Memorandum from Paul McGeehan to Commanding Officer of the 12th Engineers - April 9, 1918
Transcript
Hq., 12th Engineers (Railway). In Field Service, France, 9, April 1918. From: Paul McGeehan, Captain, Engineers, U.S.R. To: Commanding Officer, 12th Engineers (Ry). Subject: 1. There was one incident at Tincourt that happened during the first day of the present enemy offensive, which I think should be brought to your attention. 2. Lieut. Burks took a couple of corporals, a few privates, and the guard house inmates, and went up front to repair a break in the Deckerville track caused by shell fire. He worked from 6:00 AM till 1:00PM repairing this break and other breaks, which were discovered later, amounting, I am told, to about a dozen. Besides this he cleared the track of dirt thrown on it from the side in many places. He repaired the track at CY 9, while the neighboring ammunition dump was on fire. The party worked under a very heavy bombardment directed largely at the lines of communication, and the conductor of the train, Sgt. Hooper, was actually gassed sufficiently to require his being sent to a hospital. 3. The following is a list of the party Lieutenant Burks, Master Engineer Joseph J. Haberthier, Co. D William M. Barnes, Oryille C. Bixler, George W. Henson, Hubert W. Kelly, Joel P. Nisbet, Clyde R. Owen, Albert W. Ritchey, Ethan Allen Sanderson, Ira O. Shoemaker, William L. Thomas, David E. Metz, Corporal Guy M. Voiles, Corporal. Co. F. Keith R. Fellows, Alfred P. Honts, Thomas F. McDonough, Frank R. Rogers, Robert C. Stark. Mr. Burks tells me that the work of Master Engineer Haberthier, Albert Ritchey, and Hubert Kelly, was especially meritorious, and that all the rest were entirely faithful.
Transcript
No. 2 to the Commanding Officer, 12th Engineers (Ry). 4. While I was not an eye witness, I know that good work was done and I think that the work of these men was sufficiently meritorious to deserve official recognition. Many of the men were prisoners under sentence with fines pending and I think that at least mitigation of the sentence should be granted in each case. I would suggest that Mr. Burks be directed to furnish a detailed report as he was the only commissioned officer actually on the ground. Paul McGeehan, Captain, Engineers, U.S.R.
Details
| Title | Memorandum from Paul McGeehan to Commanding Officer of the 12th Engineers - April 9, 1918 |
| Creator | McGeehan, Paul |
| Source | McGeehan, Paul. Letter to Commanding Officer of the 12th Engineers. 09 April 1918. World War I Collection. A1771. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Memorandum from Captain Paul McGeehan of the U.S.R. Engineers to the commanding officer of the 12th Engineers telling him he believes his men are deserving of recognition. 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 9, 1918 |
| Language | English |