the village is suitable for drinking except that otherwise placarded. (e) Extreme care must be taken to avoid fire. No open lights will be permitted in billets or quarters. (f) All men will be required to wear blouses outside of quarters after retreat and at all times when outside of quarters, to present a clean military appearance. (g) Pending the issue of a formal list of service calls, the following list will obtain: REVEILLE: 1st Call 5:45 A.M. Reveille 5:55 A.M. Assembly 6:00 A.M. MESS CALL 6:15 A.M. OFFICERS CALL 11:30 A.M. 1ST SERGEANTS CALL 11:45 A.M. MESS 12:00 M. INFORMAL GUARD MOUNT 4:30 P.M. RETREAT: 1st Call 4:45 P.M. Assembly 4:55 P.M. Retreat 5:00 P.M. MESS CALL 5:15 P.M. TATOO 9:00 P.M. CALL TO QUARTERS 10:45 P.M. TAPS 11:00 P.M.
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July 24, 1918. Extract of General Order No. XXI (Con't) (h) Reveille and retreat formations will be by company in a central location with reference to billets assigned to each company. Uniform--blouses with rifles and side arms. (i) Company commanders will take up all ammunition in the possession of troops. Ten rounds (10) per man will be issued to men going on guard and taken up when marched off. (j) Company Commanders will turn in to Battalion Headquarters a list in detail of billets occupied, number of men in each case and the name of N.C.O. in charge and keep this list correct to date by means of BILLET MORNING REPORT. This report to be furnished in duplicate. (k) All officers will improvise cards or signs to be placed near the billeting board in the house in which they are billeted. 2. All officers concerned will be held strictly responsible that officers and men of their organizations are acquainted with the provisions of this order. 3. Barrels for the reception of refuse from kitchens will be furnished to each company by the local authorities. By arrangement with the Major, these barrels will be removed and replaced with empties in the hours designated later. 4. All enlisted men will remain off the streets and in their billets between 9:00 P.M. and 5:45 A.M. except when on duty or for a necessary purpose. 5. All mail will be censored by Company Commanders and submitted to Battalion Headquarters. 6. All Companies will furnish one runner to report to Battalion Headquarters by 8:00 A.M. daily. 7. All calls for drill will be noted on drill schedule. 8. Morning Reports will be submitted to Battalion Headquarters not later than 9:00 A.M. Capt Minick By Order of Captain Minick J.C. Fortune 1st Lt. & Adjutant 3rd Bn.
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[page 31] [Sarrey], France. July 24 1918. Wednesday Today we are straightening our billets up. I have a fine little room with all the comfort of home - Except my ----- a fresh vase of Roses to meet my eye on entering the room. In the afternoon we started in on a Schedule. Establishing Liasion with the near by towns. Epinant, Chauffort, and [Is-en-Bassigny] General Foltz was through our town and stopped and had a talk with me on what we should be drilling in I like my place fine where I am quartered.
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[page 32] [Sarrey], France. July 25th 1918. Thursday we are still on Liaision work & a Regular Routine of Duty - [Sarrey] is a very old town very small and quaint old French People. No young people at all. Today I received my first mail from the States from my Wifie! wrote Letter #5 in answer. This place sure needs a policing and guess where the doughboys get through with it. It will be fairly clean anyway. Lt. Fortune and I trying to learn French. Some job it will be and hardly think I ever will be able to say more than two words "Oui" Non."
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[page 33] [Sarrey], France. July 26th 1918 Friday General Foltz was around to see me again. Everything going nicely. Town begins to look fairly clean. Like my place fine and each evening when I come in a Fresh vase of Flowers greets me with all fragrance of Home Sweet Home The weather has been fairly good.
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[page 34] French Life" July 27th 1918 Saturday Our first inspection in France. Town looks fairly Good. Have not received any more mail from wifie. I am still in command of Battalion.
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[page 35] First Sunday in [Sarrey]. July 28 1918 Sunday Our first Sunday in [Sarrey]. This morning Chaplain Bronson this regiment held Services in my Co. (Co. K's) Kitchen at 10:00 A.M. 3 officers including myself and about 40 men were present. All officers are to meet at Chauffort France (Reg. Hq.) at 7:00 P.M. (9:15) First time all have been together since we left Camp Merritt, [New Jersey]. Now for a letter home which will be No. 6 and a nice little flower inside with it.
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[page 36] [Sarrey] July 29th 1918 Monday Commencing drill - Like Camp Lewis only have more Spirit I think for we know we are going to get in a fight before many months. No News from home 31 N.C.O.'s Reduced to pvts. These are the ones I tried on our way over. I have only one (1) N.C.O. in the Co.
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[page 37] [Sarrey] July 30th 1918 Tuesday We are having beautiful weather. Just like Summer in California. we are getting ready for a 17 mile Hike tomorrow morning. Regular Routine of Drill.
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[page 38] Hike" July 31 1918 Wednesday Today on our hike we halted at 11:30 for a hour's rest and to eat Lunch. Lt. Fortune and I had forgotten our lunch and decided to go to a farm house to see what we could get. Never will I forget it. The old French Lady fixed us up with Some Salad and other stuff. Got our first Mail from the States for the Companies - None for me - Somewhat disappointed.
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[page 39] Montigny Le Roi, France. August 1st 1918 Thursday Today I borrowed a bicycle and rode to Montigny Le Roi About 6 miles from [Sarrey]. By way of Epinant where Co.'s C and D are. Made out my first pay voucher in France tonight. No news from home yet. usual routine of Duty.
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[page 40] France. August 2nd 1918 Friday This morning I went out and fixed up a target range, used cans and every thing else for targets. It has been raining all day. still no news from home.
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[page 41] Still in [Sarrey], Maneuvers. August 3rd 1918 Saturday Today we had a Battalion problem which lasted all day. It is the first on this side and was pretty tired when we came in.
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[page 42] August 4 1918 Sunday My First letters came today 6 of them, and So glad to get them. In fact the best news I ever had. wrote letter #14 in Answer weather is fine.
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[page 43] August 5th 1918. Monday. Fine weather today. But I don't feel so very Good Had 3 more letters from wifie and they were Sure welcome - Letter #15 written in Answer.
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[page 44] Rainy France. August 6th 1918. Tuesday It was cloudy all Morning and this afternoon it has rained hard. I got what I call soaking wet. was coming Chauffort France. Major Farwell takes command of the Battalion and am "Glad" too. Got a letter dated July 9th from wifie wrote #16 in Answer. we have been assigned post office number 776. -
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[page 45] August 7th 1918. Wednesday Today we have been out on an all day hike. Am somewhat tired. Just received my first pay check in Francs which ammounted to 714.25 2cs. There was no mail from home today. wrote #17. Very pretty weather. Drilling and manuvering every day. But we need it if we expect to Drive" Huns later.
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[page 46] [Sarrey], France. August 8 1918 Thursday very beautiful day and beautiful news" Received Special Order No. 8. Hq 91st Div. Par. 2." Regular Routine of Duty. went over & talked with Lt. Tongate till bed time failed to write home.
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[page 47] More Maneuvers August 9th 1918. Friday Today we had a Brigade Maneuvers Co.'s I & K were the assault Companies. L. & M in support. we hiked and imagined we drove Huns back for about 8 Kilometers and then returned making about 20 Kilos in the round trip. Notification on S.O.S. Par 2. Still having good weather
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[page 48] August 10 1918 Saturday well I stayed in this morning and this after-noon I rode to Montigny Le Roi with Major Farwell & Colonel Davis. All is well. Lt. Bailey Lt. McKay and Lt. Tongate were in Montigny in the after-noon. All indications are that we are preparing to leave here soon for the front. wrote letter #19
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[page 49] Salvage. August 11th 1918 Sunday We are still enjoying beautiful summer weather. wheat crops are all in the Shock and every thing is beautiful. The french farms from a distance look like a large checker board. Fields are all small and most generally Square. Some times you will see a wheat field then a field of Grass and a hay field all a different Color and it is rather Pretty. My Co. is at present about 600 yards out of [Sarrey] quartered in some long French Billets. we are feeding good and all is going well. Today we received orders to Salvage (turn in) all extra clothing. Pack our trunks and have them ready to be sent to Meuse France where they are to be Stored till we start home. Letter #20.
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[page 50] Preparing for Action. August 12th 1918 Monday Today we have worked hard getting our property fixed up so we can leave here at any time. We are still having fine weather. No News from home. Letter 22 home.
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[page 51] August 13, 1918. Tuesday Today we had a Regimental Hike of about 12 Kilos we visited a very old French fort just East of Chauffort, France. Got back to [Sarrey] rather late in afternoon wrote Letter 23 home. No News from home.
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[page 52] August 14, 1918. Wednesday Regular routine of duty. I am still trying to learn French but no progress. fine weather. Letter 24 home
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[page 53] August 15, 1918. Thursday Today we packed the remainder of our extra equipment Reformed our Company. Made 5 new corporals we are ready for the Huns. Fine weather. no news from home. Letter 25 home.
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[page 54] August 16th 1918. Friday Rumors floating around that we leave here soon. find weather. Today we had a Brigade problem. which took us close to Montigny Le Roi. Nothing to do here in the evening but censor letters and that Keeps 4 officers busy about a hour each evening.
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[page 55] August 17 1918 Saturday Today I umpired a Brigade problem in morning and in after noon was on a Regimental Problem. How to take German machine Guns Had 3 letters from home. wrote Letter 26 in Answer. All is well. still in [Sarrey] fine weather. Lt. Rodgers left Co.
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[page 56] August 18, 1918 Sunday This morning after an inspection of Rifles & equipment and men Lt. Bailey & I borrowed two bicycles and rode to Nogent France which is about 10 miles from here. Had a fine time. But sure am sore over the ride - visited the Y.M.C.A. There and Started back about 4:30 P.M.
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[page 57] August 19, 1918 Monday Regular routine of Duty. Fine weather - no news from home.
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[page 58] August 20, 1918. Tuesday Today we had a Regimental problem - Between Chauffort and [Sarrey]. A 362nd Inf Officer as umpire and he sure made us wear our Gas Mask through it all. Fine weather.
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[page 59] Is-En-Bassigny France. August 21, 1918. Wednesday Today our Battalion marched to Is-En-Bassigny, France where the 2nd Bn. is Billeted and we had a field meet. Compititions in adjusting Gas Masks Catching & Sending Semaphore Shooting - Automatic Rifles and rifles, pistols Bugler compititions and to end it all - To Catch a French Greased pig which was great fun.
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[page 60] "Shows" August 22 1918 Thursday Today we had another Brigade Problem. Tonight some of the boys of 361 put on a show at [Sarrey] which was great and was enjoyed by all Letter #30
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[page 61] August 23 1918 Friday Fine weather. Tonight the officers 361 gave a Regimental Banquet at Nogent. we went by way of Trucks from [Sarrey] - A fine time was had by all. General McDonald Col. Davis French-Captain Champion & Lieut Gibert Guests. Reached [Sarrey] at 2:30 A.M. 24th All had a great time.
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[page 62] opposite page for 24th August 25th 1918 Sunday Nothing of interest Went to Church, Chaplain Bronson. Had a letter from home wrote #32
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[page 63] opposite page for 25th. August 24th 1918. Saturday Regimental Maneuvers near Chauffort, France. Still in [Sarrey] Good weather Lots to eat and a fine place to sleep. No news from home - Letter #31
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[page 64] [August] 26th 1918 Monday This after noon we start out on an all night maneuvers - near Mandres France. will return tomorrow.
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[page 65] Mandres France August 27th, 1918 Tuesday yesterday we Hiked to Mandres and started in to advance on Montigny Le Roi. was out all night and most of today am all in. Rather cool last night we made about 20 Kilos over Plowed ground and through woods over hills and down valleys.
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[page 66] August 28th 1918. Wednesday Today there was no drill Rested all day wrote letters and cleaned up. Had a good bath. #34.
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[page 67] August 29th 1918 Thursday Regular Routine of Duty. Fine weather.
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[page 68] August 30 1918 Friday Brigade Problem all went well. Fine weather. Had mail from home. #36 in answer.
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[page 69] August 31 1918. Saturday Brigade problem near Montigny Le Roi. out all day - pretty warm. #37 Letter.
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[map]
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[page 70] [September] 1st 1918. Sunday. Division problem. we went to Mandres. after reaching there we received a rush order to return to our billets as we were to leave Soon for the front lines. Same noise when that was heard. My Co. reached [Sarrey] at 12:40 in the morning.
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[page 71] [September] 2, 1918. Monday. No Drill. Preparing to leave here tomorrow. Fine weather only pretty warm. Got some mail from Home. Also Letters from Orville & Dollie. All fine and dandy. Every thing Let ready to go when the word comes.
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[page 72] Leaving [Sarrey] France [September] 3rd 1918 Tuesday. Left [Sarrey] France for Chillendry, France. Hiked about 14 Kilometers and bivouced. Hike to Chillendry to far for one day. we are camped near [Neuilly], France. I Stayed in Town.
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[page 73] Chillendry France. [September] 4, 1918. Wednesday This morning we broke Camp & was on our way arrived at Chillendry at 10:30 A.M. went into Camp near rail head to await entraining. It is raining here to beat the Band and the ground is Soft.
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[page 74] Chillendry France. [September] 5 1918 Thursday Rained all night we are sheltered under our "Pup" tents for the first time in France as a Regiment.
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[page 75] [September] 6 1918. Friday Five years ago today I started my military career. we had very little Drill today Men were all out getting a good foot bath in a creek or canal rather. and the ground is Soft. we are to leave here at 57 minutes past midnight Lt. Burke a Capt. Today. Just got word that I am to take command of Co. G" and Capt. Burke takes Co K." Hate to change for I Know old K Co. will be good fighters and we expect to be into it Soon took command of Co G at 11:30 P.M. we leave here for [Mauges] France.
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[page 76] Traveling in Box cars [September] 7 1918 Saturday Traveled all morning in Box cars 38 and 40 men to the car. arrived at [Mauges] France and was billeted here. at 12.00 noon went to salvation army Hut and had some Hot Cakes.
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[page 77] [Mauges], France [September] 8th 1918. Sunday Little cool here - Today we had a Battalion problem. we are pretty close to the front and German planes have dropped bombs here before we came in the day time no men are allowed on the streets at nights all lights are [camouflaged]
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[page 78] [September] 9 1918. Monday Battalion problem rained last night. Still Pretty cold.
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[page 79] Leaving [Mauges] [September] 10th 1918 Tuesday. we leave here tonight under cover of Darkness. at 9:30 P.M. we left [Mauges] and hiked 14 Kilometers and went into [bivouac] under cover of woods 5 Kilometers from Vacon and Near Bovec France. Beaucoupe" Rain and Somewhat cool. Jim Paries a find Lady Company Runner. Hq. Group. Co. G" [photograph]
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[page 80] Near Bovec, France. [September] 11th, 1918 Wednesday Stay in this woods till 5:00 P.M. and broke camp and went into [bivouac] in woods Near Void, France we are now in Reserve (1st Army) In St. Mihiel Sector can hear heavy artillery action. May German [airplanes] have in Sight. But are Soon chased back by allied planes. Rather exciting here Everything O.K. [map] Reserve on [September] 11th
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[page 83] [Marat la Petite] France. [September] 14th 1918. Saturday after riding all night and hiking 8 Kilometers we are Somewhat tired. we ate Breakfast at 10:30 AM and then went to bed. I had some time getting a place to sleep.
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[page 84] [Marat la Petite] France. [September] 15 1918 Sunday Having fine weather Just a little cool. Tonight we have night problems by platoons - Directions by compass. we can hear artillery and See flashes in the North. But some distance from here.
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[page 85] Leaving [Marats la Petite]. [September] 16 1918. Monday. This morning we had some drill - after Lunch we prepared to Leave here. Left at 8:00 P.M. and hiked 16 Kilometers and went into billets at Neubecourt. Arrived here about 2:00 A.M. 17th Some hike too.
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[page 86] Neubecourt, France. [September] 17, 1918. Tuesday. Stayed under cover all day - Had a fine rest and am ready to leave here Soon. Left Neubecourt at 8:20 P.M. and hiked to a woods - Bois De Courte arrived at 2:00 AM. 18th and went into [bivouac]. (Tents) Lots of rain. Old trench System in these woods which was bombed last night - 16th
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[page 87] Nearing "action") [September] 18th 1918. Wednesday. Stayed in this woods all day under cover and left at 7:30 PM. under cover of woods and darkness and arrived at Parois, France at 9:30 P.M. and was billeted in a Shall torn town - no civilians here. The last two towns we were in had been shelled but this one is worse of all saw an air Battle - we are now getting close to the front in the Verdun Sector about 5 big shells landed in this town late in the evening our first ones to hear "Sing" and it is no music to anyone's ears. at 5:00 P.M. I and my 4 platoon sgts. left Parois and hiked under cover of woods all the way to Bois De Hesse. To locate our position. The Company was brought up later. An old System of Trenches in This woods many Shells landing in woods. we are in our pup tents - on a wooded ridge - many Gas alarms - all False one - But staying Safe - we are 3 miles of front lines - our supply Train Shelled.
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[page 88] Bois de Hesse. [September] 29th 1918 Thursday Staying under cover. Last night there was heavy artillery all night many Gas alarms - But no Gas - To-day we are keeping out of Sight of Bosche Aeroplanes and they are numerous - when one hoves in Sight or hearing - you could hear every one hollow "Under Cover" "Cover" we are having bad weather - But all in good Spirits and saying "Lets Go"
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[page 89] Bois de Hesse. [September] 20, 1918 Friday Today we have done nothing only Keep out of Sight or Aeroplanes and in our tents and out of the rain - our artillery has pulled into the woods - and many French batteries of 75's. Roads almost impassable - mud Knee deep.
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[page 90] [Bivouacked] - Bois De Hesse [September] 21 1918 Saturday Has ceased raining. My company is on the road repairing. Building Corderoy Roads through the woods. Lots of Gas alarms last night. Our Division takes over the Sector. Leaving only a Small Screen of French in front line Trenches.
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[page 91] [September] 22 1918. Sunday To-day we hear that there is to be a big offensive in this Sector Soon - Lots of rain - Light Artillery Action we are in the Forest De Argonne Sector - Verdun Sector The old water jug [illustration] Canteen [illustration] Helmet
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[page 92] Nearing"- Big Offensive - [September] 23, 1918. Monday Rain, Rain - will it ever Stop. we are Still on the road repairing Detail. 1st Lieut Fairchild rejoins Co. from School. My company now has 5 officers My Self - Captain Commanding Co. 1st Lieut. J. T. Fairchild. 1st Lieut. Walter F. Davis - 2nd Lieut. Oliver Voderberg - Battalion Gas officer 2nd Lieut. Uil Lane.
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[page 93] Support Trenches. [September] 24th 1918 Tuesday Under cover all day - Rain Had 3 letters from home [ms illegible: 1 wd] for some time - after dark - we moved up and into the support trenches - we are at the Rendezvous-de-chasse - artillery action light.
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[page 94] Tomorrow - Over the Top" [September] 25th Tuesday 1918 Today more rain - Co-G- under Lt. Lane are cutting trails to the edge of woods where The 1st & 3rd Battalion goes "over the Top" We all get our first glimpse of No Mans Land. Some Sight. our Battalion placed in Division Reserve. The big offensive Starts Tomorrow morning. Some: artillery fighting about 10:00 P.M. the 361st Takes position in front lines 1st & 3rd Bn. in line. On Cote (Hill) 290.
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[page 95] The war begins for the 361 ARGONNE [September] 26, 1918. Wednesday. A more miserable night. I never spent cold enough to freeze, no room to move about to keep warm - and to cold to sleep. we are patiently awaiting our turn at the Hun for revenge. zero hour was 12:00 midnight artillery from all directions broke into the silence of the night The war was on for the 361st Inf. The heavy artillery Guns sounded like the pistons in a huge marine engine. about 6:30 A.M. The 1st and 3rd Bn. went over the top after a heavy barrage of 7 and ½ hours. our Bn. followed at 6:30 A.M. we sure saw some artillery fire. we saw wounded men being brought back and many prisoners. we arrived in "no mans Land - up to and accross what had been the german front line the day before. There was nothing left of it. It was rather difficult to cross the shell holes. Many Concrete Pill Boxes were passed. Our barrage of the night before had certainly been wonderful for "she" had done the dirty work. After crossing "No Mans Land we were ordered to support a Battalion of the 362nd Inf. in closing up a gap that had developed between the 181st Brigade and 182nd Brigade. After advancing through the Bois De Cheppy and Very" we found that they gap had been closed. we changed direction to the right along
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[page 96] edge of Bois De Very (here we ate supper) (Reserve Rations) at the Farm I saw many German prisoners also the first Dead Yanks" One officer - and 3 men and 6 dead Germans from the edge of Bois de Very" Co H rejoined us - (Taking the Very road) Near Very we came under some Rather sharp artillery fire. Here we could see the Battle going on before us. we passed many wounded and Dead. Tonight we [bivouac] near "Very" on the Side of a hill about ½ K north of [Very]. There isn’t much left of Very. all the buildings are masses of ruins. Our front lines have reached the end of Plank road on ridge above death Hallow and are entrenched on opposite ridge - It is raining Sleep is impossible 1st Sgt. Hardy & I are by an old Apple tree which affords little shelter. Montfaucon a city on the top of a bold ridge rooms up - close on our right - This city fell to the 37th Div. on our right. My Company has only one man wounded. Tonight I Showed the Co. How to go thru Barb wire - I put a man cutting wire entanglements - and if it had been left to him - we never would of gotten through So I took wire cutters & went thru. For it was a hot place and no place for a [ms illegible: 1 wd] man.
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[page 6] Communiques ([September]-[October]-[November] 1918) [September] 26. This morning, north-west of Verdun, the First Army attacked the enemy on a front of twenty miles and penetrated his lines to an average depth of seven miles. Pennsylvania, Kansas and Missouri troops, serving in Major-General Liggett's Corp stormed Varennes, Montblainville, Vauquois and Cheppy after stubborn resistance. Troops from other Corps, forcing the Forges Brook, captured the Bois de Forges and wrested from the enemy the towns of Malancourt, Bethincourt, Monfaucon, Cuisy, Nantillois, Septsarges, Dannevoux, Gercourt. The prisoners thus far reported number over 5,000. [September] 27. North-west of Verdun the First Army continued its attack begun yesterday. The towns of Charpentry, Very, Epinonville and Ivoiry were taken. Repeated hostile counter-attacks on Major-General Cameron's corps were thrown back by troops from Ohio, from New Hersey, Maryland and Virginia and from Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. The captured material includes more than 100 guns, of which twelve are heavy calibre, many trench-mortars and hundreds of machine-guns. The number of prisoners has risen to more than 8,000, including 125 officers. [September] 28. The attack begun on September 26 continues to develop successfully. Today our troops, advancing in the fact o heavy infantry, artillery and machine-gun fire, have reach the The fighting spirit of the Yanks was admired by all the spectators. Their fine comradeship, both in the firing line and at rest, their truly fraternal feelings, have conquered our soldiers' unfailing affection. Professional experts, moreover, are amazed to discover with what wonderful rapidity they have adapted themselves to the art of war. The reason is, perhaps, that they entered into the war with deep faith. The Germans, and this is one of their last errors, believed, indulged in the hope that the new
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[page 97] [September] 27th 1918 Friday Some night was last night - Rained all night wet & cold. But this is the life - about 10:00 A.M. our 2nd Battalion was pulled out of Division Reserve and joined the Regiment and went into front lines 1st Bn. on right 2nd Bn on left. E & F Co's. Assault Companies G & H Co's. Support. our Battalion was to Envelope Epinonville from the left. we went "over The Top" about noon, From ridge at Death Hallow. Here many wounded & Dead were lying in the road. Heard Lieut. Paul Smith had been killed. Eclisfontaine had been pointed out to us as Epinonville. Under Sharp Artillery find Machine gun fire we reached the outskirts of Eclisfontaine about 5:00 P.M. and "dug" in. we could see the 37th Division entering Ivory about ¾ of a hour we had orders to withdraw back to our jumping off place. A Bn of the 363rd Inf. covered our withdrawal we entered old Bosche Trenches at Death Hallow. We had attacked Eclisfontaine thinking it was Epinonville. We are in Trenches. Very heavy artillery fire G Co. suffered no causalities in the trenches But Co E had several men gased. [Page 5] Verdun......Sedan Following Corps were engaged in the Argonne-Meuse battle (from left to right) FIRST AMERICAN ARMY Commander-in-chief: General John J. PERSHING. Lt. General J. HUNTER LIGGETT Firs Corps Lt. General J. Hunter LIGGETT. Major General Joseph. P DICKMAN 77th division New-York Major Gen. Robt. Alexander. 28th [division] Pennsylvania Major General Muir. 35th [division] Kansas, Missouri Maj. Gen. Peter E. Traub. 78th [division] Pennsylvania Maj. Gen. James H. McRae. 82nd [division] George, Tennessee Maj. Gen. George P. Duncan. 1st [division] Regular Army Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall. Brig. Gen. F. C. Bamford. 42nd [division] Rainbow Maj. Gen. Clement A. F. Flagler. Fifth Corps Maj. Gen. George H. CAMERON. Maj. Gen. Charles P. SUMMERALL. 91st division Pacific Coast Maj. Gen. William H. Johnston. 37th [division] Ohio Maj. Gen. C. S. Farnsworth. 79th [division] Virginia, Maryland Maj Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn. 32nd [division] Wisconsin, Michigan Maj. Gen. W. G. Haan. 89th [division] Kansas, Missouri Brig. Gen. Franck L. Winn. 92nd [division] Negro Maj. Gen. Charles H. Martin. 90th [division] Texas, Oklahoma Maj. Gen. Henry T. Allen. Third Corps Maj. Gen. Robt. L. BULLARD. Maj. Gen. John L. HINES. 4th division Regular Army Maj. Gen. Mark L. Hersey. 80th [division Regular Army] Maj. Gen. A. Cronkhite. 33rd [division] Illinois Maj. Gen. George Bell Jr. 3rd [division] Regular Army Maj. Gen. Robt. L. Howze. 5th [division] Regular Army Maj. Gen. John E. McMahon. Maj. Gen. Hanson E. Ely. 17th French Corps. - General CLAUDEL. 18th French division. 26th French division. 29th division Maryland and Virginia Maj. Gen. Charles S. Morton. 26th [division] New-England Maj. Gen. Clarence E. Edwards. Brig. Gen. F. E. Bamford. Maj. Gen. Harry C. Hale. 2nd division Regular Army Maj. Gen. John A. Lejune. 7th [division] Regular Army Maj Gen. Edmund Whittenmyer.
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[page 98] [September] 28th Saturday. This morning is bright fighting has started. we are getting reserve rations early and have orders that we go over the Top again today. The Battalion goes out in Same formation as yesterday. Lt. Lane & Lt. Davis have assault platoons In getting into Position in Death Hallow a High Explosive hit in the head of the Co. Killing four of my Co. Headquarters Men. Pvt. Paul Washington, Willie Young, Rowley and Hamlin. These were really Company G"s first Killed and fine fellows they were too. It was a big blow for the Co. But there were many more to follow. we captured Eclisfontaine. Among the wounded was Sgt. Huppman Sgt. Morgan. Sgt. Batson. Pvt. Mitchell killed. and several others. - Off of our Sector. Move to right a little to north of Epinonville and attack again to right of woods. Here we were pinched but by a Co. from the 148th Infantry 37th Division. In the meantime our third Battalion captures Miller Ridge. Majors Miller - Oscar F. and Major Farwell, George W. Killed this after noon. after being pinched out by the 148 Inf. we lay in an orchard north of Epinonville. at dark our Battalion was ordered to relieve the 3rd Battalion.
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[page 99] on Miller Ridge. we moved up via Eclisfontaine and Ex morient [ms illegible: 1 wd]. The 1st Battalion takes position in Bois Communal de Cierges - 3rd Battalion went into Support after being relieved. This was a tough night. we dug in and organized a position Rained hard. no shelter - only "fox holes" I slept in a hole with 3 inches of rain in it. Corporal Carpenter, (Gas Corporal) and My Boy Draper - was my pals for the night. no one in Co. G will ever spend a more miserable night if he lives three Centuries. [photograph] The Two Buglers of Co. G" Draper - Right. Hennesey. Pat. - Left. My Boys Pat will be long Remembered by me over a (coffee) deal in the Argonne.
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[page 100] [newspaper clipping] MEUSE-ARGONNE SAW A.E.F. MAKE MAXIMUM EFFORT C.-in-C. Describes Battle's Three Phases in Report to Secretary Baker OTHER UNITS WITH ALLIES Strength of Army in Europe, Excluding Losses, 2,033,347- 1,338,169 Combat Troops
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[page 101] [newspaper clipping] Continue on 110
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[page 102] Over The Top Some More. [September] 29th 1918. Sunday Today will live in minds of Co. G" Officers and men forever and all of the 2nd Battalion 361 Infantry. The 2nd Bn. held line on Miller Ridge G. Co. Dug in and organized on Bald ridge on left portion of 3rd Bn to left rear. H. Co. on right on edge of Woods E & F Companies in Support. 1st Bn in Bois Communal de Cierges. Regimental and Brigade P.C. at Epinonville. about 8:00 AM the 362nd passed through our front lines. Their Front lines taking a position on ridge immediately to our front about 200 meters. They Suffered Heavy Casualties in taking up the position The 361st Inf. going into Support and Reserve. (2nd Bn) our Bn supporting 362 Inf. from what I can see the 182 Brigade on our left were not having the best luck in the world. we were under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. The 37th Div. on our right did not attack nor advance. on the 29th The Second Bn. received attack orders shortly after-noon. our Bn was to follow the 362 as 500 meters about 3:00 P.M. The 362 front echelons started the attack on Gesnes. we were to take Gesnes & the Heights beyond at all Costs. about 3:30 P.M. Co. G moved out. our formation [illustration]
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[page 103] Crossing ridge after ridge under High Explosive shrapnel, Gas, Machine Gun fire, between Miller Ridge & Gesnes. we were under direct observation. Artillery and machine Guns fire from high ridge beyond Gesnes and from Hill 255. This ridge and hill was wooded. Miller ridge is located between the Bois Communal de Bauling and the Bois Communal de Cierges By 4:15 P.M. the 362nd had suffered very heavily (more than we and we had suffered considerably) the 362nd being somewhat scattered and disorganized (That is their right flank) (In our 2nd Battalion) F & G assault Co's. - (G Co) 1st platoon on right under Lt. Davis. 2nd platoon on left under Lt Lane. Both assault platoons. 3rd platoon under Sgt. Stedham and 4th under - Lt. Fairchild - Sgt. Subia in Suppport. (Sgt. Norguard Sgt. Jamison - Cpl. Johns killed about 5:15 P.M. I sent Major Ward (C.O. of our Bn) a message (cannot advance any further if I am to Keep 500yds from 362nd Inf. They have halted) Major Wards reply. - message written in pencil on bottom of my message. Advance and reinforce the right flank of the 362nd Inf. at once. The Battalion runner brought message to Lt. Lane and he read it to Lt. Davis Lt McKay. Co. F. and Lt. Sweat all in hearing distance of him. Lt Davis had gotten over to Lt Lane. Lt Lane inquired of Bn. Runner (Broughton) if Capt. Minick had Seen the message and he replied yes. This is where the mis understanding came in and a Split in Co G resulted.
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[page 104] (as will be seen later) Lt. Lane directed the runner to me with the message so to be on the safe side. I had never seen the Majors message before Lt. Lane saw it. At this time Lt. Lane saw Amer. troops advancing accross creek and hallow to the left of Gesnes (which he took to be 1st or 3rd Bn. of the 362nd Inf. also a few of Co. H 362nd Inf who he was in Support of was going into Gesnes. Then Lt. Lane & Lt Davis (thinking I had seen the message) and had sent it to them for them to move out and they went. at the start they moved to the left to much. Lt. Davis got mixed up and followed Co. F. - Altho his platoon kept its position presumely awaiting orders from him. This left the first platoon with Sgt. Greenlies in charge. F Co. by this time was pretty badly disorganized. Lt. Lane's platooned moved out and the 4th platoon under Sgt. Subia followed in Support. Lt. Fairchild having been wounded and had remainded behind. I was slightly wounded but Kept up with the Company. The 2nd & 4th platoons under Lt. Lane and Sgt. Subia moved straight north through Gesnes. about this time I received the message that Lt. Lane and Davis had already seem and had moved out on and which they thought I had seen. I sent company runners to the 1st & 2nd platoons to tell
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[page 105] them to move out. I discovered at this time that they had already gone. whereupon I took up the advance with the 3rd platoon a part of the 1st platoon all of the Hq. Groop, inclining slightly to the right and soon had caught the rest of the 1st platoon. we were at this time crossing road & creek that runs East & West through Gesnes or just a little south of the town. after getting into the town (about 6:15 P.M. I found Lieut. Ware of the 363nd Inf & his pioneer platoon. I was the Senior officer at this point on the line so we got busy and organized a line along the hedge & ridge (north) of Gesnes-Cierges road. Running a short distance to left of my left flank were a portion of the 2nd Battalion of the 362nd Inf. Capt. Armstrong was the senior officer at the 362 part of the Line My Line - Left to right. 1st platoon 3rd platoon under Sgt. Jordan. Pioneer platoon 362nd Inf. under Lt. Ware. 362nd Inf. a part of Co. E under Lt. Hoffman 361st Inf. part of the F. Co. Lt Jack Sweat & Lt Hunt. E & F Co's. had stayed in support of Co G till about 8:30 PM and then joined me to hold the town. I had sent message after message back to my major with no reply what to do. So took things in my own hands thinking Major ward was killed so I began to send patrols out to locate some
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[page 106] troops on my right & left. With instructions for all to return with their Reports by 12:30 a.m. 30th. about 9:00 p.m. Capt Armstrong 362nd Inf. reported to me that he had orders to withdraw and wanted to Know what I was going to do - I said - Hold this town for it cost too many men to take it - To give it up. But They withdrew leaving my Small detachment alone. and at 11:30 Some of my patrols reported back with the information no one on our right & left as far as 2 Kilometers being the distance they had gone. By this time I had close to 500 men. Some from 363 Inf 37th Div. Men and 35th Division men who were lost. I decided to withdraw at 1:00 a.m. if no orders came - none came - and at 1:00 a.m. we started back. on my way back I met Lt. Gilbert (Bn adjutant of our Bn) who told me Maj Ward had been sent to the rear. And also said Lt. Lane was north of Gesnes. At this I told Lt. Gilbert to beat it back for Lane and Capt. Smith Regt. Adj. who had gotten to us) led us back to our jumping off place - all - too tired to think. My leg was making it tough for me to even navigate but decided to stick it out. we were on Miller ridge where we went over the top the evening before. now back to where Lt Lane & Davis left me
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[page 107] When the advance started into Gesnes (where the Split came) a part of F Co. with Lt McKay and Lt. Jack Sweat Lt. Davis (Co G) advanced and reinforced 3 companies 362 Infantry Major Hanson 362 Inf was in command They organized the line behind hedge along short road running west from Gesnes. 362nd Inf & That part of F Co. withdrew at 9:30 p.m. after a short time F Co Detached itself from 362 Inf. F Co.'s Detachment was composed of about 54 men. They moved to South and along ridge S.W. of Gesnes halting on ridge & digging in for about ½ hour - Shells were numerous. at this point they met Lt. Hubbel (Regimental Intelligent Officer) Lt Davis & Lt Hubbel located Colonel Wolnough 362 Inf. who stated the 362 was withdrawing under orders. Lt McKay moved still further South along wire Meeting Lt. Betteron of the 2nd Bn. (Bn Intelligent Officer) who asked where Lt. Lane was. Lt. Davis directed him to where he thought Lane was (on the ridge north of Gesnes.) Lt. Betteron calls for Volunteers to go with him - whereupon a Corporal of F. Co. went. Lt. Betteron set out towards Gesnes & that was the last ever seen of him. Lt Lane rejoined he company about 7:00 am the 30th Lt Davis has been wounded and evacuated. The past day and night has been a great one for the 2nd Battalion and some strenouous one too. Lt. Betteron is missing we have lost heavily Learned Lt. Long has been Killed -
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[page 108] In Fox Holes on Miller Ridge. [September] 30th Monday This morning finds us in Fox Holes on miller ridge. We have received some reserve rations Heaving shelling continues. The 37th Division on our right and the 35th Division on our left were relieved today. Capt C. F. Smith (formerly Regtl. adjutant took command of Battalion and was Killed 15 minutes after taking Command He was out locating Co. P.C.'s and had been talking to me. He left to see Co. F. C.O. and had gone only a short distance when he was Killed by a large shell. He was Killed near the "Quary" on Miller ridge. Lt. Gilbert Battalion adjutant was with him at the time. [photograph] cut off from the rest [September] 29th
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[page 109] In the Argonne Forest. October 1st 1918 Tuesday. we are still on Miller Ridge spent one awful night. Heavy shelling all night. Very few casualties no advances made on lines today - Two rolling Kitchens were brought up and we had a our first warm food since the 24th Kitchens are shelled. - Two Bosche planes were brought down just south west of us. fine Fall they had. - "Just to remember." pvt. T. K. Thompson" makes me a cup of "Coffee" [photograph] Wobbe 2 Horbert 3 Batman. 4 Everly. 5 Howarth 6 Benjamin 7 Downing. 8 Long. 9 Tongate 10 Minick. Presidio T.C. 1917. Killed & Wounded In the Argonne. Wounded Batman #3 Tongate #.9. Every #4 Minick #10 Long #8 Killed. This picture was taken during Training Camp. 5 on it was in the Argonne Battle 4 wounded Capt. Minick. Lt. Everly Lt Batman Lt Tongate 1 Killed Lt. John Long. 361 Inf.
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[page 110] Into Bois de Cierges" [October] 2, 1918. Wednesday No advance along lines again today. our Battalion is moveing from Miller Ridge to Bois de Cierges (Just to right of our present position) under cover of wood - after moving the artillery is Heavier than ever we are still in support. [newspaper clipping]
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[page 111] Relief at last. [October] 3rd Thursday. we had two hot meals this date. First aid stations are all full & very busy. Many have been killed in these woods. "Bois de Cierges' Y.M.C.A. on the job for a change at 8:35 p.m. we got a very heavy Barrage of H.E."s and Gas. we were relieved at 9:30 p.m. after 9 days on the front we were going into Corps reserve. Get to woods (Chehemin woods in early a.m. [October] 4th after a long hike and plenty of shelling by artillery. [photograph] Company G's Hq. Groop as it appeared when leaving the Argonne - 4 not present. Being Killed and wounded [September] 29th 1918 From Left to Right 1 Tipps - Runner 1 Draper - Signalman 3 Carpenter. Corpl. Gas N.C.O. 4 Hennesey - Signalman. 5 Madge - Runner. Killed [September] 29th W.A.R. Washington Anderson Rawley Wounded Young.
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[page 112] Bois de Chehemin. [October] 4th Friday. I Mail - 24 letters from home. plenty of rain. HEADQUARTERS 91ST DIVISION 4 October, 1918. GENERAL ORDERS: The following letter which has just been received from the Commanding General, 5th Corps, is published for the information of all concerned. It is a source of great gratification to the Division Commander that the Division in its initial fight acquitted itself in such a credible manner as to bring forth this letter from the Corps Commander: "HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS American Expeditionary Forces France, 3d October, 1918. FROM: Commanding General, V Army Corps TO: Commanding General, 91st Division SUBJECT: Relief of 91st Division. Under orders from First Army, the 91st Division will be relieved from the front line tonight and placed in Corps Reserve. The Corps Commander wishes you to understand that this relief results solely from a realization by higher command that your Division has done its full share in the recent success, and is entitled to a rest for reorganization. This especially as during the past three days it has incurred heavy casualties when circumstances would not permit either advance or withdrawal. At a time when the divisions on its flanks were faltering and even falling back, the Ninety-First pushed ahead and steadfastly clung to every yard gained. In its initial performance, your Division has established itself firmly on the list of the Commander in Chief's reliable fighting units. Please extend to your officers and men my appreciation of their splendid behavior and my hearty congratulations on the brilliant record they have made. [George] H. CAMERON, Major General, Commanding." BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON: H.J. BREES, Colonel, General Staff Chief of Staff. HJB:T
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[page 113] Corps Reserve. [October] 5 Saturday Some place. More Mail and more rain - am somewhat under the weather. My Knee is still troubling me. Today we got our overcoats which were welcome as we had been without them. [map] Old Battle Field. Argonne Forest.
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[page 114] [October] 6th Sunday. same place more rain Lt. Ellis rejoins company. (Stolen.) a picture of a Bursting Shell. Don't "tuch" These are the ones we were dodgeing. [photograph] Just "Davie" All most as mean as he looks. "Wyoming" "let er Buck" Lt. Davis
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[page 115] [October] 7th Monday Lt. Lane's Birthday. we moved to Bois de Cheppy. we thought we were following the 182 Brigade to Billets and Rest. But Lo The 181st Brigade detached from the 91st Division and ordered to take sector in front line relieving a part of the 32nd Div. between the 32nd Div. and the 1st Div. we move under cover of darkness via- Very-Epinonville Eclisfontaine me Ex [Morieux] (later Reg Hq. In position on ridge in Bois de Chene- sec - 1st Bn. Hill 269 - 3rd Bn. 255. in front line - 2nd Bn in support. 362 Inf. [ms illegible: 1 wd] 32 Div. on right 1st Div. Eng. on left. E & G assault Co. H & I support. Relief completed after daylight - 32nd Div. has suffered heavily. To those we left behind REST IN PEACE [photograph] Argonne Forest Taken by my Self
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[page 116] [October] 8th Tuesday. Relief Completed. position organized - Raining hard. Hot Grub gets to us by Carriers. "Lost one can of rice"- Big "shell" Men are pretty well fatigued But are staying with it well. I am still going on one leg. The picture below is that of Death Hallow near Very, France and where we went "over the Top" on [September] 28th 1918. Trench line [September] 27th Line of trenches seen in the back ground was our only cover the night of [September] 27th 1918 near here on the turn of road shown in picture at (Stolen) right. Washington, Anderson, Bawley were killed on 29th of [September] and Several others was wounded including my Self
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Written By Minick C. J. It was the afternoon of October 7th and Camp had been established just long enough for everyone to make such preparations for the night as are always made when camp is set, when the order came to serve supper at 4:30 and be ready to move to the front at 4:45. The kitchen had only just been set and a fire started, moreover there was not sufficient time left to prepare anything except coffee and canned goods but "G" Company was on the road when the Battalion formed and we started for our second trip to the front. When we arrived at Exmorieux Farm the Officers were assembled and told that G Company was to relieve "E" Company of the 127th Infantry. Our guide was a lumbering fellow whose head seemed slightly less dense than an Argonne thicket but after sliding over seemingly endless hours of slippery trails we were led around the West of Bois de LaMorine through its northwest corner and shortly after light had broken on the morning of October 9th we took up a position on the southwest edge of Bois de Chene Sec and the relieved troops had moved out. The Fourth platoon under comand of Lt. Ellis and the second platoon under Lt. Lane were in the advanced wave while the two remaining platoons were in support. The remainder of the day was spent in our fox holes and the rest was only interrupted toward evening by the departure and later return of a ration detail. Toward morning of the second day the ration detail again appeared with hot food and the second trip to the front took on an entirely different aspect. The Company Commander had been called to Battalion P.C. and instructed to relieve B Company who were to move to our left and attack in the morning and soon after daylight on October 10th our advanced lines were moved to the right several hundred yards and forwarded nearly as far. This took us to a trench system on the northeast edge of the woods. The arrangement of platoons remained the same and the new position was taken up under cover of a heavy fog but even so the only casualties we were to receive on this trip in were the six men wounded and one killed as the second and fourth platoons moved down a slope and through an opening in some wire. Toward noon the third platoon was called up into the advanced line because of the fact that connections with the flank companies (F on the right and E on the left) could be more easily maintained by the use of more men but the balance of the day was uneventful. It was nearly dark when the order came to prepare for a counter attack and the line was strengthened by the posting of most outposts and the arrival of a detail with more ammunition for the automatics. Then shortly after dark the Company Commander was called to the Battalion P. C. again and orders for the
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next days advance were issued. Morning came, rations were issued and about 8:00 o'clock we moved to the right for a few hundred yards for a better jumping off position thence north across the west slope of Hill 255 to a position in a ticket along a road west of Fme du Transvaal. Here the G Company souvenir hunters were in their first paradise for a bunch of Boche had just moved from the fox holes nearby leaving everything just as it was and our move from here saw many men equipped with new shoes, German style, and to their packs were added everything from jam to bayonets. We had lain in this ticket enjoying the morning sun for some little time when the order came to move across the road and over the ridge in a direction slightly east of north. When we had reached the top of this ridge the direction was sung more to the west and on the reverse slope of the second ridge (Point 283.80-304.80-Dun-sur-Meuse Map) we were halted for dinner and were not in the support of the 362nd Infantry. Toward the middle of the afternoon we were ordered to advance across a flat to our right oblaque. The Battalion was arranged F and G Companies in advance, E and H respectively, in support and we had only advanced a couple of hundred yards when the word came back that the front lines were held up by many machine guns. Shortly after this we were ordered back to the defiladed position from which we had started. Here the following night and day were spent and shortly after the gas had "blown over" on the evening of October 12th we were relieved and started to the rear. About two o'clock on the morning of October 13th a meal was served when we had arrived at Exmorieux Fme and daylight found us bivouacked with the rest of the Regiment on the flat above.
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[page 117] Trenches [October] 9, 1918. Wednesday. Entered trenches in hallow north of [Bois de Chene-Sec] at edge of woods. Here Lt. Lane & I had another narrow escape while moving into the trenches. Machine gun [ms torn] on us. Corp. Fleckenstain Killled. Pvt Snowed wounded. At this place we were about 250yds from Bosche Lt. Lane had fine bullet holes in his overcoat tail. Lt. Ellis shot through wrist and was evacuated. Lane & I left. 1st Bn. takes Hill 269 after a hard fight. Heard Capt. Burke was killed (Comdg. 3rd Bn) Co's. F & H go up to support 3rd Bn. on Hill 255. [photograph] Entrenched near Presidio.
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[page 118] October 10 Thursday 1918 we attack again today 1st Battalion 361 Infantry 1 Bn of 362nd Inf in front lines 2nd & 3rd Bns. 361st in support. Later Front lines reach ridge near hill 288 and have organized for night. we have just received cans filled with hot supper brought up by ration detail. Lt. Voterbery formly Co G) Regimental mess officer now. [photograph] After the Battle Amex repairing a road near Chateau-Thierry
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[map] FROM VERDUN TO SEDAN
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On both banks of the Meuse our own troops and the French are now pushing the enemy from the scene of the desperate struggles for Verdun. The number of prisoners taken as the result of the day's operations, exceeds 3,000. [October] 10. The enemy has been driven from the Argonne forest, which he had so tenaciously held, and our troops have reached the line Sommerance, Marcq, Chevieres, and opposite Grandpre. Among the prisoners captured to-day, which number more than 1,000, there are one colonel and two complete battalion staffs. [October] 11. On both sides of the Meuse violent counter-attacks and desperate resistance have failed to stem the advance of French and American divisions. We have taken Molleville farm, north of Consenvoye. Our troops have passed through the Bois de Foret and are before the villages of Landres-et-Georges and Saint-Juvin, which is in flames. [October] 12. East of the Meuse heavy fighting has been in progress in the Bois des Caures. On both sides of the river our troops have attained their objectives. The total number of prisoners captured in this sector since September 26. amounts to 17,689. [November] 1. The First American Army continued its attack on the west bank of the Meuse in conjunction with the Fourth French Army on its left. Our victorious troops have already taken and passed beyond Saint-Georges, Landres-et-Saint-Georges, Imecourt, Landreville, Chennery, Bayonville, Remonville, Andevanne, and Clery-le-Grand. Up to the present 3,602 prisoners have been counted, of whom 151 are officers. "As for the American troops, you may tell your people that their soldiers are admirable. They ask nothing better than to go to their death. They can be reproached only with pushing ahead too fast. It is necessary to hold them back, as this is a quality which should not be abused". Marshal Foch. outskirts of Brieulles and Exermont. More than twenty towns and an enormous quantity of material have fallen into our hands. The number of prisoners continues to increase. American aviators have kept command of the air. They have brought down twelve balloons and more than sixty enemy planes, while less than a third of that number of our planes are missing. [October] 2. A partial count of the material captured during the past week shows 120 guns of all calibres, 750 trench mortars, 300 machine-guns, 100 heavy tank guns, thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousand of rounds of small arms ammunition. [October] 4. This morning the attack was resumed west of the Meuse. Overcoming a stubborn resistance, we have advanced our lines from two to five kilometres, carrying Hill 240, north of Exermont, and taking more the enemy the villages of Gesnes, Fleville and Chehery. In the face of heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, troops from Illinois, Wisconsin, West Pennsylvania, Virginia and Western Virginia and regular troops belonging to Major-General R.L. Bullard's Corps forced the ennemy back to the Brunehild positions south of the Bois de Foret. [October] 8. We captured Cornay and against stubborn fighting continued our advance in the Argonne Forest. East of the Meuse French and American troops serving with the First Army made a brilliant attack in the vicinity of the Bois des Caures. The villages of Consenvoye, Bradbant, Haumont and Beaumont have been occupied and the enemy has been drive well beyond them. national Army would not possess the old professional Army's energy: a new deception, as both these Armies are animated by the same spirit. In the last attacks were seen the newest divisions; and these possessed the same dash, the same furia in the fight as those which we had for a long time patiently prepared, and which, in their turn, proved their unerring educators, their magnificent instructors, having with fervid arm transfused the sacred flame. (G. Babin "Illustration" [September] 7, 1918).
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[page 119] Hill 288 & Relief October 11 Friday 1918 Today we made a small advance. Hill 288 has been taken. Captain Heath in command of Bn. Colonel Davis & Lt Voterberg got last returning from from line. But soon returned at 9:00 pm we were relieved & Hiked through mud & rain & Bosche Gas to near [Exmorieux] Fme and found Kitchen. Hot meal at 12 midnight. Some feed.
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[page 120] Hiking Avrecourt [October] 12 Saturday 1918 This morning Bright & early we started on a 14 K hike and arrived at Verrieres-En-Hesse near Avrecourt. Rained & plenty of thin mud [picture] "I have some to tell you that the American people would consider it a great honor for our troops to be engaged in the present battle; I ask you for this in their name and my own. "Infantry, artillery, aviation, al that we have, is yours; use it as you wish. More will come, in numbers equal to requirements. "I have come especially to tell you that the American people will be proud to take part in the greatest and finest battle of history" General [John] Pershing to Marshal [Ferdinand] Foch.
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[page 121] Via Hiking Dombasle [October] 13 Sunday 1918 Hiked to Dombasle about 7 Kilometers - Living in Pup Tents more rain more mud. But mail from home & cigarettes from Y.M.C.A. [poem] MEMORIES OF THE BATTLE OF THE ARGONNE. "THEY WERE LYING DUG IN ON THE HILLS" EAST OF THE ARGONNE, FRANCE, SOME WERE FOREVER STILL, BUT THE REST WERE TAKING THEIR CHANCE. FOUR DAYS THEY HAD BATTLED THE BOCHE, THESE BOYS FROM OVER THE SEAS, FIGHTING AS ONLY AMERICANS CAN, FOR THE CAUSE OF LIBERTY. GESNES WAS JUST OVER THE HILL, AND FULL OF THE DIRTY HUNS, THE KIND THAT HOLLER "KAMERADE, WHILE WORKING MACHINE GUNS. THE ORDER CAME TO ADVANCE, CAPTURE THE TOWN WE MUST, AND THE COLONEL SAID WE'D DO IT TOO, WE'D DO IT BY GOD OR BUST. SHRAPNEL AND SHELL, BULLETS AND GAS, BUT ONLY THE HIT WENT DOWN, FORWARD IN THINNING RANKS THEY WENT, TO THE RIDGE BEYOND THEN TOWN. THIS IS NOT THE SONG OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE, BUT OF ANOTHER HE MAN FIGHT, AND I GUESS THAT RAVINE THIS SIDE OF GESNES, WAS THE VALLEY OF DEATH ALRIGHT, "POWDER RIVER" HOOK EM COW" THIS WAS THEIR WAR-CRY YELL, AND IT MEANS WE'LL NEVER STOP THIS SIDE OF THE FIERY BRINK OF H---LLLLLLLLLLLLL Jim Captain Minick 1918
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[page 122] Eppicourt October 14 Monday 1918 Today we came 14 K.'s men all get a bath. All have shaved & cleaned up. Looks like a different regiment. We do not Know where we are going. Belgique Please do not Remove from here. Jim one Franc value 17.5c
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[page 123] Lovermont. October 15th Tuesday Hiked 15 Kilometers to Lovermont near Voubrecourt [bivouacked] in woods. Large German Prison Camp here. Rained very hard all night. Lt. Lane and I slept in old Barracks in bunks. Dry. I rode most of todays trip (orderly's horse) Have bad case of Trench feet but intend to stick with G. Co. Please do not remove from here. [written vertically] Belgium Money City of Dunkirk
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[page 124] Mussey. October 16. Wednesday we left Lavermont at 8:00 am for Mussey and arrived at 14:30 (2:30) and went into [bivouac] just at the edge of road. It is sprinkling rain I have a place in a house tonight Lt. Lane & I. Indications are that we will entrain here for another front. Lt. McKay Co. F. gives a big chicken dinner. Lt. Lane & I invited - Some feed.
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[page 125] Mussey. October 17. Thursday Today we have been given clothing and more equipment and of course more rain. we are to entrain here for Belgium - Flanders Front at 19:30 (7:30) we were loaded on box cars for Belgium (marked) 40 Hommes 8 Chevous pretty cold. Lt Lane sick.
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[page 126] October 18 Friday Enroute - pass through St. Denis Amiens - outskirts of Paris. Boulogne [Dunkirk], Calais. Rolling Kitchen are set up on box cars Same train. get hot coffee.
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[page 127] Weiltje Belgium. October 19, Saturday we arrived and detrained at Weiltje (Near Ypres) early this morning and went into an old system of trenches am rather sick - no one feels good. This part of Belgium is surely a devastated gloomy looking place walked over hill & took a look at Ypres (now ruins) one a big city. Get some equipment.
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[page 128] De [Ruiter] Belgium October 20th Sunday Today we moved to De [Ruitier] (1 kilo S- of [Roeselare]) about a 12 K hike via Zonnebeke, [Passchendaele] Div. Hq at [Oostnieuwkerke] Brigade Hq at De [Ruiter]. My co. goes into billets. Lt. Lane made officer of Day. I and Lt. Hayes of Machine Co. Have arguement over who would get a billet for our companies. Lt. Hayes counted out. No news from home for some time.
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[page 129] De [Ruiter] October 21 Monday Expect to remain here several days. Lt. Duvall joins Co. G" 6 officers have one room sleep eat & Live in it Small stone to keep warm. Lt. Lane appointed Bn Intelligence Officer. Got some new men more rain. Sick - Passport for Miss Celina Dr Nutt [Sint-Lievens-Esse] Belgium [written vertically in left margin] A city pass - used between towns by Belgiums
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[page 130] October 22 Tuesday Drill Begins - Got letter Dated [September] 14th from wifie - No further news other than well. Later - 8:00 p.m. "Hurrah". An eight pound girl - Both doing fine Love. Lt. Moore brought cable from Regimental Hq. Best news I've had in the A.E.F. Guess I will feel better now. wrote letter home. #1.
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[page 131] October 23 Wednesday. This morning the weather is beautiful. we are attached to 6th French Army and are under the command of the King of Belgium. Letter 2.
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[page 132] October 24 Thursday Reorganized Co. usual routine of drill. Mailed German Helmet to wife. Passport Marie Anchert Bevere Belgium
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[page 133] [photograph] 361st Infantry Band. Guard Mount Co. G" 361st Inf. Sunday [February] 9 1919 Belleme France. [photograph] Three fighting Yanks My self [Missouri] Lt. Davis [Oklahoma] Lt Lane - [Texas]
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[page 134] October 25 Friday. Usual Routine of Duty. Co G officers & M. G. oficers of 363 feeding together.
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[page 135] October 26 Saturday. Beautiful weather - mailed wifie & Babe Xmas present of $100.00 Drilled. Letter #5.
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[page 136] Memorial Day. October 27 Sunday. Today we held our first memorial services in honor of the ones we lost in the Argonne which included 8 officers & 154 Enlisted Men at this date. Beautiful Sermon by Chaplain Biard 361 Inf and Colonel. General orders 22 appears on next pages.
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[page 137] HEADQUARTERS 361st Infantry. American E. F., A. P. O. 776. 27, October 1918. GENERAL ORDERS: No. XXVIII. 1. 1. The 361st Infantry has received its baptism of blood and fire and has fully justified all predictions as to what its conduct would be. It has most creditably upheld all traditions that go towards establishing a worth reputation in any military service. Never once has it faltered. In all tasks assigned to it the regiment has excelled. Never once has it been ordered to advance but what it has gained ground. The regiment still leads. High among the name of illustrous regiments in all the war must be written the name of the 361st Infantry It is with unbounded pride that the Regimental Commander congratulates you one and all; and extends to you, to our wounded and sick as well, and to those who have passed away, his tanks for the splendid achievements of this glorous organization. 2. We are assembled today though not to extoll our successes, but rather in bereavement of our losses. We have paid a high price for our successes, We must today bring back to our presence the memories of our friends and comrades who have fallen in this cause, who have been sacrificed that an inhuman foe might be vanquished and the world made safe for our families and to posterity. They are gone, but what can be sweeter than to be laid away in the consciousness that one has given his very all in a work and in a cause that admits of there being none better, none more righteous in all eternity. We honor our dead, yet the more they honor us. 3. We bring back today the memories of our Miller, Farwell, C. F. Smith Long Paul D. Smith, Morriss, McCarthy, Dillon, and of the others of our illustrious dead. We see them again as they were while among us, upright and stalwart, and brave, struggling to do their duties whatever they were, leading always, encourageing and protecting others, and advancing fearlessly to their deaths. We are lonely without them and we grieve deeply that they must have been sacrificed, they will always serve as examples to us in many, many ways. 4. But at this time and forever, our hearts must go our to their families, to their Mothers, to their Fathers, to their wives, to their children, and to their sweethearts and to their friends. These are the sufferers now. Their sacrifices are the more painful in that they are continuing always. We must ever remember their bereavements and stand ready to assist. 5. Because of the sacrifices of our cause which the regiment has had to make, the government has sent to us officers and men to replace those who have gone. We welcome you to our regiment with all our hearts and souls. We ask you to forget any previous affiliations and to be as organically a part of the regiment as we are ourselves. Our cause is your cause, We are all of the same blood. let your sorrows be our sorrows, and the joys of one be the joys of the other. We must fight side by side, suffer side by side, and rejoice side by side. We must do this as one complete homogenous whole. We welcome you into the 361st Infantry. We are proud of the regiment as we are proud of you--now a part of it. It must be forevermore your pride and love. We are glad that you are here to join in our bereavement and we feel that the souls of these glorious ones who have departed, as strongly welcome you to our own today as we do ourselves. (W. D. Davis.) Colonel, 361st Infantry. Commanding WDD/mov. A True Copy. Capt. C. J. Minick
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[page 138] [telegram] BRD NY 606 KANSAS CITY [Missouri] 27 [September] 30 1918 EFM AMEXFORCE LDN CAPT CLARENCE MINICK 361 ST INFANTRY USA A P O 776 AN EIGHT POUND GIRL BOTH WELL DOING FINE LOVE VIOLA M MINICK Received at De [Ruiter], Belgium. [October] 28th 1918 Just before a big drive. C. H. Moore. Doris Gesnes Minick
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[page 139] October 28 Monday (move orders.) 7th French Army we left De [Ruiter] at 9:00 am and Hiked about 20 Kilometeres and arrived at St. Peters Knock and went into Billets - [ms illegible: 1 wd] I saw my first old time Holland windmills.
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[page 140] October 29th Tuesday 1919. This morning we turned out for drill. will have inspection this after-noon. (warning order) That we would move tomorrow morning. I have a billet in an old time Belgium home. Here the old Style Holland windmills are numerous. and which are used for many different kind of work. [photograph] Just out of Trenches Lane & Minick
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[page 141] October 30th 1918. Wednesday - Left St. Peters Knock at 8:00 am and arrived at [Straat] Belgium at 12 noon. about 12 kilometers we went via Hulste, Bavichore, Oyghem Cross Lys river on improvised bridge at Oyghem. Stopped under cover about noon at [Straat]. Kitchens are with us - Hot meal here. plenty of Bosche [airplanes]. Bombs early in Evening (move orders) moved from here at 8:00 p.m. under cover of Darkness Via Evangelboom and took up a Support possition in Line near Klein-Harlebeke. 361st Inf in Brigade Reserve 2nd Battalion (mine) 361st Inf. supporting 362 Inf. who had taken over lines [October] 29th. Front Lines on R.R. about [ms illegible: 1 wd] K- to our front. we were to follow the Front lines at 1000 meters. French are on our right. 37th Amer. Div. on our left. Brigade & Regimental Hq. at Evangelboom. we got into position late at night. (Remembrances) Corporal Carpenter two (frying Size) chicken & sends back to Kitchen) (Turnips by [ms illegible: 1 wd] acres.) Some Artillery Barrage.
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U.S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE CHECK G From Register At PC Date 31 - [October 1918] Hour 2245 HOW SENT Runner To CO - Co. G Co Commanders assemble at 2 AM 1 - [November 1918] - at BN. P.C. 2nd in command wake company and form same on road alongside BN PC ready to march 3 AM - Order E. G. F. H Leave ration detail behind to bring up rations at earliest possibility. Register 1
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[page 142] "Over The Top." October 31 Thursday 1918 A five (5) minute preparation by Artillery. "Over The Top at 6:05 yesterday the 362 Inf. had lots of fighting and trouble advancing against [Spitaalsbosschen] which was finally taken by 362 Inf. 2nd Batallion P.C. moved to position about 200 M - from (S) of R.R. Near R.R. Station N.W of Heirweg 1.K. we received attack orders tonight - Recinded. Have gotten new supply of Grenades and ammunition A message received from the French [November] 1st. French Troops located on my right. [document] [October] 31-1918 [ms illegible: 4 wds] Will you [ms illegible: 1 wd] at the [ms illegible: 1 wd] who has the commencement of the two french soldiers where is the lest american detachment on my left. after your work I will make the liaison with you. [signature]
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[page 143] The Turnip Top Drive. November 1st Friday 1918" At 6:00 Companies of 2nd Battalion received attack attack orders - Pass through 362nd Inf Lines and attack in direction of Audenarde. we finally located the advanced lines of the 362nd Inf. (dug in along ridge in Southern end of [Spitaalsbosschen] woods parallel to and about 1 ¾ K from R.R. Near road forks point .50 They gave us but little information Lt. Lane with patrols to our front could find no Bosche. we were able therefore to form our companies for the attack from a column of Squad formation. My Co. & E Companies were the Assaulting Companies. G on Left. H. & F support. Co. C. (under Lt. Huddleson) Liasion on our right (combat) our 3rd Bn. were supposed to be in Front Lines on our left But were late getting into position. our co right flank co. of Bn. Guided on high church Tower in the Town of [Wortegem] we captured [Wortegem] without a Shot. The inhabitants were a happy lot and gave us apples milk and Sandwiches of all Kinds. Beer to the men. so far we had had no opposition not even artillery fire. we moved right along and finally decided a 10 minute rest was what we always took when we were on a hike and so we sit down for a 5 minute Rest. which was appreciated by all.
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U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE From Regatla At P.C. Date 22 [November 1918] Hour 15 HOW SENT Runner To Register to G - At least one company will be left behind to keep up active partrolling of Audenarde. Every effort made at Audenarde to keep it free of returning Germans careful liason both lateral and to the rear must be mantained at all times Register
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[page 144] After the "rest" we moved out & had gotten on the ridge bettween two big windmills just north of petegrustraat we were held up by a heavy Machine gun fire. This was about 11:35 A.M. The 363 Inf had crowded us to the right Some and we were bumping into the Trench on our right. Shortly after-noon (after we had cleared the Bosche Machine guns, we changed directions somewhat to the left. Advancing directly towards Audenarde. Guiding on another tower. Audenarde could be plainly Seen in the distance Also the River [Scheldt] our this (3rd) Bn were now comming up on our left. Bosche Machine Gun Sharp and Artillery a French Machine Gun Co. Near Ekhout, Go three ("Kasellelwijk") (The Chateau"). The Shell fire from accross the river was Terrific before entering Huddegem. We were now in outskirts of Audenarde. we had to wade a ditch which was more than waist deep. Co E on my right had crossed R.R. track and was up to marshy ground along River [Schelt].
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Sir I am in relation with you. The section that is charged of the mission is commanded by the 2nd Lieutenant Paramella in 42nd French Infantry Regiment. This section is [ms illegible: 1 wd] about 700 yards north of the w of Harwede [ms illegible: 1 wd] at 1/20000. Will you make know to me if you are always in relation. In case of attack, we must walk in the same line as us. 2nd Lieut. [signature] Commandant the 3rd Company of the 42nd Regiment [ms illegible: 1 wd]
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[page 145] The "[Scheldt]" or "[Escaut]". Audenarde lay in the 3rd Battalion sector. we had reached our objective. we Captured a piece of Bosche Artillery (a whiz Bang) at Huddegem. our Bn. got as far as Bevere. (Left Flank) (My co.) This at 3:00 p.m. and organized ground for night. Lt. E D Duvall & I only officers left with Co. 3rd Bn. sends patrols into Audenarde to clean out Snipers Left behind. we have advanced 9 ½ Kilo-meters today. (2nd Bn Line) Right Flank along road and about half way (south) between Huddegem & Petegem. Co. C. on right of Co. E. French on right of Co. C. our Left. (my Co.-‘G") along line -n- and E Side of R.R. From Huddengem East about ¾ K. With Co. A 347th Machine gun Bn. (attached to Co G) on either flank. 3rd Bn. organized on line from cross roads N of Huddegem-running N-E. 363 on their Left. then 37th Div. our 1st Bn. is in Support. 2nd & 3rd Bn have lost several men. Co. G-7 men wounded none Killed. Lt. Lane Knocked off a Bridge by shell & bruised up some sprained Knee. Nothing to eat today. Colonel Davis and Capt. Hughes Killed today. Same Shell gets both. Colonel Cummings takes command of 361 - Slightly wounded my self at about 4:30 pm by High Explosive. Can hardly hear anything - but intend to remain with Co.
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[U.S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE] From Regita #1 At PC. Date [November] 2 Hour 7:00 No. 5 HOW SENT Runner To Register to G- If possible [ms illegible: 1 wd] one officer to PC at 730 to attend funeral Register 1 Funeral of Colonel W.D. Davis Capt. Hughes
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[page 146] Audenarde Belgium. November 2 Saturday 1918. Heavy shelling all night last night and the most of day. patrols reports all bridges destroyed leading into Audenarde. Foot bridges have been gotten accross by Lt. Lanes intelligence section. Audenarde is a large town. At 7:30 p.m. my Co. (G) took over the Batallion sector. Remainder of Batallion moving to Sunken road behind ridge near windmills. 4 ½ K. south. My Co. P.C. Moved to old Bn. P.C. retain Bn. Buzzer & Telephone lines Lt. Lane & intelligent Section and Lt. Gilbert (2nd Bn Adjutant) remain with me. My right ear still bothering me from yesterday experience in a (Cabinet) facing artillery in Audenarde. Copy of - Translation of a German Document Taken from wounded German officer By the 107th Art. I. Early tomorrow we must be ready to meet a hostile attack. It is therefore ordered that from 6:00 p.m. all Companies will be alerted for action. II. Munitions me be gotten at K.T.K. (Distributing point) at any time. Empty light machine Gun feed boxes must be exchanged for full ones. III. opposite our section lies the 91st American Division. For each prisoner brought in the division will give 18 days extra leave. Signed, Von Buelow II
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24:00 Hour. [November] 2, 1918 From C.O. Co G - patrols in Audenarde Patrols in Audenarde report that machine gun emplacements are located near court house & on Sheifel ridge. My position Same as last night - & one platoon in Audenarde wil patrol [Audenarde] personally tonight - Will report later any news available. C. J Minick - Register Comdg. Co G-" Regita. 14-Message-you 9-[message-] me rec'd. 1:05
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U.S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE NO. 13 SENT BY AR RECEIVED BY CN TIME 1825 CHECK 52 From Register 1 At New PC. Date 2 [November 1918] Hour 1740 No. 45 To CO Co g Register Cooperate with front line company regulater in holding and guarding Audenarde are driving out germans patrols from any point west of branch of [Escaut] River on coordinates 9977.9672.9172 dont hesitate to call for assistance. Register 1 My last Message received. Some job "Eh"
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From Register At PC Date 2 [November 1918] 720 No. 14 HOW SENT Runner To All Co CO Present positions likely to be kept today. Send in all rpts. especially-strength-ammunition and supplies by 10 A.M. Reorganize and establish laison with our own and adjoining units. Keep a line of observation. Rpt. any suitable material for bridge cons. in your area. where possible have patrols out in front - caution concealment at all times. Have men dig in. Designate new leasers where needed. Rpt on whether rations from rear came up last night Register #1.
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[page 147] Patroling. November 3, Sunday 1918 Today I have had some more experience from the hands of the Bosche. As Lt. Lane said or reported. "Capt Minick Blown through a "cabinet" nothing hurt but ears & feelings. Still heavy shelling. Colonel Davis funeral at Wortegem. Buzas - Coulter "Manage" to get us three good meals. Sgt. Confer Sgt. Crandell and Duval & I had some feed. Co. I" Moves into Audenarde Sgt. Stedham has one platoon of Co G" in Audenarde Good reports from him. Bosche planes do plenty of Bombing late this eve. part of 37th Division cross [Escaut] River heaving fighting to our left. we are to be relieved late tonight by French. Lt Duval and 8 men left to bury 2nd row's Dead. Lt. Gilbert leaves me early tonight. Lt Lane & intelligence section to return with me. patrols late in returning from Audenarde and then left 3 men Co. returned via Chateau Ekhout over windmill ridge to Bn P.C. Lane was lost about minutes (burning house changed looks of things for him. Had to cross narrow foot bridge 3 men fell in creek. Bridge Know latter as Lauls Bridge. Sgt. Subia slightly wounded in face by Shrapnel
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[page 148] Back again. No Shells. November 4. Monday 1918 - We arrived at Bn. p.c. about 2:30 a.m. This morning and at 500 am Started to Evangelboom to rest up again - via [Wortegem], Spitaalsbosschen. Regtl. Hq. at Evangelboom. Reached Evangelboom at 11:30 Billeted had two letters from home Last night at 11:00 p.m. Audenarde was gassed by Bosche Killing about 40 Belgiums 8 Men for Citation in 91st Division order for Meritorous Conduct under fire.
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[page 149] Evangelboom. November 5 Tuesday Drill commenced this morning Lt. Lane evacuated to Hospital with wounded Knee. Co. Billeted in 3 large Belgium houses. Lt Duvall returns from Bevere. (Burial Detail)
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9300-FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) HQ 91ST DIVISION. AEF November 7, 1918. GENERAL: ORDERS: No. 38 Capt Minick I. 1. The following expression of appreciation by the Commanding General, Seventh Army Corps (French) of the services of troops of this command during the advance of the Scheldt River, is published for information of all concerned: 7th French Corps. Staff. Special Order. Transported from the ARGONNE to FLANDERS, the 91st American Division has again been thrown into the battle, a few hours after its arrival. Under the energetic influence of its Commander, Major General Johnston, the 91st American Division reached all its objectives on the 31st October and 1st November, with remarkable dash and energy. In spite of the determined resistance of the enemy, in spite of the artillery and machine gun fire which opposed them, the troops of the 91st American Division captured SPITAALS BOSSCHEN by a clever flanking movement, reach the SCHELDT, and penetrated into the town of AUDENARDE, from now onwards delivered from the yoke of the invader. The General Officer commanding the 7th FRENCH Corps heartily congratulates General JOHNSTON, and the officers and men of his division, on the excellent results obtained. When, in a few days time, the battle for the passage of the SCHELDT takes place the 91st American Division will be called upon to furnish a further effort. The brilliant way in which this division has just fought is a sure guarantee that it will gather fresh laurels during the next operations. Hqrs. 4th November 1918. Commanding General, 7th Corps. (Signed) MSSENNET 2. The Division Commander adds his appreciation of the efforts of officers and men of his command to comply with orders received. He warns them, however, that such efforts much continue until the last armed enemy of the United States has surrendered. 3. He especially thanks officers and men of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade for the assistance rendered during this offensive. Infantry units have never been supported more skillfully, nor with more willing and intelligent cooperation, and were those of the 91st Division by the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade and organizations of the French Artillery attached there to. 4. This order will be read to all organizations on the earliest appropriate occasion. BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON: HENRY C. JEWETT, Colonel, Engineers, Chief of Staff. True Copies No 72 Aviation Unit Attached No 73 Baloon Unit attached. WHY 9:50-10:10 OFFICIAL: (D. J. Coman) Major, A. G. d Acting Adjutant GENERAL DISTRIBUTION - and - Hq 7th Corps Hq. 30th Corps H1 French Army in Belgium A. G. A. E. F.
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[page 150] November 6 Wednesday Rained all day. No Drill censored about 700 letters wrote Several home. November 7. Thursday Drilled all day. pretty weather wrote Several letters home - Had Grenade throwing Expect to go back to the front soon.
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9300-FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) HQ 91ST DIVISION. AEF November 7, 1918. GENERAL: ORDERS: No. 38 Capt Minick I. 1. The following expression of appreciation by the Commanding General, Seventh Army Corps (French) of the services of troops of this commandiduring the advance of the Scheldt River, is published for information of all concerned: 7th French Corps. Staff. Special Order. Transported from the ARGONNE to FLANDERS, the 91st American Division has again been thrown into the battle, a few hours after its arrival. Under the energetic influence of its Commander, Major General Johnston, the 91st American Division reached all its objectives on the 31st October and 1st November, with remarkable dash and energy. In spite of the determined resistance of the enemy, in spite of the artillery and machine gun fire which opposed them, the troops of the 91st American Division captured SPITAALS BOSSCHEN by a clever flanking movement, reach the SCHELDT, and penetrated into the town of AUDENARDE, from now onwards delivered from the yoke of the invader. The General Officer commanding the 7th FRENCH Corps heartily congratulates General JOHNSTON, and the officers and men of his division, on the excellent results obtained. When, in a few days time, the battle for the passage of the SCHELDT takes place the 91st American Division will be called upon to furnish a further effort. The brilliant way in which this division has just fought is a sure guarantee that it will gather fresh laurels during the next operations. Hqrs. 4th November 1918. Commanding General, 7th Corps. (Signed) MSSENNET 2. The Division Commander adds his appreciation of the efforts of officers and men of his command to comply with orders received. He warns them, however, that such efforts much continue until the last armed enemy of the United States has surrendered. 3. He especially thanks officers and men of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade for the assistance rendered during this offensive. Infantry units have never been supported more skillfully, nor with more willing and intelligent cooperation, and were those of the 91st Division by the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade and organizations of the French Artillery attached there to. 4. This order will be read to all organizations on the earliest appropriate occasion. BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON: HENRY C. JEWETT, Colonel, Engineers, Chief of Staff. True Copies No 72 Aviation Unit Attached No 73 Baloon Unit attached. WHY 9:50-10:10 OFFICIAL: (D. J. Coman) Major, A. G. d Acting Adjutant GENERAL DISTRIBUTION - and - Hq 7th Corps Hq. 30th Corps H1 French Army in Belgium A. G. A. E. F.
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[page 151] November 8 1918. Friday. Left at 3:00 p.m. and hiked about 3 hours and were billeted in large Square barn not far from Bevere Audenarde. Orders received about [Armistice]. was read to Co. who was a glad bunch. Looks like "peace" is close. But we are going up to front lines tonight to attack. Waalem Fme.
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[page 152] November 9. Saturday. 1918. Left Fme where billetd for front. stopped & were billeted at Bevere. My Co. P.C. in a Belgium Manson. Peace in Sight - But Heavy Atillery Still sails over. [photograph] Thomas Baker.
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[page 153] November 10 Sunday Still at Bevere. Bombs sure dropped close last night. My Co. on labor duty today building bridges into Audenarde - was in Audenarde today - Bosche have till 11:00 A.M. Tomorrow to Sign Armistice Have 50 Fcs. bet that they Sign it. Sleep tonight in a Belgian cellar under my PC. [photograph] Lt. Paul D. Smith Where Lt. Paul D Smith was Buried - a company Flag covers a Large rock at his head on the Road leading into Montfaucon, France Killed in action [September] 29 1918 - about 1:30 P.M. Buried on the Battle field.
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[page 154] "War is Over" November 11 Monday Hurray" I haven't heard a shot since 11:00 a.m. this morning Is the war over - It must be How sweet it is to Stir about without thinking you will be shot by a Hun sniper. we have moved into Audenarde & my Co. is Billeted in a large Convent. Four Stories high and will accomidate several thousand men.
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[page 155] Audenarde November 12 Tuesday Moved from Convent to an old Belgium "pen" (From convent to the pen") (Some fall) fine place people treat us fine. This place was used during the war for French Belgium & German prisoners by the Germans & large enough to hold 2 or 3 thousand men. Our Division Insignia. Div. tree.
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[page 156] Knights of Columbus OVERSEAS SERVICE ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES A.P.O. 776. DATE [November] 11, 1918 No More War. The ruins of Verdun France. [photograph] Taken while visiting the ruins of Verdun on February 24th 1919. By Capt C. J. Minick.
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[page 157] [envelope] Mrs. C. J. Minick 822 St Paul Kansas City [Kansas] Clarence J. Minick Captain 361 U.S. Infantry American Expeditionary Forces. A.P.O. 776. The most appreciated Sight I ever saw while in the American E. F. Allways Welcomed. AMERICAN RED CROSS ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE NAME Capt. C. J Minick American Expeditionary Force [February] 20, 1925 No - Not a Cigarette Coupon [currency] But. Real Belgium Money [tag] AM.EX.F. Knights of Columbus OVERSEAS SERVICE FROM The A.E.F. A.P.O. [776]
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[page 158] Audenarde. Reviews. November 13th 1918 Wednesday This Morning we had a Regimental Review. Reviewing officers - Corps & Division Commander. Cleaned billets and policed area in Afternoon Today a move was made to buy a French war [orphans] - 1000.00 Francs raised by men of Co. G. Two were Taken. Money form order.
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[page 159] Audenarde Belgium November 14 Thursday 1918 This Morning we had 1 ½ hours Drill and the rest of the day was utilized in policing the town - no news from home for several days, fine weather I made a trip to the Highest Church tower in town something over 300 ft. Very dangerous risk as it was almost shot down. I placed my name at the Top among others of every State in the union and almost every country of the land.
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[page 160] November 15 Friday - 1918 Letters from home today a big stack (21) Baby & Wife fine & Dandy. Has been cold here today. [photograph] Bobby My Boy Robertson & Some Fighter. Holding & Winning every fight which he has fought in the A.E.F. not loosing one.
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[page 161] November 16, Saturday 1918 No Drill today - preparing to move. Rumors are it is Berlin Bound. Lt. Davis Returns from Hosp. and we have a time getting him back with Co. G we fiannily made it stick
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[page 162] November 17 Sunday - 1918 attended Chaplains meeting preparing to leave here tomorrow Rumors are still "Germany"
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[page 163] 1 Colonel Cummings. 2 Lt. Colonel Eddy. 3 Major Naftzger 4 Major Dourghty. 5 Capt. Armstrong 6 Capt. Fortune 7 Capt. Page 8 Capt. Minick 9 Capt. Savage 10 Capt. Scudder. 11 Capt Burton. [12] Capt. Trochet. [13] Capt. Angus. [14] Capt. McIntyre Dr. [15] Capt. Douning. [16] Capt. [17]- Capt. Jahaun. 18 Lt. Quinby 19 Lt Brace. 10 Lt. MacKay. 21 [Lt.] Howells [22]-[Lt.] Reis Dr Dentist [23] [Lt.] Valcubine 24 [Lt.] Fairchild- [25] [Lt.] Abel [26] [Lt.] Pfund [27] [Lt.] Sweat. [28] [Lt.] Davis. [29] [Lt.] Evans. [30] [Lt.] Johnson [31] [Lt.] Grey [32] [Lt.] Kellas [33] [Lt.] Hass [34] Martinza [35] Chaplain: Biard. [36] Ellis. [37] Obrien [38] Murray [39] - Lamping. [40] Lane [41] Coates [photograph] Regtl. Hqs. 361st inf. 361st Infantry Officers. Wild West Division. 91st. Belleme, France. [February] 1919 A.E.F.
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[page 164] Still in Audenarde November 18 Monday 1918 Still getting ready to move warning orders received that we leave tomorrow
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[page 165] November 19, 1918 Tuesday going some place. Left Audenarde at 7:30 a.m. Band playing and Regimental Colors flying. Snowed for 1st time Since we left states. arrived at [Sint-Maria-Horebeke] at 11:30 am. we only came 8 Kilometers
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[page 166] Going towards Berlin. November 20th 1918 Wednesday It has been real cold today snow on ground. Co. Drilled this morning. Batallion Parade in afternoon we expect to Leave here Tomorrow.
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[page 167] leave. [photograph] This Picture taken while Company G was mounting Guard at Belleme, France on a Sunday. Taken close to the Theatre used as the Regimental assemby Hall. Bugler Draper in foreground Co. G" Mounting Guard in France
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[page 168] [Sint-Lievens-Esse], Belgium. November 21 Thursday. Left here at 7:50 a.m. Today we have hiked about 21 Kilometers arriving at [Sint-Lievens-Esse] at 3:50 my Co. Billeted with fine Belgium Family - Their First American Visitors But they were sure glad to see us.
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[page 169] Belgium. November 22 Friday 1918 Drilled Some this morning paged Co in afternoon - Warning message to prepare to move. Going Back to France - Good Bye Berlin. we are going back to rejoin the A.E.F. in France. Belgium is liked by most of the men. Fine people
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[page 170] Kerkeen November 23rd 1918 Saturday. Left [Sint-Lievens-Esse] at 8:00 a.m. and hiked about 18 Kilometers arriveing at Kerkeen and were billeted fine People. we only expect to stay here tonight. We are very close to [Ghent], Belgium a Large town. People here are very very Kind & really can't do enough for us. I am in Command of Batallion.
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[page 171] November 24 Sunday 1918 Left Kerfeen at 7:45 A.M. for Deinze Belgium about 18 Kilometer Hike. This is a fair sized town once but the Boshe have bombed it till there isn't much left standing. We expect to remain here over tomorrow
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[page 172] [Deinze] Belgium - November 25 1918 Monday Today a Batallion inspection was made check on equipment We expect to leave here tomorrow I have an awful cough. weather fair but cold
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(300-FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) HQ 91ST DIV. A.E.F. November 26, 1918. GENERAL ORDERS: No. 49 I. 1. The following letter from the Commanding General, 30th Army Corps (French) is published for the information of officers and men of this division and of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade, attached thereto: 30th Army Corps General Staff 3rd Bureau, No. 377/3 H.Q. [November] 24, 1918. From: The General of Division Penet, commanding the 30th Army Corps. To: The Commanding General of the 91st Infantry Division, U.S. The General commanding the 30th Army Corps does not want to part with the 91st Inf. Div. without expressing to its Chief, its Officers, its splendid units, all his appreciation of the fine military qualities they have shown during the length of their attachment to the Corps. By abandoning the line of the Escaut, the enemy did not allow the putting in execution of the plan of attach which was so cleverly promoted. The intelligent operation preparations by all the General Staffs, the efforts made by the officers and the troops in order to have all necessary materials at their disposal when and where needed, the strict discipline which presided over the prelimiary movements and which were a certain presage of success, are nevertheless deserving of the greatest praise. The Commanding General of the of the 30th Army Corps takes great pleasure in sending this letter as a proof of his appreciation to the General Commanding the 91st Division and thanks him for his intelligent and faithful cooperation. (Signed) H. Penet. 2. This is the this Corps Commander under whom this division has served, who has considerately expressed appreciation of the services of its officers and men during the past two months. Hostilities have ceased, but the efforts of all officers and men to improve their ability to fight, must never cease. They must be always ready for any call to active service. 3. This order will be read to each organization on the first appropriate occasion after its receipt. WHJ 10:25-10:40 OFFICIAL (Signed D. J. Coman) (D. J. Coman) Major, A. G. d Acting Adjutant. GENERAL DISTRIBUTION BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON: HENRY C. JEWETT, Colonel, Engineers, Chief of Staff. A True Copy.
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[page 173] Wontergem Belgium November 26 1918 Tuesday. Left [Deinze] at 800 am today A short Hike at 8:00 am today arrived at Wontergem Belgium about 10:30 and were Billeted near R.R. on Tabacstrasse #21. Have fine officers mess Co. No mail for several days.
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FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) HQ. 91st DIV. A.E.F. February 24, 1919 GENERAL ORDERS: No. 16 C. J. Minick I. 1. The following letter from the Commander-in-Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, generously commending this division for its participation in the campaigns which led to the armistice, is published for the information of all officers and men of this division: American Expeditionary Forces Officer of the Commander-in-Chief France, February 20, 1919. Maj. Gen. [William] H. Johnston, Commanding 91st Division, A. E. F. My dear General Johnston: It gives me great pleasure to extend to you and the officers and men of the 91st Division my compliments upon their splendid record in France. Arriving on July 12th, the Division was thrown into the active fighting in the Meuse-Argonne offensive without previous training in the line. From September 26th to October 3rd it was actively engaged in this offensive, making an advance of 13 kilometers against strong opposition, capturing the towns of Very, Gesnes, and Epinonville. When the Division was withdrawn on October 3rd, the 181st Brigade remained in the battle line until October 12th, its units operating with the 32nd and 1st Divisions. In the middle of October the Division was attached to the 7th French Army Corps of the 6th French Army in Flanders. Between October 31st and November 2nd, the Division made an advance of 11 kilometers, capturing the town of Audenarde. Crossing the Scheldt River on November 10th and 11th, the Division was in pursuit of the enemy when the armistice ended hostilities. It was gratifying to see your troops in such good physical shape, but still more so to know that the moral tone of all ranks is so high, which it is hoped will continue even after their return to civil life. Sincerely yours, (Signed) John J. Pershing 2. This letter is a fitting climax to the various commendatory letters and orders received from American and French commanders under whom the division has served, as it comes from the officer who organized and ably commanded the greatest army that has ever fought for the United States. 3. This order will be read to each organization of the division on the first appropriate occasion after its receipt. WHJ 14:00-14:30 OFFICIAL: D. J. Coman (D. J. Coman) Lieut. Colonel, A. G. Adjutant GENERAL DISTRIBUTION BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON: HENRY C. JEWETT, Colonel, General Staff, Chief of Staff.
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[page 196] Our 1st Holiday November 28th 1918 Thursday Today is our first Thanksgiving over Here. No Drill - a misty rain all day - a Banquet was given by 2nd Bn Mess. Colonel Cummings was our "Guest". Dinner was served at 2:45 P.M. We expect to stay here several weeks. #20 letter home
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[page 177] Wontergem November 29 Friday No Drill - checked equipment policed billets - a General cleanup. Letter dated [November] 5 from home. All O.K. wrote #21 in answer. A Belgium Farm Team and Some Class [photograph]
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[page 178] November 30th 1918 Saturday Batallion inspection at 9:00 a.m. Found Beaucoup Dirty rifles so we had a Co. inspection in afternoon. Somewhat better. Here we located our first "Cooties". No Mail. Weather Somewhat Chilly and damp. #22 letter home
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[page 179] December 1, 1918 Sunday. Stayed inside all day. Rained Got a letter from Dad? Letter #23 - December 2, 1918 Monday A complete check of Government property in all companies - Lt. McMillen Checked Co. G." expect to leave here soon. #24 Letter
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[page 180] "Rain" "Rain" December 3, 1918 Tuesday Rained all day. Men cleaning clothing & Equipment we move tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. to [Meulebeke] Belgium. Have to get up at 4:00 a.m. Benjamin Franklin Said - Early to Bed - Early to Rise - Makes a Man - Healthy & Wise - Do I believe it Hardly. When I get Home - When I get Home -
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[page 181] [Meulebeke] Belgium. December 4 1918 Wednesday Reached Meulebeke at 11:15 a.m. My Co. Billeted in large Slaughter house. Took my Co. Through the Dr "Cootie" Plant, which they all appreciated. Builded leg the Germans in 1914. Lt. Evans and I take a French Lesson. December 5, 1918 Thursday. Sterilization of all Gas Masks this morning. Batallion Parade in After-noon. Got Baby's picture today 3 letter from home #25.
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[page 182] Last Day in Meulebeke December 6 Friday 1918. Drilled in Morning. Battallion Review in Afternoon. we move tomorrow to Staden Belgium. Staden Belgium December 7, Saturday 1918 Left Meulebeke at 7:30 am for Staden - Hiked 26 Kilometers arrived at 3:30 p.m. Billeted. I am in Command of 2nd Batallion Leave here tomorrow. Today we came through Heldlald, Ardoye Beveren- Roolfelde- Rysskleyde. wrote Letter 26= Leave here tomorrow for Crombeke Belgium.
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[page 183] [Westvleteren]. December 8th 1918 Sunday Left Staden at 6:50 a.m. we Crossed "No Mans Land today - Some place not a square foot of land not torn up by artillery no a tree standing no buildings - we passed through what was once large towns - now big brick piles. My Bn. went into billets at [Westvleteren], Regt. Hq. at Crombeke rest of Batallions at Stavele - [Oostvleteren] - We expect to remain here a few days and entrain for France. we Hiked about 28 Kilometers today (our longest Hike with full packs (16 miles [photograph] Just a front line home Capt. Minick
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[page 184] [Westvleteren] Belgium. December 9th Monday, 1918 This has been a beautiful sunshiny day. No Drill. Resting up. Made a trip to Regimental Hq. at noon. Cleaning billets and writing has been the days work. we Know we stay here several days. Letters 25 & 26 -
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[page 185] December 10 Tuesday. Drizzled rain all day no Drill Had 4 letters from home. still in [Westvleteren] Belgium. Expect to remain over till Thursday. am back with my Co. again. Major Goodpaste in command of Batallion.
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[page 186] December 11 Wednesday still Drizzling rain. Drilled a part of the day. Physical examination at Crombeke for officers. No mail from home wrote letter 30. Expect to leave here soon for France.
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[page 187] December 12 Thursday. Another Day of dampness and cold- (Flanders Mud is right) Drilled part of the day. Do we remain in Belgium much longer & when do we start Home is the ? of today. #31.
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Westvleteren. December 13 Friday Today has been beautiful we were out all day firing Rifle Grenades. Lt. Sweat instructor - I make the Best hit at 250 yards. No Mail - we expect to remain here for 2 more weeks #32
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[page 191] December 16 Monday (Company got a Bath) "Gee" But its a treat. Am officer of the Day Tomorrow. No mail from home. weather still Damp.
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[page 192] Officer of The Day December 17 Tuesday Relieved Lt. McKay old officer O.D. was in Crombeke all day. Took a horse back ride. Made an application for Leave of absence for 7 days to Paris no mail from home. wrote #35.
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[page 193] December 18 1918 All Day Hike for Batallion I did not make it. Stayed in (Officer Day) was appointed member of special court Martial to convene later #36. no mail from home.
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(FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) (G. O. 232) G. H. Q. American Expeditionary Forces. General Orders ) No. 232 ) France, [December] 9, 1918. It is with a sense of gratitude for its splendid accomplishment which will live through all history, that I record in General Orders a tribute to the victory of the First Army in the Meuse-Argonne battle. Tested and strengthened by the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient, for more than six weeks you battered against the pivot of the enemy line on the western front. It was a position of imposing natural strength, stretching on both sides of the Meuse River from the bitterly contested hills of Verdun to the almost impenetrable forest of the Argonne; a position, moreover, fortified by four years of labor designed to render is impregnable; a position held with the fullest resources of the enemy. That position you broke utterly, and thereby hastened the collapse of the enemy's military power. Soldiers of all the divisions engaged under the First, Third and Fifth Corps-the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 25th, 28th, 29th, 32nd, 33rd, 25th, 27th, 42nd, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82nd, 89th, 90th and 91st-you will long be remembered for the stubborn persistence of your progress, your storming of obstinately defended machine guns nests, your penetration, yard by yard, of woods and ravines, your heroic resistance in the face of counter-attacks supported by powerful artillery fire. For more than a month, from the initial attack of September 26th, you fought your way slowly through the Argonne, through the woods and over hills west of the Meuse; you slowly enlarged your hold on the Cotes de Meuse to the east, and then, on the first of November, your attack forced the enemy into flight. Pressing his retreat, you cleared the entire left bank of the Meuse south of Sedan, and then stormed the heights on the right bank and drove him into the plain beyond. Your achievement, which is scarcely to be equalled in American history, must remain a source of proud satisfaction to the troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The American people will remember it as the realization of the hitherto potential strength of the American contribution toward the cause to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater reward for a soldier or for a soldier's memory. This Order will be read to all organizations at the first assembly formation after its receipt General J. PERSHING, Commander in Chief American Expeditionary Forces OFFICIAL: ROBERT C. DAVIS, Adjutant General A. G. Printing Dept. GHQ., AEF., 1918.
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[page 194] December 19, 1918 Drilled Most of day. Rained & is rather cold
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[page 195] December 20 1918 Friday Getting ready for a trip to Paris will Know Tomorrow. Cool weather [Order] [ms torn] 70 - FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) HQ. 91st DIV. AEF December 19, 1918. MEMORANDUM: On Tuesday, 17 December, 1918, Lieutenant General Bernheim, representing His Majesty, the King of Belgium, presented the Belgian Croix de Guerre to a number of officers and enlisted men of this division. In doing this, he made the following appropriate remarks: "His Majesty, the King of the Belgians, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, has done me a great honour by delegating me to pin the Cross of Bravery upon the chests of the heroic soldiers of your Division. I am happy and proud of this honour: happy, because it is granted to me to express to very distinguished representatives of free America, the deepest gratitude of our soldiers and Belgian familiar to the big Sister, the United States of American, so helpful and generous when the Huns attack us and drove us out of our homes, in defiance of Justice; proud, because I am amongst brave soldiers, who, touched and shocked by the atrocities of an unjust enemy, picked up arms spontaneously and crossed the ocean to give their lives gallantly for the defence of Right, without considering their own interests. Before this tremendous effort of the United States, the foe hesitated drew back and finally collapsed. At the moment the President of the United States arrives on the soil of France to settle the consequences of the greatest victory there has ever been heard of, thanks to our combined efforts, I extend all honour to the American Nation and to the 91st Division." HCJ 8:00-8:44 OFFICIAL: (Signed R. M. Dorton) (R. M. Dorton) Captain, A. G. d Assistant Adjutant GENERAL DISTRIBUTION BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON HENRY C. JEWETT, Colonel, Engineers, Chief of Staff.
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[page 196] Paris Bound December 21 Saturday Inspection of Rifles at 9:00 pass - Approved to Paris. Left Westvleteren at 10:30 a.m. arrived at Dunkirk at 12:15 p.m. Left Dunkirk for Paris at 5:15 p.m. Arrived in Calais at 7:30 and the train so crowded I got off & remained over night here. Stayed at Hotel De La Ville. [written vertically in left margin] [ms torn: 1 line] marks. This is one of the main streets of Dunkirk and artillery was dropped here often. But no very much the town was destroyed.
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[page 197] Calais France. December 23 1918. Sunday Ate Breakfast at Hotel and Left for Paris arriving at 5:30 Registered at Richmond Hotel Run by Y.M.C.A. went to Cacino Theatre. Met Captain Sheats 362 Inf. [card] Good until [December] Thirty-First 8 p.m. REGISTRATION COUPON IN Coupon d'Enregistrement d'Arrivee. To be held during stay in Paris. To show registration O.K. Christmas week 1918. C. J. M. A one week vacation in Paris France Registration card above. This was necessary to have. [ticket] Theater ticket to the Metropolitan opera Paris
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[page 198] In Paris December 23 Monday. Got up at 10:30 Gee but some rest. Ate Breakfast & was off to Visit Le Concorde. Captured Artillery, Machine Guns [airplanes]. Back to Hotel Richmond Supper & To the Frollies Begerre Theatre which was fine. wrote wifie. [postcard] 710 PARIS. -- Panorama vers la Place de la Concorde. -- LL. [postcard] 259 PARIS. - Le Lac de Bois de Boulogne. - The "Bois de Boulogne's" lake. - LL. [ms torn: 1 line] [ms illegible: 1 wd] ) (since the war) is used for a park and lots of man artillery and munitions of war (which was captured been brought here and is displayed. Thousand of pieces artillery & German planes - Machine Guns are here.
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[page 199] Paris, France December 24th Tuesday 1918 "Just think" 11:30 a.m. when I get up - Some rest after weeks of Duty. ate Lunch at 12:30 and then Started out 1st Napoleon's Tomb Then to the Madeli a Large and most beautiful Catholic Church Back to Hotel - Supper and then to the English Theatre. Fine Show [postcard] PARIS -- LA GRANDE ROUE L.D. [December] 24 1918. [postcard] Visited- [December] 24th 1918. 55. - PARIS Place de la Bastille et Colonne de Juillet. Place of the Bastille Juillet Catholic Church
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[page 200] [postcard] [December] 26 very beautiful place. 365 PARIS -- Vue Panoramique de Pont Alexandre III et l'Hotel des Invalides C.M. The Hotel for Invalids to the Left a Panoramic of Pont Alexander III [postcard] PARIS -- La Tour Eiffel et la Grande Roue L.D. [December] 28th The Eiffel Tower
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[page 201] FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) (G. O. 238) G. H. Q. American Expeditionary Forces. General Order ) No. 238 ) France, [December] 26, 1918. It is with soldierly pride that I record in General Orders a tribute to the taking of the St. Mihiel salient by the First Army. On September 12, 1918, you delivered the first concerted offensive operation of the American Expeditionary Forces upon difficult terrain against this redoubtable position, immovably held for four years, which crumpled before your ably executed advance. Within twenty-four hours of the commencement of the attack, the salient had ceased to exist and you were threatening Metz. Your divisions, which had never been tried in the existing conditions of major offensive operations, worthily emulated those of more arduous experience and earned their right to participate in the more difficult tasks to come. Your staff and auxiliary services, which labored so untiringly and so enthusiastically, deserve equal commendation, and we are indebted to the willing co-operation of veteran French divisions and of auxiliary units which the Allied commands put at our disposal. Not only did you straighten a dangerous salient, capture 16,000 prisoners and 443 guns, and liberate 240 square miles of French territory, but you demonstrated the fitness for battle of a unified American army. We appreciate the loyal training and effort of the First Army. In the name of our country, I offer our hearty and unmeasured thanks to these splendid Americans of the 1st, 4th and 5th Corps and of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 26, 42nd, 82nd, 89th, and 90th Divisions, which were engaged, and of the 3rd, 35th, 78th, 80th and 91st Divisions, which were in reserve. This order will be read to all organizations at the first assembly formation after its receipt. BY COMMAND OF GENERAL PERSHING JAMES W. McANDREW, Chief of Staff. OFFICIAL: ROBERT C. DAVIS, Adjutant General
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[page 202] Personnel Office, 361st Infantry American E. F., APO 776 24th December, 1919. FROM: Personnel Adjutant, 361st Infantry TO: Commanding Officer, 361st Infantry SUBJECT: Report of Casualties
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[page 203] [tickets] No. Signature C. J. Minick Exemption 50 Centimes de Taxe Date March 24 Le Coupon doit etre date et signe en presence de Vendeur No. Signature C. J. Minick Exemption 1 Franc de Taxe Date March 25 Le Coupon doit etre date et signe en presence de Vendeur No. Signature C. J. Minick Exemption 5 Francs de Taxe Date March 25 1919 Le Coupon doit etre date et signe en presence de Vendeur No. Signature C. J. Minick Exemption 25 Centimes de Taxe Date March 25 Le Coupon doit etre date et signe en presence de Vendeur penny savers. This is what you had to have before you eat any Bread [ticket] Militaires en Permission 100 grammes de PAIN Bread ticket.
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[page 204] Christmas Day in Paris - December 25. Wednesday This Morning I met Lt. Privett an old 361 officer. S.O.S. poor kid. Met Lt. Duvall on his way to Co. G" from school. went to the Quartermasters. Bought suit of clothes. Had Christmas Dinner with Privett & Duvall at Hotel Richmond Y.M.C.A. Turkey, sauce and every thing good. After-noon we went to Olympia Theatre Bon show. Then To bed - Tired out.
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[page 205] Paris France December 26, Thursday Some crowd in Paris last night Streets and Sidewalks full no Traffic could run. City event wild Almost. Peaceful Xmas. After 5 years of hard times. went to an English Theatre good show. wrote Babe a letter.
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[page 206] Vacation in Paris. December 27th 1918 Friday. Raining This Morning. Spent my time in the writing room of Hotel YMCA. writing. Tonight I am going to new show at Olympia. Show Fine 11:00 p.m. To bed.
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[page 207] Paris December 28th Saturday Got up at 11:15 "Gee no Reveille in Paris" feeling Fine. Am going to Cafe De Bission for Lunch then for a YMCA Trip over Town Fine Trip went to movie tonight - (name) Pearl White in (The far west) picture taken in Nogales Arizona where I Soldiered in 1914.
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[page 208] [ms torn: 2 wds] Paris December 29, 1918 Sunday Another late rise" Spent After-noon at Y.M.C.A. wrote Home. Have seen most Paris and am rested up think I will leave for Co. G tomorrow Night
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[page 209] Last day in Paris. December 30th 1918 Monday Did Some Shopping - Bought Babe some Gloves - My-self some Kodak films - paper cigarettes I left Paris via Nord RR for Dunkirk at 9:00 p.m. road all night.
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[page 210] Goodbye 1918 Hello 1919. December 31 1918 Tuesday arrived in Dunkirk at 11:30 a.m. No way to get to my Regiment till 2:00 p.m. at 2:00 p.m. Left for [Westvleteren] and upon arriving there find My Regiment gone - To - Le Mans France. Left my Bundle of Gloves films and all in ambulance - Lost - went to Div. Hq. and from there to [Calais] and caught train of the 364th Inf headed for Le Mans. Got a ride. All night in a German car - cold I hope sit up till 12:15 and then tried to Sleep - But impossible Hello 1919 my wishes are that you are a better year than 1918.
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[page 211] New Years Greetings January 1st 1919 - Wednesday At Present we are stopped in a French town Avisville France. Have eaten Breakfast - Chocolate & Cookies - weather very disagreeable This old broken down German car is like an Ice box. Expect to reach Le Mans tonight
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[page 212] [La Ferte-Bernard], France January 2, 1919, Thursday Rode till 11:00 a.m. and unloaded at [La Ferte-Bernard]. My Regiment 22 Kilometers from here - Via Hike I guess. My Co. (G) is at Belleme France meet Lt. Coates 361 Inf who gets me a good feed. Am going to stay here tonight - no way to get to Belleme
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[page 213] On my way to Belleme January 3, 1919 Friday This morning Lt. Lamping Lt. Valentine & I started out for Belleme. After an eight Mile Hike we Met our Colonel headed for [La Ferte-Bernard]. He picked us up & we started back - and after going to [La Ferte], Le Thult we started for Belleme. Arriving late in Afternoon 6 letters from wifie - also xmas box. we hear we are to go home soon.
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[page 214] Belleme France January 4th 1919 Sat We Know officially that we are to leave here Soon [February] 20th is the set date. I have a fine Billet. Inspection This Morning wrote letters
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[page 215] January 5 Sunday. Today has been real lonesome - Had a fine letter from uncle Bill Pigg - Have sat by an old fashioned fire place & wrote & smoked all day. School near my home in Belleme. [photograph] Belleme. - Ecoles Communales
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[page 216] Belleme France. January 6 Monday 1919 Today has been cold. Drilled all day - Hear we are to pass in Review for General [John] Pershing soon - provisional Regiments - My Co. 1st Co. #49.
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[page 217] January 7, 1919 Tuesday. Weather getting Colder - Some snow. Drilled all day. [photograph] Chapu, statuaire. Boileau, architecte. 1 - BELLEME. Monument eleve a la memoire de Aristide BOUCICAUT, par sa Ville Natale et ses Amis ND. Phot. Edit. J. Renoult. Had picture taken x here - [January] 7 - 1919. [photograph] Souvenir de Centenaire de Mme MAUNY, nee a St-Martin de Vieux-Belleme (30 Aout 1809-1909) Dieu m'accorde ici-bas un rare privilege J'ai vecu de longs jours, compte bien des printemps Et quand je vois partout sur moi tomber la neige Je puis cueillir les fleurs que l'on m'offre a Cent Ans Belleme France January 7, 1919. Chapu Statuaire
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[page 218] Batallion Show. January 8 Wednesday 1918 Drilled this morning - This afternoon the 2nd Batallion put on a Bn. Show for rest of Regiment which was good. Lt. Lane rejoins company from Hospital going there when wounded in the Flanders front. Glad to see him
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[page 219] January 9, Thursday 1919. Drilled My Provisional Co. today 1 platoon from each company of Batallion. Issued clothing in Afternoon no mail from home. wrote letter 51 home also letter containing Some Souvenirs.
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[page 220] January 10 1919. Friday Drill in Morning - Review for C&.C. posponed till later date. no mail
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2 Place de Rivoli, Paris, France. January Tenth, 1919 Bureau of War Orphans. Company "G", 331" Infantry, % Captain Clarence J. Minick, C.O., American E F Gentlemen: We have at hand yours of the 3rd December, inclosing the amount equivalent to 1070 francs to be contributed toward our Adoption Fund for French War Orphans, and have selected as your two [ms illegible: 1 wd] for this amount, Edmond CASIER, eleven years old, and Georgette VANELLE, twelve years old both children being much in need of the assistance. Inclosed, you will find a brief history of each child's family and pictures of the children. More photos of each child taken alone will be forwarded as soon as we can secure same, and we shall ask the kiddies to write and tell you about their work and play at home and in school, as we know you will be as interested in hearing from them as they will be in writing to you. We are sorry that we have no Belgian children to give you, but as these come into our fold only very rarely indeed, we have selected these and trust you will be pleased with them. Thanking you heartily for the donation, and trusting you will pardon the delay in acknowledging receipt, due to the rush before the holidays, we remain with best wishes Yours very truly, M. Perrin Marie Perrin, Section- Stars & Stripes. MGB P.S. We shall make gifts to the children for the extra 70 francs.
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[page 221] January 11. Saturday Inspection in Afternoon noon also payed Co. no mail from home for a week. May make a trip to the Argonne Soon Our Two Mascots. 80 rue St Omer Boulogne S. Muese - [2 photographs] Orphans adopted by Co G. While in France at a cost of over 1,000 Frcs each Which was appreciated.
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[page 222] Guard" Belleme Sunday 12 1919 January My company on Guard no mail - wrote #54.
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[page 223] January 13 1919 Monday Rained all morning. in afternoon we had a Regimental Review. 3 letters from home [December] 12, 13-15. Everyone O.K.
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[page 224] 25 Years old January 14 Tuesday 1919 Had 2 Birthday Cards from wife & Baby - Came on time Drilled all day - wrote 55
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[page 225] January 15 Wednesday 1919 Drill in Morning - went to [La Ferte-Bernard] in Afternoon Via Truck. Got home late Recommendation of Promotions.
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[page 226] January 16 1919 Thursday Drilled all day. Raining Tonight. Expect to leave here by February 15. Mail from home 57
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[page 227] January 17, 1919. Friday Snowed - Regular routine of Drill.
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[page 228] January 18 1919. Saturday a Regimental Manuever. Over The Top of 11:00 a.m. - & attacked Hill 196. Near [La Chapelle] Chauf. Lt. Ellis returns from Hospital - wounded in the Argonne.
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[page 229] January 19 1919 Sunday a Long Lonesome Sunday took some Kodak pictures Company Officers of Co. G 361st Inf assembled for Conference at Co. P.C. in Belleme France [photograph] Capt Minick Lt. Duval Lt. Davis Lt Lane
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[page 230] January 20 Monday 1919 Drilled all day - The afternoon was spent in passing in Review for [General Johnston]. Got home late wrote letter 60
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[page 231] January 21 1919 Tuesday Drill in Forenoon The afternoon spent in athletics. Co G won 20 points Had two letters from home. #61
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[page 232] January 22 1919. Wednesday usual routine of Duty. [photograph] George A. Adair Corporal Company Clerk. and James Paris Company runner. a pair. Two hard working boys and good soldiers.
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[page 233] [photograph] Pvt. James Paris 509 Bond St. Astoria Oregon Company Runner - Argonne My Boy Jim. who will always be remembered as just plain Jim. Bill will be long remembered by all members of Co. G" He is Known by both officers & men from the entire Division and has the reputation of being the best mess Sgt. in the 91st Div. picture taken while in Belleme France. A.E.F. Bill.{"Yes sir" "Absolutely" [photograph] Sgt. Willie Ilich Co. g 361st Inf American E. F.
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[page 234] [January] 23 Thursday Regimental Review. Had a long hike from reviewing Field. Near Ige, France. went to the 91st Division Show 63"
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[page 235] January 24 1919 Friday Drill this morning. Regimental Field meet in afternoon went to show tonight which was fun. The Father of All France [photograph] CLEMENCEAU, Ministre de la Guerre President du Conseil des Ministres CLEMENCEAU, Minister of War President du Conseil des Ministres [newspaper] M. CLEMENCEAU'S ASSAILANT COTTIN, from a Police Photograph. [newspaper clipping] EMILE COTTIN FIRING AT M. CLEMENCEAU'S AUTOMOBILE.
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[page 236] January 25 Saturday 1919 Today we have had Some more snow. Inspection in morning - By the fire all afternoon - wrote letters 64.
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[page 237] [photograph] General FOCH, Marechal de France Generalissime es Armees alliees General FOCH, French Marshal Chief Commander of the Allied Armies The Father of all France
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[page 238] January 26 1919 Sunday Slept late this morning Had 4 letters from Wifie.
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[page 239] [photograph] 145. Saucisse en Champagne an Observation Balloon
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[page 240] January 27th 1919 Monday usual routine of Duty - Getting ready for C. & C. [vertically in left margin] Headquarters 361st Infantry. 14 January, 1919. Memorandum: A dvice has been received from the Corps that this Division has been pushed up on the list of Divisions to be sent home, and inquiry is being made as to the date when the Division will be ready to move Officers will make it their first duty to see to it that all requirements as to proper equipment and records receive immediate attention. Accuracy of all organization in connection with a move on short notice. By order of Colonel Cummings: H. H. Burton, Capt. & Op. O. 361st Infantry, HHB mov Some of our Rumors.
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[page 241] January 28 Tuesday 1919 20 February 14 Friday 1919. During The past two weeks it has been the usual routine of Duty. & a Review for the commander in Chief of the American E. Forces. we are all busy putting on the finishing touches of our army career.
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[page 242] February 15 Saturday 1919 usual saturday morning inspection - Rest of day was rest.
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[page 243] February 16 1919 Sunday - Today Major Dourghty of the 1st Batallion gave us a talk on the life of Colonel [Roosevelt]. Band Concert.
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[page 244] February 17 Monday 1919. Got notice I would make a trip to Epinonville France - The 91st Divisions old Battle grounds Just a French Railroad Ticket [ticket] ORDRE DE TRANSPORT.
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[page 245] February 18 Tuesday 1919 This Morning Sgt. Cudd. Co F, and I left Belleme for our trip to The Argonne - from Belleme to [La Ferte-Bernard] - thence to Paris arriving about 4:50 p.m. we Stayed in Paris till 8:40 Tomorrow night Spent the Evening at Olympia Hotel and the night at Richmond Hotel
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[ticket] ORDRE DE TRANSPORT.
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[page 246] Chemen-De-Fer - February 19 1919 Wednesday Today the Sgt. and I have visited many of the interesting places of Paris Trying to buy Kodak films - Sgt. gets Stung on same postals. we left at 8:40 p.m. for Revigny. Rode all night. went to sleep & passed Revigny and got off at Bar-Le-Duc. At 1:00 am in morning we start back for Revigny at 6:00 a.m. we spent the 5 hours at the Red Cross Canteen. A French R.R. Ticket.
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[page 247] A night at Exermont. February 20th 1919 Thursday. We left Bar Le Duc at 6:00 am arrived in Revigny at 7:40 am and changed trains for St. Menehould France. This was the end of our French Ticket but when arriving here we found that we could get a little closer to the Argonne by train. So we bought a ticket to [Challerange] France. we had one more officer in our party now. A Coon Dentist. we arrived at [Challerange] at 12:00 noon and found that we had about 45 Kilos to go to get to [Epinonville]. We started out Via Hiking. Sgt. Cudd - Coon Dentist and myself - Some explorers - we hiked for about 8 miles. nothing to eat since early morning when we came accross a Colored Co. of Pioneer Infantry "O" Some feed. Here we lost our Dentist Sgt. and I headed towards Gran Parce and caught a ambulance making it to Exermont by 6:30 in Evening. not a living soul in the town. we found a nice room with a big fire place and here we spent a peaceful night. Exermont is about 2 ½ Kilos to the left our Div. sector.
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[page 248] Near "Gesnes" February 21st 1919 Friday This morning the Sgt. & I arose at 5:45 a.m. After a good nights rest, But not much sleep. our fire was some trouble. Keeping it going. and the night was cold. at 6:00 we left for Gesnes via Hikeing. we arrived in the shell torn town about 8:15 a.m. The place was inhabited by a Company of Pioneer Infantry and we Started in for a feed. The old Colored Mess Sgt. sure fixed us up. At 9:30 a.m. we started over Some of the ground covered by our division in [September] The place was as we left it. Rifles, Ammunition and Artillery was still to be seen every where But was to be taken in by the pioneer Infantry Co. which was stationed at Gesnes. At 5:30 p.m. we located colonel Linn and a party from the 91st Div. And we went to Epinonville with them. And here was to be our Hqs. while here. It has been rather cold and rain all day. [ticket] WRITE DATE IN LETTERS Paris [February] 21 1919 Fcs. Guaranty Trust Company of New York CAPITAL $20,000,000 FULLY PAID SURPLUS $20,000,000 PARIS-OFFICE: 1 & 3, Rue des Italiens Pay to the order of Francs No. G 208709
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[page 253] Seeing Verdun February 22nd Sunday 1919. Left Epinonville, France early this morning by Truck. Party headed for a sight seeing trip to Verdun. We arrived in Verdun about noon took some pictures ate lunch and then went through the underground City used by the French during the heavy bombardments by the Bosche. This was very interesting and we spent two hours in looking over the Shell torn City which now stands in Ruins and is in my opinion a 2nd Ypres" A place in years to come for sight Seers only. we left Verdun and arrived in St. Menehould at 5:30 p.m. Here Sgt. Cudd & I decided to make the remainder of the trip by rail so we bid Adeiu to men & trucks and took train for Revigny at 6:30 p.m. at 8:30 and changed trains for Paris. An all night ride before us
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[page 254] "Paris" February 24 1919 Monday Arrived in Paris at 8:30 this morning after an all night ride on the French Chemin de Fer. Some Train. we registered at A.P.M. Office & started up town. We strolled around till 5:30 p.m. And then we left for [La Ferte-Bernard] France Arriving in [La Ferte-Bernard] about 8:50 and then to find Some place to Sleep - Hotel De La Gare
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[page 255] Belleme France. February 25th 1919 Tuesday Raining" We left A.P.M. office by Truck for Belleme arriveing about 3:00 p.m. Still raining. Feeling Blue. Had 6 letters from wife. Wrote letters.
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[page 256] February 26th 1919 Wednesday Feeling under the weather marked - Sick in quarters. [ticket] ORDRE DE TRANSPORT
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[page 257] February 27th 1919 Thursday Officer of the Day Rained All day. G” Company's Cooking force [photograph] Cook Tribbey - [Cook] Wolz - Mess Sgt Ilick - Cook Cornor - Cook Greshaw. -
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[page 258] February 28th 1919 Friday Relieved as Old Officer of The day. In afternoon we were out of Camp for close order drill on Division Parade Field.
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[page 259] March 1st to March 6th Lots of work ahead for us. Cleaning equipment and getting ready for A.E.F. Inspector. March 7th 1919 Friday Today we had Company pictures taken - for History
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[page 260] March 8th 1919 Saturday. Inspection of Rifles and equipment. Sailing Date Not Known but we leave here about March 20th. March 9th 1919 Sunday Billet Inspection in morning. Rain in afternoon.
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[page 261] March 10, 1919 Monday Today was spent in Police duty, cleaning Billets and Equipment. No mail for days March 11, 1919. Tuesday. Same old routine of [ms torn: 1 wd] and getting ready for [ms torn: 1 wd] to the U.S.A. At 9:30 am we passed our A.E.F. inspection. part the afternoon was spent on Division parade field
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[page 262] Inspections. March 12 1919 Wednesday. we are getting ready for another inspection this morning - at 11:30 a.m. we turned our for a tactical Inspection. we got by with flying colors. Hear we are to leave here soon. The Y.M.C.A. Girls from Le Mans gave a dance for the men in afternoon and the Officers that evening. 10 Y.M.C.A. Ladies called the Danceing or flying Demons. all from Oregon, California Washington one from St. Louis. I was present but was a wall fly.
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[page 263] [ms torn: 1 line] March 13th 1919. Thursday Today corporal Adair started making Passenger lists. 14 copies to be made service records being checked all records checked and inspected by an A.E.C. inspector
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[page 264] [ms torn: 1 line] March 14 1919. Friday. Today we received the information that the first part of the Division leaves the 16th. our Regiment leaves the 19th for [Nogent-le-Rotrou]. I am going to Le Mans Tomorrow for my Co. Fund Money.
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[page 265] March 15th 1919 Saturday Trip posponed to [Le Mans] no drill getting ready to leave here some busy days around here at present. Passenger Lists Finished.
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[page 266] March 16 1919, Sunday Nothing to do, Still here But leave 19th two letters from wife. [letter insert] Saint Omer le 3 Mars 1919 American Red Cross MAIL DIVISION RECEIVED 7 [March] 1919 [ms illegible: 1 wd] to Stars and Stripes Chers Bien faiteurs Je vous demande bien pardon Je ne pas vous avoir envoiez plus vite ma photographie, J'oi du attendre aplies, Cher Bien faiteur je vous C'offe du plus profond de mon coeur y'esper Chers Bien faiteur que vous avoit deja recu ma petite lettre que je vous est envoiez Maintenant mon cher bien faiteur pour le moment ma sante est benne et to jour je fais en classe pour apprendre a lise et je sins toujours [for English translation see insert at end of Diary]
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[page 267] March 17 1919 Monday Drill supended. entire time will be devoted to getting ready to leave here. Go To Le Mans Tomorrow O.D. [memo insert] Headquarters 361st Infantry, 17 March 1919. Memorandum: To Lt. Duvall c/o Co. G. You are detailed as Officer of the Day tomorrow - 18 March '19 Formal Guard Mount 1st Call 10:50. By Order of Colonel Cummings: H. H. BURTON Capt & Adjt. 361st Inf. an unwelcome invitation
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[page 268] More hard luck" March 18th 1919 Tuesday upon reaching the Bank at [Le Mans] I find that My Co. Fund Money has been sent to New York to Guaranty Trust Co. Through error
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[page 269] March 19th 1919 Wednesday Today I have put in for a pass for Paris. so I can locate Co. Fund. Pass approved and received at 6:30 p.m. Raining hard. went to Nogent by Motor cycle and arrived at 12:00 Mid-night. wet cold ride Train to Paris at Two (2) P.M.
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(25-FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY) HQ. 91ST DIV. A. E. F. March 19, 1919. SPECIAL ORDERS: No. 77. * 9. Under authority G.O. 14, G.H.Q., A.E.F., C.B., leave of absence for three (3) days, time of travel to and from destination not included, is granted the following officers, effective on or about March 20, 1919, with permission to visit PARIS, FRANCE: Captain Clarence J. Minick, 361st Infantry. [Captain] Franklin W. Bush, Jr, 316th Engineers. "Armee Americaine Formissionaire - Quarter [ms illegible: 1 wd] DJC 16:30-16:40 BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSTON: OFFICIAL: [signature] (D.J. Coman) Lieut. Colonel, A.G., Adjutant. HENRY C. JEWETT Colonel, General Staff, Chief of Staff.
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[page 270] Paris March 20th 1919 Thursday arrived in Paris at 6:30 a.m. Registered at A.P.M. office and left my pocket book containing about 600 Francs Receipts, wound chevron order 2 twenty Dollar Bills. I happen to have about 50 Fcs. in my pocket. Notify all M.P. offices about lost pocket book. Register at Richmond Hotel Try to locate Last check no Information. A Paris street car ticket.
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[page 271] Paris March 21st 1919 Friday cannot get trace of money not lost pocket book Leave here at 4:50 p.m. for Bank in [Le Mans] France arrived in [Le Mans] at 12:00 midnight could not find a room stayed at officers club slept on cot.
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[page 272] [photograph] Taken at leave area news St. Malo, France Paris. Sgt. Subia. Crustalas. George Adair [photograph]
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[page 273] Good News Capt Minick Headquarters 361st Infantry, American E. F., APO No. 776, 28 February 1919. SPECIAL ORDERS: No. 50. I. The following officers are detailed to proceed to camps other than Camp Lewis with detachment to be made up from this regiment: Camp No. of detachments. Officers. Custer-1-1st Lt. Harry E. Hazard. Dix-1-Captain Frank Heath. Dix-1-2nd Lt. John A. Flagg. Dodge-1-(1st Lt. Charles M. Price. (Chaplain John W. Beard. Dodge-1-2nd Lt. Albert R. Bartell. Funston-1-Captain Clarence J. Minick. Grant-1-1st Lt. James R. McLaughlin. Grant-1-1st Lt. Jack O'Brien. Kearney-1-(1st Lt. Walter F. Davis. (1st Lt. John L. Burnside, D.C. Kearney-1-1st Lt. Wallace M. Mackay. Kearney-1-2nd Lt. Charles T. Wright. Lee-1-1st Lt. James A. Quinby. Pike-1-1st Lt. McCearley, John B. Presidio-1-(1st Lt. Lewin W. Martinez. (1st Lt. Edward A. Valentine. Presidio-1-1st Lt. Reginald H. Linforth. Sherman-1-(Captain Hunter P. Lovelace. (2nd Lt. Everett J. Gray. Sherman-1-1st Lt. Christopher W. Hardacre. Sherman-1-2nd Lt. Harold J. Jones. Taylor-1-1st Lt. Frederick F. Lamping. Taylor-1-1st Lt. Edmond T. Duvall. Travis-1-1st Lt. Ely F. Echolds. By Order of Colonel Cummings: (Harold H. Burton) Captain and Adjutant, 361st Infantry. HHB/s.
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[page 274] [ms torn: 3 lines] [March 22, 1919] Saturday I lost all respect [for French] people" But Fixed my money so I can't be beat out of it. Left for St. Nazaire at 12:50 p.m. will probably miss my regiment for I hear they have sailed. Arrived in St. Nazaire at 6:30 p.m. To find that 361st was Still here. sure was a happy Doughboy once more [ticket] From Paris France to Le Mans France First Class RR Ticket after the war is over
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[page 275] A paper well known to all A.E.F. soldats. Printed in Gay Paree. [newspaper clipping] The Stars and Stripes By and For the Soldiers of the A.E.F.
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[page 276] St. Nazaire France March 23rd Sunday 1919 No News as to when all the regiment Sails Regimental Hq. M.G. Co. supply co. leaves here Tuesday no Drills
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[page 277] Pomona [California] November, 21st 1918. To Captain, 1st or 2nd Lieutenant, Co. G. 361 Reg. Inft, A.E.F. Somewhere in France. My Dear Gentlemen:- Today I received official notice from Washington. My Son John J. Ford Jr. had been killed in action September 30th (50 days ago) My Dear Jack was the most beloved son of my family of nine children, it is needless to tell you of our grief, we are prostrated, and this puts it mild, I am going to ask one of you gentlemen to writeme or cause to have written me, if possible, a description of his last hour, and if you will this for his beloved Mother, I will be under everlasting obligations to you, in making this request I fully realize our many duties Your Military duties, all the demands made on you by our beloved Country, and such as the writer of this, still, I know you are an AMERICAN OFFICER, brim full of the humane nature of the GRANDEST COUNTRY UNDER GODS HEAVEN, and I feel if its in your power you will grant the request of the parents of one of our MARTYRED DEAD. My prayer for each and every one of you, is, MAY THE LIVING GOD WATCH OVER, PROTECT YOU, KEEP YOU, AND BRING YOU BACK EACH, AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR, TO DEAR OLD AMERICA Sincerely yours John J Ford The Father of John J. Ford, Jr. Co. G. 361 Inft, 91st Divs. AEF Many were the Letters we received like this. (Capt Minick)
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[page 278] St. Nazaire March 24 Monday 1919 No Drill Slept till 11:00 am This is a fine Camp but rains lots. Men are required to Stay out on athletic field while not raining. Tonight I went to the Show put on by Soldiers called - Pink stockings. Bought wifie more French Finery G"s reliable Cooking Force [photograph]
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[page 279] March 25th Tuesday part of 361st is sailing towards the U.S.A. Tonight Hq. Co. Supply Co. M.G.Co. It has rained all day. Lt Davis Duvall and Dwyer gone to Show (Home) in camp alone. A view of the parade ground at St. Nazaire, France [photograph]
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[page 280] St. Nazaire, France. March 26th 1919 Wednesday Today has been long and lonesome. Nothing to do. Rained almost all day. Sgt. Greenlees and Sgt. Hardy gets word about their commission men to be paid here. pays Rolls started today. wrote letters. we do not Know when we will leave here no mail since arrival here.
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[page 281] March 27th 1919. Thursday Today has been another long and lonesome day No drill - No word as to when we will leave here. Had a letter from wifie - March [26th].went to show. Ordnance Revue at salvation army Hut. Sgt Greenlees gets his commission as 2nd Lt. This has been a rather chilly day with a little rain.
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[page 282] [written vertically in right margin] Company "G"’s Officers - Less Capt Kanzler [photograph] Capt. Kanzler. S-W-S V S Capt. Minick. VV W & S Lt. F. T. Fairchild VV W & S Lt. Davis. VV W & S Lt. Ellis. VV W & S Lt. Lane VV W & S
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[page 283] [photograph] Sergeants Co. G" 361st Inf. 91st Division. A.E.F.
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Colonel David M. KING PRESENTS The ORDNANCE REVUE of the A. E. F. SALVATION ARMY HANGAR CAMP No 1 March 27th, 28th and 29th, 1919
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PROGRAMME THE ORDER OF WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE A. OVERTURE. B. ETHELWYN VAN NAME & BILLY McBEE In "Fun in a Phone Booth" C. JIMMIE RAFFERTY. "A Wee Bit of Scotch." D. "Pete" RORER. Songs n'Everything Assisted by Laura CADETT and Ethewyn VAN NAME E. "STUNG" A Dramatic Playlet. Cast of characters in order of their appearence Chicago Ed. Billy McBEE. Gentleman Bob. Walter SCHULTE. Helen Carr, A society Bud. Adelaide Grillo. Place: Jack Demarest's Apartment. Time: Present. F. INTERMISSION. G. EW FREY & WINIFRED PRATT. "Bits of Nonsense" H. MARCUS & LIGHTFOOT. "The Deep Black" I. ORDNANCE FOUR. George WILKIN Joseph CARPENTER Walter SCHULTE Robert WILKIN J. JIMMY MALY'S ORDNANCE ORCHESTRA. Featuring the Jazz Slide Trombonist, Louis H. BOSSHART K. The Ordnance Players in "HIGGINS THE JANITOR" Cast. Mrs. Armstrong. Adelaide CRILLO. Sally, her sister. Winifred PRATT. Bob, a friend of the family. Robert A. KERR. Jack, a friend of the family. Walter C. WOLFF. Henry Grayville, a lawyer. Mr. John Armstrong. J. B. BURNS. Higgins. Lew FREY. Place. Mrs. Armstrong's Apartment. Time: Present J. EXIT MARCH.
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[page 284] March 28th Friday Today has been a most beautiful day. Bright sun light. went to a Show tonight. Greenlees turns out as a New Lieut. wrote wifie a letter. In Todays paper [newspaper clipping] 91st Now At Sea; Six Troop Laden Ship Sail For U.S. March 22. I don't believe it for I am still here C.J.M. [photograph] (Sgt.) Lt. Greenlees First Appearance in a Sam Browne and Officers uniform Recommended by writer for a [commission] as 2nd Lieutenant which he received [back of insert] EXECUTIVE STAFF Colonel David M. KING. Director Capt. N. JONES. Manager Lew FREY. Production Mgr. Robert A. KERR. Stage Manager Walter C. WOLFF. Property Mgr. J. B. BURNS. Transportation J. M. MOLTZ. Electrician B. F. Green. Stage Carpenter John J. SHAACK. Flyman. PERSONNEL OF ORCHESTRA James W. Maly Leader Walter F. Wilkin Piano Thomas L. Law Violin Carl L. Anderson Violin William C. Martin Clarinet Louis H. Boussart Trombone John Alleva Cornet Merrill Schneider Flute Claude H. Glase Saxaphone Norman M. Sinski Saxaphone De Forrest L. Hart Drums
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[page 285] N. C. O.'s Co. "G" 361st infantry. A.E.F. 1. 1st Sgt. O B Hardy - Now a 2nd Lieut. 2 Sgt. Morgan 3 Sgt. Confer. 4 Sgt. Greenlees - now a 2nd Lieut. 5 Sgt. Subia. 6 Sgt. Calmus. 7 Sgt. Stedham. 8 Sgt. Miller. 9 Sgt. Preston. 10 Sgt. Younken. 11 Sgt. Stouder. 12 Sgt. Starke. 13 Mess Sgt. EV. Ilich. 14 Supply Sgt. Myers. 15 Sgt. Vintin 16 Sgt. Raines. 17 Sgt. Lindvery. 18 Sgt. Huppman - absent -
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[page 286] [photograph] Captain Minicks Company Company G" 361st Infantry. 91st Division. Belleme, France March 7" 1919.
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[page 287] Saint Nazaire March 29th 1919 Saturday Rain Rain" Sunshine then rain. Arose just in time for dinner. More ships arrive we may leave here monday. part of 362nd Inf leaves here tomorrw. Had 3 dandy letters from wifie today. From Excelsior Springs, [Missouri]. It has rained all day no let up at all. [letter in French] Boulogne 20 Mars 1919. Chers Garrains C'est aiyoud' hui jeudi de conge j'en profite pour vous envoyer de mes nouvelles. je suis toujours en bonne sante, et je travaille de mon mieux en classe je fais un peu de progres et j'en suis tres content. je sorte le dimanche avec mere et mon frere quand le temps le permet. Cela nous distrait en esperons chers Parrains que ma lettre vous fera plaisir
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[letter in French continued] Veuillez agrez de votre filleul ses meilleurs tendresses. Edmond Casier 80 rue de Saint Omer Boulogne Sur mer.
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Place de Rivoli Paris le Gentlemen, Owing to the pressure of work, we are not translating all letter. However, we hope you will enjoy the enclosure from your little ward, and with best wishes, remain Yours sincerely [signature] Marie Perrin Section Stars & Stripes
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[page 288] March 30th 1919 Sunday. This has been a beautiful day. Have been inside all day. Cabled wifie - will Sail this week. Love $3.80 we will Probably leave hear tomorrow or Tuesday. Had letters from our (Co) Mascots. Batallion Review Early tomorrow morning. Presentation of medals. [envelope] [Excelsior Springs, Missouri] Mrs. C. J. Minick 822 St. Paul Kansas City [Kansas] U.S.A. Clarence J. Minick Captain 361 U.S. Infantry American Expeditionary Force A.P.O 776 Last letter received in the A.E.F.
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Kansas City [Kansas] March 12, 1919. Dearest Love:- I am enjoying myself fine. Vina just mailed me two letters and a postal and gee! I was glad to hear from you. You were in Paris on your way to the Argonne forest and had had no mail from me for over a month. Well dearie it almost breaks my heart to think I've wrote just as regularly as before and you get no mail. I'm afraid you believe I'm not writ
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ing you sweetheart. But you should know better. For I love you sweet heart more every day. It seems that the time never will come for you to come home but dearie maybe it will. I hope that by the time you get back to your company you had lots of mail and by this time you are ready to sail. Baby will be six months the 29th of this month and just a regular doll and daddy can't see her. Every one says what a pretty baby! And I love her so. I believe tho sweetheart you will sail in this month or the early part of next and we will have the grandest time. And please dearie don't get discouraged when you don't get mail for it isn't my fault. This is two letters I've written since I came down here. The morning paper states that Camp Sherman Ohio is going to be the largest demobilization camp so maybe you will be sent there And that would be close to home
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If the paper knows anything about it you will sail the last of March and I can't help but believe you will. Wont you be a happy little man? And won't I be a happier little woman? You've been away so long you know how much I love my baby man. I'm having a grand time over here. Every one is so nice to me & I cant go all the places I've been invited. You remember Maud Wade my chum before I was Married & yet too. She married Xmas
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after I did in June. I went to see her yesterday. See has a baby three days old. Named her Bertha. She was so glad so see me and I was her too. I'm going to Lawson to-morrow. Aunt Emma going with me. She is talking my head off until I can't hardly write. Then Friday I'm going back to Maud's. [Saturday] to Isleys. to-night to lodge so I'm having a glorious time. And feeling so well. And drinking the waters. Last night went to the show and Monday night too. Sunday
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Vina is coming over and Aunt Emma is having her birthday dinner. The Isley girls are coming too. They are just taking me every place and getting every thing to eat. The weather is ideal so nice and warm and Doris enjoys going out so much. You & I are coming over here too when you come home. Aunt Emma has it all planed. I'm going down to your home again next. But if I see where you are coming right away I'll just wait & come with you. I haven't heard from Orville for so long. Well baby no news of any interest. My daughter is awake too. She is so cute. I can't love her enough. She behaves so well when I go any place. Aunt Emma & Uncle Jesse carry her & wont let me. Write me often love and be real good cause I love my little man & am going to be patient as I can until you get here. Aunt
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Emma too two big boxes of "Hershey's" chocolates from the resturant and I wish you had some. Write every day baby. all our love & millions of hugs & kisses. Viola.
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[page 289] March 31st 1919. Monday. Another beautiful day. Presentation of Medals to two colonels "S.O.S." 2nd Bn. passed in Review. Heard the 35th Div. was arriving here. Expect to see Captain Brady. we expect to leave here Thursday. Lt. Greenlees leaves for Paris. 91st Div. plays and wins Game of Base Ball T.S. Troops of St. Nazaire.
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[page 290] April 1st 1919 Tuesday Another beautiful day. Ate dinner at Officers Club. Lt. Duvall Lt. Davis & Lt Wilkins. Drew my Last pay check in France $314.62 Month of March. We sail Tomorrow Load at 3:00 p.m. Drew pay for Co. month of March. $5768.54. Have severe headache. Every body in fine spirits - A mess line at St. Nazaire
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Headquarters 361st Infantry USS Mexican, April 2, 1919. To Capt. C. J. Minick, Co G. [You] are hereby detailed as Officer of the Day to relieve 1st Lieut. [ms illegible: 1 wd] is on duty now. You are directed to report to [headquarters] without delay to receive instructions relative to tour duty. By order of Lieut Colonel Eddy: R. H. Linforth [ms torn: 1 line]
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[page 291] April 2nd 1919. Wednesday Loaded on Troop ship Mexican at 4.25 P.M. at Dock #3. - 237 Men & two Officers Lt. Duvall & myself. we are to lay in docks tonight & start homeward tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. (awaiting high tide) Have State room no. 3 - Capt Gilbert - Capt Hoffman Myself. My Company goes on guard tonight. I am officer of the day. - Isn't it a good and glorious feeling - To get up in the morning and & Know you are Homeward Bound. [photograph] Good Ship Mexican St. Nazaine April 2nd 1919 to April 15-1919 New York Builded in [San Francisco, California] in 1907 During the Earth quake. Freighter
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[page 292] Sailing April 3rd 1919 Thursday 10:00 a.m. An early rise this morning 4:30 a.m. we pulled out from Docks at St. Nazaire at 5:20 a.m. and a fine feeling To Know we are going towards the Dear Old U.S.A. A Beautiful day. Relieved as officer of the Day By Capt. Armstrong Co. I" at 8:30 a.m. 11:15 pm An uneventful day - nice weather sea smooth. Had one fire drill at 2:30 p.m. Have a fine mess and are feeding fine. Changed time back 1.15 minutes A Scene on Board the U.S.S. Mexican Enroute to the U.S.A. [photograph] on road to U.S.A.
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[page 293] April 4th 1919 Friday got up at 7:45 3:45 PM This has been a beautiful day, had one little shower in the forenoon. Some of the bunch are sick and were lined up this morning at the railing feeding the fishes. I felt myself slipping but am still O.K. The old saying here is (on land everyone says all that goes up comes down) (here) all that goes down comes up. we have rode some good size waves today. But in general the sea is calm. ("G Co has one man in Hospital very sick") Changed time back 22 minutes 11:30 pm Fine day but getting rough. Feel myself slipping - (sea sick) (1/2) - Bed time.
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[page 294] April 5 Saturday 1919. Feeling fine. water just a little rough Have read almost all day took one nap. Drizzled rain about 11:30 am passed two Steamers about 10.30 a.m. going towards Europe. Capt. Gilbert and Lt. McLaughlin feeling just a little like They would feed the fishes sooner or later. Distance traveled up to 12:00 noon 707 miles. [photograph] Capt Minick Caught in the Act Known as feed'en the fishes on high seas.
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[page 295] April 6th Sunday 1919 A beautiful day but somewhat rough. we were 967 miles at sea at noon today. we are making about 300 miles per day. time set back 25 minutes. Riding a life boat on board the U.S.S. Mexican [photograph] 1 Maj. Dickerson 2 Capt. Hoffman 3 Capt. Gilbert 4 Maj. Naftzger 5 Capt. Trochet. picture by Capt. Minick
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[page 296] April 7 1919 Monday A rough Old day this has been waves have rolled high & wide. Took a nice nap this afternoon. 250 miles today. Time Set back 25 minutes. To bed at 9:00 P.M.
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[page 297] April 8th Tuesday 1919. An uneventful day. Somewhat rough. made 289 miles Time set back at 10:00 25 minutes. The sister Ship of the Mexican passed us at noon and and wired us that she would see us in [New York] She is about 7 ½ miles ahead already. an entertainment on board tonight for the officers. we expect to reach [New York] by [Monday] I am guessing that we reach [New York] on Monday at 9:30 a.m.
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[page 298] April 9 1919 Wednesday The roughest day we have had feel myself slipping again. Time back 24 minutes. We are not making very good time today. 265 miles. Total of 1777 miles up to noon to-day. April 10th 1919 Thursday. Last night was very rough This morning is bright. But the wind is high. made 260 miles. 2037 miles Expect to get to [New York] Monday. Time back 23 minutes.
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[page 299] Last Muster Roll of Co. G 361 Inf in France. Held at Belleme (orne) France March 3rd 1919
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[page 300] April 11 1919 Friday Today has been a beautiful day. Sea Smooth and Calm. Made 293 miles we expect to arrive in New York Monday night Land Tuesday Morning. Time back 22 minutes. Total 2330 Miles. [message insert] NAVAL COMMUNICATION SERVICE S R S No. 70 Station or Ship, U.S.S. Mexican [April] 11, 1919 RECEIVED from Capt Clarence J. Minick 361st Inf Co G. the sum of $ One and 50/100 for a 10 word radiogram addressed to Viola Minick 822 St. Paul Kansas City [Kansas] to be sent via Boston Hoboken Tuesday Love [signature] Electrician in Charge. Receiving Operator of Clerk. CHARGES COLLECTED. Dolls. Cents. 10 wds Station Rate 6 cents 60 [cents] 10 wds Land Line Rate 8 cents 80 [cents] [ms illegible: 2 wds] 10 [cents] TOTAL CHARGES 1 [dollar] 50 [cents] TOTAL COLLECTION 1 [dollar] 50 [cents] Sent Wifie Wireless Message. Hoboken Tuesday. Love.
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[page 301] G. H. Q. AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, FRANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 1919. GENERAL ORDERS No. 38-A. MY FELLOW SOLDIERS: Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Forces is about to terminate, I can not let you go without a personal word. At the call to arms, the patriotic young manhood of America eagerly responded and became the formidable army whose decisive victories testify to its efficiency and its valor. With the support of the nation firmly united to defend the cause of liberty, our army has executed the will of the people with resolute purpose. Our democracy has been tested, and the forces of autocracy have been defeated. To the glory of the citizen-soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust, and in an succession of brilliant offensives have overcome the menace to our civilization. As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in the sum total of our achievements. Whether keeping lonely vigil in the trenches, or gallantly storming the enemy's stronghold; whether enduring monotonous drudgery at the rear, or sustaining the fighting line at the front, each has bravely and efficiently played his part. By willing sacrifice of personal rights; by cheerful endurance of hardship and privation; by vigor, strength and indomitable will, made effective by thorough organization and cordial co-operation, you inspired the war-worn Allies with new life and turned the tide of threatened defeat into overwhelming victory. With a consecrated devotion to duty and a will to conquer, you have loyally served your country. By your exemplary conduct a standard has been established and mantained never before attained by any army. With mind and body as clean and strong as the decisive blows you delivered against the foe, you are soon to return to the pursuits of peace. In leaving the scenes of your victories, may I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue to live as you have served - an honor to the principles for which you have fought and to the fallen comrades you leave behind. It is with pride in our success that I extend to you my sincere thanks for your splendid service to the army and to the nation. Faithfully, John J. Pershing Commander in Chief. OFFICIAL: ROBERT C. DAVIS, Adjutant General. Copy furnished to Clarence J Minick Captain 361st Inf. Co. G. Commanding.
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[page 302] On Board the US Mexican April 12 Saturday 1919. 12 noon The smoothest day we have had. up to noon we had come 2614 miles. we are now 634 miles from New York. 2 ½ days run. We're on our way back Home." When will we see Dear old U.S.A.?
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[page 303] April 13 1919 Sunday Beautiful day overhead But a rough one on water made our shortest run today only 224 miles. Time back 22 minutes [ms illegible: 1 wd] 2838 April 14, 1919 Monday 12:00 noon No land in Sight yet have made a good run since yesterday at noon we will arrive in [New York] Harbor some time tonight 4:15 PM Have passed the 1st Light Ship Have about 45 miles to go. Do not dock tonight but anchor out of Harbor and go in early Tuesday morning. Isn't it great to Know we will be on U.S. Soil Tuesday. 7:40 PM Lieut Wilkins first to sight land at 7:55 PM Dropped anchor about 1 mile from statue of Liberty for the night
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[page 304] April 15 1919 Tuesday Raised anchor and was off to the docks at 8:00 at 8:30 we were tied up ready to debark. met my Bud 1st Lt. [Robert Orville] Minick at Docks. from docks to ferry crossed to Long Island. boarded Train and was off to Camp Mills. arriving at12:15 P.M. Bud came to see me in Evening sent wifie Telegram from Docks at 8:30 our answer came back at 7:30 p.m. [telegram] RECEIVED AT Camp Mills, New York 341NY HX TEN FY KANSASCITY MO APR 151919 CLARENCE J MINICK CAPT 361 ST INF SO HAPPY BOTH WELL HOW LONG THERE WRITING ANSWER LOVE VIOLA 502P
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[page 305] In the good old U.S.A. April 16, 1919 Wednesday. Rained last night. went to New York to settle company Fund Accounts - Lt. Duvall Lt Coffey Lt Wilkins and I went to 44th St. Theatre Good Show. Rained all day. Sent Telegram home. Recd Ans [telegram] RECEIVED AT Camp Mills, [New York] 377NY KY 10 FY KANSASCITY KANSAS 418PM APRIL 16 1919 CLARENCE J MINICK 377 CAPT 361 INFY CAMPMILLS NY RECEIVED MESSAGE BOTH FINE ANXIOUS TO SEE YOU LOVE WRITE VIOLA 559PM
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[page 306] April 17 1919 Thursday am officer of The Day - Beautiful day wrote home nothing to do at all. No news yet as to when we leave here. 2 PM. wrote some letters, Took dinner at Hostess House Had a company Smoker A Gold stripe for each 6 mo. in France
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[page 307] April 18th 1919 Friday Relieved as O.D. at 9:30 Orville arrives at 11:30 [ms torn: 1 wd] we went to New York Took in the Theatre. Bought Baby's Necklace 175.00 April 19 Saturday 1919. In camp all day. Nothing to do. more news from home everyone O.K. went to Liberty Theatre here in camp.
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[page 308] April 20 Sunday 1919. Easter and no place to go nor nothing to do. Took dinner at Hostess house. Evening went to Liberty Theatre wrote Two Letters home. very beautiful day.
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[page 309] April 21st Monday 1919 Nice day nothing to do only sit around and await our turn to get away from here. was over in New York for a while - made a talk for the Victory Loan Drive on 37th St. 7 Ave.
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[page 310] April 22 1919 Tuesday Today our first orders came in all went to be sent to Camp Upton are to go our early tomorrow we are hoping to get out this week. Took Dinner at Hostess house. Had two letters from home [telegram] RECEIVED AT [ms illegible: 1 wd] 41 COLL BLUE KANSAS CITY [Missouri] 410P APRIL 27 1919 CAPT C G MINICK 361 INF CAMPDODGE [Iowa] RECEIVED MESSAGE LONESOME FOR YOU BABY AND I WELL SHE HAS A TOOTH DO YOU WANT ME TO COME UP THERE AM SO ANXIOUS TO SEE YOU GLAD YOU WILL BE HERE THURSDAY WIRE ME WHAT TRAIN TO MEET LOVE KISSES VIOLA 614PM Recd at Camp Dodge Iowa April 27 [1919]
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[page 311] [photograph] MODEL PACK ARRANGEMENT FOR FIELD INSPECTION. Model Display of Equipment of a Private Soldier [photograph] At Home
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[page 312] 3716-19- HEADQUARTERS, CAMP DODGE, IOWA. April 28, 1919. SPECIAL ORDERS ) NUMBER 118 ) Extract X 13. Leaves of absence for fifteen days each, effective on or about the dates indicated after their respective names, are granted the following named Officers, under the provisions of Circular Number 86, War Department, 1919: Captain Frank A. Eckdall, Medical Corps, April 30, 1919. Captain Irving R. Crawford, Infantry, April 29, 1919. Captain Clarence J. Minick, 361st Infantry, April 28, 1919. Second Lieutenant [William] A. Andreason, Infantry, April 28, 1919. Second Lieutenant Frank J. Foley, 362nd Infantry, April 28, 1919. Second Lieutenant Henry Allard, Infantry, April 28, 1919. Second Lieutenant Louis Segall, Signal Corps, April 28, 1919. Second Lieutenant [James] Brennan, 362nd Infantry, April 29, 1919. Second Lieutenant Russell H. Harris, 362nd Infantry, April 28, 1919. Second Lieutenant James H. Cobb, Signal Corps, May 1, 1919. Second Lieutenant Michael F. O'Conner, Infantry, May 1, 1919. X By Command of Major General Ballou: H A RIPLEY Colonel, Infantry Camp Executive Officer. Official: WARREN E PUGH Major, Infantry Camp Adjutant.
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[page 313] The End of a Record Kept by me. Captain Clarence J Minick During the time I was overseas Going accross & Returning. Clarence J Minick Captain 361st U.S. Infantry U.S. Army Page 320 a record of important places visited while overseas. [photograph]
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[page 314] To whom it May Concern The writer and owner of this book requests that those who read it, care for it as he or she would if it were yours please do not remove any pictures orders or papers from it as they are more valuable to me than they would be to any one else. You are more than welcome to read it, But plese return same to Captain Clarence James Minick 3435 E - 9 st [Kansas City, Missouri] 1004 Jackson [Kansas City, Missouri] 804 Kensington [Kansas City, Missouri] Last Address 611 Kensington [Kansas City, Missouri] 500 - E - 12th st. [Kansas City, Missouri] Last address - 730 S - Mills St. [Kansas City, Kansas] 703 - E - 30th [Kansas City, Missouri] 2809 Cherry st [Kansas City, Missouri] 2908 Cherry st [Kansas City, Missouri] 3022 Gillham Road
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[page 316] [letter insert] Vina is going to write too. Sending all our love to our daddy - hugs your wife & baby. Viola Love - Love - Love.
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[page 317] I'll get you when I get home sis. She Said - "I wont wait so long to write any more - I've got "The next to get yet.
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[page 320] Some of the places I have seen while in Europe. July 17, [1918] Glasgow, Scotland. [Southampton], England. [Le Havre], France. Versailles, France. Foulain, France. [Montigny-le-Roi], France. Epinant, France. July 24 [1918] Sarray, France. Nogent, France. Langres, France. Odival, France. [Is-en-Bassigny], France. Agerville, France. Chillendry, France. De Mauges, France. Bovec, France. Void, France. Apremont, France. [Marats-la-Petite], France. [Marats-la-Grande], France. Neubecourt, France. Parois, France. Vary, France. [September 28, 1918] Epinonville, France. Eclisfontaine, France. [September 29, 1918] Gesnes, France. Montfaucon, France. Avrecourt, France. Verrieres, France. Dombasle, France. Eppicourt, France. Lovermont, France. Mussey France. [St. Denis] France. Amiens France. [Boulogne] France. [Dunkirk] France. Calais France. [Wieltje] Belgium. Ypres Belgium. De Ruiter Belgium. Zonnebeke Belgium. [Oostnieuwkerke] Belgium. Passchendaele Belgium. St Peters Knock Belgium. [Straat] Belgium. Hulste Belgium. Bavichore Belgium. Oyghem Belgium. Evangelboom Belgium. [Wortegem] Belgium. Huggehem Belgium. Bevere Belgium. Audenarde Belgium. Kasleelwijk Belgium. Ekhout Belgium. [Sint-Maria-Horebeke] Belgium. [Sint-Lievens-Esse] Belgium. Kirkeen Belgium. Deinze Belgium. Wontergem Belgium. [Meulebeke] Belgium. Staden Belgium. Westvleteren Belgium. Stavele Belgium.
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[page 321] Crombeke Belgium. Oostvleteren Belgium. Paris, France - 4 Le Mans France. [La Ferte-Bernard] France. [Nogent-le-Rotrou] France. Belleme France. Le Thielt France. Revigny France. St. Menehould France. Verdun France. [Challerange] France. Grande Paree France. Bar-le-Duc France. Exermont France. [Chauffort] France. Boyoghem Belgium. Carlisle England. Birmingham England. Angers France. Nantes France. Paimboeuf France. Ancenis France. Mauves France. St. Nazaire France.
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[page 322] addresses of men who Served in Co. G - 361st Infantry. Officers Capt Minick Lt Davis - Lt. Lane - Lt Duval
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[page A] George D Adair 16 Murphy Bldg. 20th & [ms torn: 1 wd] Seattle, Washington
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[page B] Thimon A. Brekken. Box 94 Pekin, North Dakota. Chester A. Bonebrake. R. F. D. #5. Box 80 Vancouver, Washington Spiros Buzas. 514 - Sacramento Street Vallejo, California Nick C. Cederson. Hannaford, North Dakota. John H. Curraw. Cummings Bridge Post Office Ottawa, Canada. David W Bryant Box 212 - Route #7 Yakima - [Washington] Frank Baker Dewitt Knox County [Kentucky]. John H Rose Shyville Ohio.
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[page C] Pete H Crustalas. 106 North 7th Street St. Louis, Missouri. Viets Collister Madison, Ohio. Emile Chicou 972 Stanford Avenue Oakland California John M Confer Sgt. R. F. D. #4. Brookville, Pennsylvania. Leon E Collies 2747 Cornell St. Indianapolis [Indiana] Paul Cramer 51 West Delaware Place Chicago, Illinois Harold Cummings 908 Second Ave. South Great Falls Montana. Peter Chash Shereshaw, Russia Joseph H Chrast Neppel Washington
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[page D] 1st Lt. Edmond T Duvall 315 West 82nd Street New York City [New York] 1st Lt Walter F Davis [Laramie] Wyoming. 2nd Lt William C Dwyer 438 River St. Waterbury [Connecticut]. 2nd Lt. Joseph R Daviees 2545 Imperial Ave. San Diego California Safford A Denny Conrad Montana F. S. Dickinson maj. 361st Inf. 2403 L. C. Smith Bldg. Seattle, [Washington]
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[page E] 1st Lt. 361st Inf Co. H. E Frank Echolds, Windfall, Indiana. Albert Erickson Quincy Oregon
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[page F] Ralph W Fert Columbia City Indiana. Martin Fotland 5701 Grand Avenue West Duluth Minnesota David W Ferrin 516 Ellis Street [San Francisco] California James C Fortune 1351 Sutter Street San Francisco -
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[page G] Thomas Greenlees 712 - 11th Avenue North Seattle Washington Francisco B Galejo 37 Clay Street San Francisco, California Benjamin Guterson 715 15th Avenue North Seattle Washington Martin J Guenthner 1538 Washington Avenue Piqua Ohio. Frank S Gresham Newlin, Texas. [Captain] Curtiss R Gilbert Yakima [Washington]. Captain Henry P. Hoffman 903 Paulsen St Paulsen Bld. Spokane [Washington]. Orville D Garrison Scappoose Oregon
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[page H/I] Herman Helvogt. R. F. D. #2. Hillsboro, [Washington] County Oregon Willie Ilich KKK Store. Kalamath Falls, Oregon George A Hillebrecht R. F. D. #1. Box 22 Orange California
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[page J/K] Everett L Josh Pinehurst, Washington Harry G Kocher 716 11th Avenue Seattle Washington. C. L. Johnson 1834 East 67th Street. Los Angeles, California. Edward Jasted Unalaska Washington Ernest Kirkpatrick Kalkaska Michigan
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[page L] Max M Lasker. 14 Massasoit Place Springfield [Massachusetts]. Reinert Levik Ormsby, Minnesota George Logathetis Andros Stenes Greece.
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[page M] Charles H Madge [Irving], Illinois Buddie C McGowan R. F. D. #1. Ogden, Utah B. X. Matheos 1728 12th Avenue. Seattle, Washington Fred J Marish 815 East Street Redding, California. Orlando S McDermott Nicktown Cambria [ms illgible: 1 wd] Pennsylvania Frank J McDonald 820 - 29th Avenue South Seattle Washington. Clifford L Myers pvt Philipsburg [Pennsylvania]. Emil S Miller Route #1. Alexander North Dakota Samuel X. Morgan 1090 North Decatur St. Memphis [Tennessee]
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[page N] Arthur J. Nelson R. F. D. #1. Box 32 Monterey, Minnesota Christ Nichols R. F. D. # Box 59. Bellevue Washington Hugh S Newby Box 264, Sevier County Monroe [Washington]. Nels A Nelson 4416 North 30th Street Tacoma Washington
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[page O] Edwin W Odum 509 Pine street Monterey California
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[page P] Jerry Preston R. F. D. A. Box 117. Elma, Washington William F Priem Bellingham Minnesota. John H Powell R. F. D. #7. Box 12 Mason Michigan Frank Petsch Belle Plaine Minnesota. Albert R Peffers RFD #3 Box 111 Ellensburg Washington Archie C Popplerwell R. F. D. #2. Hustonville [Kentucky]
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[page Q] Raymond B Quick R. F. D. #4. Lebanon Indiana.
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[page R] Archie O Roberts Olene, Oregon Klamath County. Carlisle Al Radke 192 ½ Union Avenue North Seattle Washington. William D Rebolt 167 Superior Boulevard Wyandotte Michigan. Morris A Rowden 2225 H street Bakersfield, California. Manuel M Robertson 223 Frank Street Salinas California Dorris Reed RFD #. 1. Box 1 Bellefonte Pennsylvania
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[page S] Albert D Stuckey 752 - N - Wilson Avenue Pasadena, California Everett L Smith 35 North Chester Avenue Pasadena, California Albert L Shelley, Tidewater, Oregon. Samuel R Steelsmith South Prairie, Pierce County Washington Joe W. Steinback Deep Creek Washington. Joseph E Smith Brawley California A. J Swanson Rib Lake Wisconsin Joseph L. Schweikert Lamanda Park California Edward E Sagun 613 Commercial st. Astoria Oregon Sued Gov 1942 for [War Risk Insurance]. James E Simmons 1563 East 33rd St. Los Angeles [California]. Jody Stewart Lakeport Florida
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[page T] Wilbur L Taylor, Jr. 316 [ms illegible: 1 line] Lawrence, [ms illegible: 1 wd] Thomas K Thomsen 1907 Ninth Avenue Seattle, Washington. William B Tipps 429 Ruth Street Glendale, California. Paul Taffie. 1100 East Pike Street. Seattle, Washington. Sven Thompson R. F. D. #2. [Nezperce], Idaho. Roy A Thompson New Rockford North Dakota.
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[page W/V] William C. Whitman R. F. D. #6. [Neosho], Missouri Eugene Vintin Grass Valley Oregon Clifton Z, Wheelhouse R. F. D. #3. Owensville, Indiana. George Warburton 369 Adams Avenue Ogden, Utah [ms illegible: 1 wd] T Williams Prescott, Oregon. Carl Wilson R. #1. Williams Fort Ohio. Dewey G Woody Hagerman Idaho
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[photograph] Dr. [ms illegible: 1 wd] Mrs. W. L. Tooze Jr. Lt. & Mrs. C. J. Minick.
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[page Y/Z] Jacob F Zanzella 1030 West 68th St Los Angeles [California] Banner Zeek Star Route Toledo, Oregon. Donald Zoungken 5516 Echo street, Los Angeles California.
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Clarence Minick Capt. 361st Infantry.
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[photograph] Jim.
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[photograph]
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VACCINATION REGISTER Minick SURNAME Clarence J CHRISTIAN NAME RANK 11 COMPANY ORC REGIMENT OF STAFF CORPS Enlisted , 19 At PRESIDIO, [San Francisco, California] Date of birth , 19 TYPHOID VACCINATION AGAINST DOSE TEMPERATURE DATE INITIALS First 98 [May 14, 1917] [initials] Second. X - Third. X - LAST PREVIOUS VACCINATION AGAINST DATE [January 4, 1917] PLACE NO. OF DOSES 3 HISTORY OF TYPHOID FEVER, IF ANY YEAR PLACE SMALLPOX VACCINATION AGAINST DATE [May 14, 1917] RESULT uns 2 INITIALS [initials] LAST PREVIOUS SUCCESSFUL VACCINATION AGAINST DATE PLACE HISTORY OF SMALLPOX, IF ANY YEAR PLACE REMARKS A TRUE COPY: E. J. Dean MAJOR, MEDICAL CORPS, U.S.A. STATION OR COMMAND EXAMINED FOR TUBERCULOSIS AND PASSED B. R. W. Form 81 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, U.S.A. 3-3460 (Authorized July 14, 1915)
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VACCINATION REGISTER Minick, SURNAME Clarence J. CHRISTIAN NAME Capt. RANK K. COMPANY 361-Infty. REGIMENT OR STAFF CORPS Enlisted , 19 At Date of birth [January 14, 1893]. TYPHOID VACCINATION AGAINST DOSE TEMPERATURE DATE INITIALS First. Second. X Third. X completed. June 4, 1917. E. J. D. LAST PREVIOUS VACCINATION AGAINST DATE PLACE NO. OF DOSES HISTORY OF TYPHOID FEVER, IF ANY YEAR PLACE PARATYPHOID VACCINATION AGAINST DOSE TEMPERATURE DATE INITIALS First. Second. X Third. X completed. June 4, 1917. E. J. D. LAST PREVIOUS VACCINATION AGAINST DATE PLACE NO. OF DOSES HISTORY OF PARATYPHOID FEVER, IF ANY YEAR PLACE SMALLPOX VACCINATION AGAINST DATE RESULT INITIALS [May 14, 1917]. Unsuccessful twice A. W. R. LAST PREVIOUS VACCINATION AGAINST DATE PLACE HISTORY OF SMALLPOX, IF ANY YEAR PLACE EXAMINED FOR TUBERCULOSIS AND PASSED B. R. W. 3-3460 (A true copy) [ms illegible: 1 line]
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Dear Guardians. Today is sacred Thursday. I am going to take advantage of it to send you some news about myself. I am always in good health and I work my best in class. I am making a little progress and I am very happy. I go out sundays with mother and brother when the weather permits. That furnishes us diversion. In hopes, dear guardians, that my letter will find you happy, Will you accept from your orphan his thousands of thanks (graces) Edmond Covier 80 Rue de Saint Ower Boulogue Sur Mer on the sea
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Dear Benefactors: I beg your pardon for not having sent you my photograph sooner. I have to wait for it more. Dear benefactors, I thank most deeply for the proposition. Dear benefactors, I hope you have received already my little letter which I sent you. Now my dear benefactors for the present my health is good and I am learning to read and in the opinion of my school teacher I am doing quite well in class. Receive, dear benefactors, from your little orphan, my most profound thankfulnesses. I remain your little good friend. Georgette [for original French letter see Page 266]
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[photograph] mess
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Co. Kitchen Company G. 361st Infantry Commander By Captain C. J Minick 91st Div.
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AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF TO DEPARTING OFFICERS OF THE A. E. F. After honorably serving your Country in a great war, you are about to embark for the homeland. Remember that the bearing of their officers is reflected in the behavior and discipline of the men you are commanding homeward bound. I most sincerely trust that no single act may occur to stain the splendid record won by our troop in Europe. My confidence and best wishes follow you and them as you cross the sea and in your future service in the Army of elsewhere. John J Pershing.
Details
| Title | Clarence J. Minick Diary - June 22, 1918 - April 22, 1919 |
| Creator | Minick, Clarence James |
| Source | Minick, Clarence J. Diary. 22 June 1918-22 April 1919. Clarence James Minick Collection, 1914-1943. 1980.58. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | From June 22, 1918, to April 22, 1919, Clarence J. Minick recorded a detailed diary of experiences in the United States military. Minick traced his military service from Camp Lewis to Camp Merritt and then overseas to England, France, and Belgium. Minick discussed several topics including battles like the Turnip Top Drive. |
| Subject LCSH | United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 361st; United States. Army. Division, 91st; Camp Lewis (Wash.); Camp Merritt (N.J.); World War, 1914-1918--Transportation; World War, 1914-1918--War work--Red Cross; Quarantine; Mumps; World War, 1914-1918--Equipmen |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Scotian; Cruzier; Colorado; Big Empress of Russia; Royal Flying Corps; Seaman's Orphans; Viper; Agriculture; General Foltz; Semaphore; General MacDonald; Over the Top; No Man's Land; 362nd Infantry; 181st Brigade; 182nd Brigade; 147th In |
| Site Accession Number | 1980.58 |
| Contributing Institution | National World War I Museum and Memorial |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the National World War I Museum and Memorial: (816) 888-8100. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | June 22, 1918-April 22, 1919 |
| Language | English; French |