Memorandum from H.V. Pittman to C.O. 12th Engineers - April 6, 1917
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[page 2] Haden and Coblin; the latter a car repairer who volunteered to remain until the last for removal of telephones and etc. The courage of these men was most extraordinary and their devotion to duty under such trying and dangerous conditions most worthy. Sergeant Scott F. Whitaker, night chief Dispatcher, is deserving of the highest commendation, due to his courage, untireing energy and devotion to duty all through the operating emergency. He remained constantly on duty for over seventy hours, establishing his control post, first at DZ 101, then at DZ 213, and finally, when driven out, to DZ 219, the last control post on the DZ Lines, after which he endeavored to operate his trains by messenger, which method had to be shortly abandoned. In the dispatch of his trains, there was no confusion, accidents or avoidable delays, a most remarkable record considering the conditions. (3) Private Forest M. Flanigan, a Conductor on an engine running light out of Roisel on way to Hancourt, witnessed the bursting of a huge enemy shell just ahead of his engine and to one side of the track, which fatally wounded one British Soldier and severely wounded another. He immediately backed into Roisel yard, under fire, found an empty car, returned, picked up the wounded men, forcing a British soldier to give up his overcoat which he wrapped around the fatally wounded one, to ease his pain, and proceeded on his out bound journey to Hancourt, delivered the wounded to the C.C.S., near Bernes; the fatally wounded one dying on the journey there. (4) Private Max M. Haden, a trick dispatcher at Roisel and Private John L. Rufty, showed excellent courage, under fire, in dispatching trains through Montigny Control. By their coolness and courage they renedred valuable assistance to Lieutenant Reyburn to the last. (5) Worthy of special mention, are also Corporal Volney C. Goodrich, Privates Barney E. Koeger, and Edward D. Bayless, who made round trips between Montingy and Roisel about 9:00 A.M., the morning of the bombardment, and repaired a number of breaks, caused by bursting shells, in the telephone system, established complete communications as far as DZ 101, where messages were relayed afoot to Tincourt. (6) For devotion to duty, untiring energy, and coolness under fire and for the successful operation and evacuation of Control Posts and Rolling stock from DZ 101, to Brie and Estrees, the following men are most worthy of mention: Sergeant, Munger. See Major Fosters report. Sergeant, Callahan. Sergeant, Ward, J.G. Sergeant, Ward, H.P. Sergeant, Ellerkamp, T.H. Corporal, Dulle Corporal, Barry, J.G. Corporal, Daves. Corporal, Beebe. Corporal, McGuire. Corporal, Carrow, Corporal, Kelso. Corporal, Nesbitt. Wagoners, Triefenbach, A.P. Wagoners, Triegenbach, W.J.
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[page 3] Privates, Renisch. Privates, Hatcher, C.W. Privates, Peters, C.H. Privates, McQueary Privates, Arnold. Privates, Blair. Privates, Cowdrey. Privates Maulding. Privates, Mellor. Privates, Murphy. Privates, Vales. Privates, Quackenbush. Privates, Hamby. Co.
Details
| Title | Memorandum from H.V. Pittman to C.O. 12th Engineers - April 6, 1917 |
| Creator | Pittman, H.V. |
| Source | Pittman, H.V. Memorandum to the C.O. of 12th Engineers. 06 April 1917. World War I Collection. A1771. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Letter to the C.O of the 12 Engineers concerning the conduct of operating personal evacuating light railways during an emergency. The memorandum commended all of the men for their servicee but highlighted the actions of several who went above and beyond the call of duty. |
| Subject LCSH | United States. Army. 12th Engineers; Military ceremonies, honors and salutes; Military decorations |
| Subject Local | World War I; WWI |
| Site Accession Number | A1771 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| 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. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | April 6, 1917 |
| Language | English |