THE NINETY-THIRD DIVISION
The organization of the 93rd Division was begun at Camp Stuart, Newport
News, Va., in December, 1917, with the few remaining National Guard
units of Negro men that had survived since the Spanish-American War.
These units were battalions from Ohio and Washington, and companies
from Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, and Tennessee which later
composed the 372nd Infantry Regiment. This Division, which was never
assembled or fully organized, consisted on paper of the 369th, 370th,
371st, and 372nd Infantry Regiments. The general who was to command it
was ordered to Camp Stuart in December, 1917, but in the latter part
of this month the 369th landed in France and was brigaded with the
French, while the other three regiments were still training in America.
These three arrived in France in April, 1918, when they too were
brigaded with the French, with whom they served throughout their stay
overseas. After the cessation of hostilities on November 11, 1918, the
four regiments were reassigned to the American Army for return to the
United States and demobilization. Their record is one of the noblest
in all the history of American arms. Each regiment was decorated as a
whole or in part with the French Croix de Guerre with palm. The history
of the 93rd Division accordingly embraces the activities of the four
regiments that composed it, and these will be considered in order.
369TH INFANTRY
The 369th Infantry, or the old 15th New York National Guard Regiment,
was first organized in New York City in 1916 by authority of the New
York State Legislature. It was reorganized by the War Department as
a National Guard regiment of the United States on April 9, 1917, and
placed under the command of Colonel William Hayward. It is proud of
the fact that it was the first National Guard regiment of the United
States to reach war strength of 2001 men and 56 officers, that it was
the first in the field, that it was under fire for 191 days, longer
than any other American regiment, and that after the armistice it led
the French armies to the Rhine, being the first Allied unit to enter
Germany. In all these ways its record was unique.
The morning following its mobilization on the night of July 14, 1917,
it was moved to Camp Whitman, near Poughkeepsie; and when the President
of the United States drafted the National Guard regiments on August 5,
it was immediately placed on active duty without any training whatever.
The First Battalion, commanded by Major Lorillard Spencer, guarded
600 miles of railroad in New York and New Jersey, several uniform and
shoe factories near New York City, and the German ships seized by the
United States Government. The Second Battalion, commanded by Major
Munson Morris, did pioneer and guard duty at Camp Upton when it was a
wilderness. The Third Battalion, commanded by Major Edward Dayton, with
the band did similar work at Camp Dix, transforming it from a cornfield
into a camp. The machine-gun company guarded 2000 German spies interned
at Ellis Island. Meanwhile regimental headquarters remained in New York
City.
On October 5, 1917, regimental headquarters and two battalions went
to Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, S. C., for training with the 27th
Division, but after two weeks’ stay in camp the regiment was ordered to
Hoboken to embark for France. It did not sail on October 27 as planned
because of the lack of equipment, and while this was being secured the
various battalions were billeted in armories in different parts of
New York City. On November 11, 1917, however, fully equipped, it went
aboard the U. S. S. “Pocahontas,” which sailed that night for France in
a convoy. On the second day out engine troubles developed and the ship
was obliged to return to port. The regiment went to Camp Merritt, where
details helped to finish the camp. It again embarked, but this time the
“Pocahontas” caught fire and for ten days was tied up at the docks. On
the night of December 13 she finally sailed, but even then she seemed
destined not to land the regiment in France, for she collided with a
British oil tanker which drove a hole in her bow. This, however, was
repaired and the trip was completed on December 26, when Brest was
safely reached.
The regiment was moved to St. Nazaire by rail on January 1, 1918, and
there for more than two months it did manual labor, building docks,
erecting hospitals, doing fatigue duty, laying railroad tracks, and
doing construction work on the great dam at St. Nazaire. From the
time of their arrival at this port until March 10 the men did not
see their rifles except at night, but on this latter date they were
ordered to join a French combat unit. All entrained on March 13 for
Givry-en-Argonne, reporting on March 15 to General Le Gallais of the
16th Division, 4th French Army. It was at this place that the regiment
learned that its name was changed from 15th New York to 369th Infantry.
The American equipment was turned in and French equipment given, this
including everything needed on the Western front. The organization of
the regiment was also changed so as to make it conform to that of a
French regiment. During this training period of three weeks the men
drilled day and night under French officers. Beginning April 8 the
battalions were successively placed in front line trenches, “doubled”
with French units, their first sector being in Main de Massiges, left
of the Aisne River and northeast of Châlons in the Champagne. After
eight days of this experience the regiment took over 4½ kilometers
of front, with two battalions in the lines and one in support enjoying
a rest period which gave some opportunity for additional training. On
April 29 Colonel Hayward was placed in command of several French units
in addition to his own regiment.
The activity in this sector consisted of nightly patrols and raids
until July 4 and 5, when active preparation was made for the big German
drive long expected by the French high command. The 369th labored
incessantly, helping to build and fortify the intermediate positions,
which were two or three kilometers from the front line. When the
battalions were relieved from front line duty, instead of going into
rest billets they worked on these positions, which were fortified as
a means of strategy by General Gouraud. This procedure enabled the
French to counter-attack and to recapture trenches secretly evacuated.
This method foiled and stopped the German drive on a fifty-mile front
between Rheims and the Argonne. The 369th participated in this attack,
with the third battalion, commanded by Major Spencer, occupying the
front line, where it did its share in stopping the enemy advance.
During the terrific bombardment of the German artillery, which had
as its target not only the front line but also several kilometers of
rear area, the commander of the 369th was ordered to establish liaison
at once, if possible, between his headquarters and the French 27th
Infantry. This meant establishing a line of relay runners over a front
of three kilometers, the entire distance being under heavy shell fire.
This hazardous task was performed by the runners of the 369th in such a
courageous and efficient manner and with so little thought of personal
safety that the regiment received commendation from the division
commander.
From the time of the regiment’s arrival on the front until the second
day of this battle it was a part of the 16th French Division, but on
the night of July 15, while the battle was raging, it received orders
to reinforce the 161st French Division, which was being furiously
attacked. A place was made for the 369th by taking out a French
regiment which had been greatly reduced in both officers and men. In
order to make the change of position, the regiment moved six kilometers
under constant shell fire. On reporting to General LeBouc, commander of
the 161st Division, two battalions were immediately ordered into front-
and second-line positions to relieve a Moroccan regiment. Officers and
men had been without food or water for hours, yet they occupied the
positions and took up the combat, which lasted for three days before
the enemy was definitely checked.
On July 18 the 161st began to push the Germans back and to reoccupy
the abandoned terrain. Two battalions of the 369th shared in this
undertaking and continued in such operations until July 21, when the
regiment took over and established the front line in the Calvaire
sector north of Minaucourt. All three battalions suffered casualties in
this offensive, the third suffering most because it was in the front
line longest.
On July 23 the 369th occupied a sector between Butte de Mesnil and Main
de Massiges under the most trying conditions. The enemy was constantly
being pushed back, but during the process artillery and infantry combat
hardly ceased for several days, and there was a constant rain of gas
and high explosive shells on all sides. The sector held by the 369th
had a front of a thousand meters, and the three battalions supported
one another from the front line to the intermediate positions in the
rear. Several raids were made each night by both sides and casualties
occurred daily and nightly on the patrols and raids that were sent into
“No Man’s Land.”
The regiment was at length relieved in this sector and it started for
Camp St. Quen south of Châlons to get a long promised rest. It had been
under fire continuously for 130 days. At this camp the other three
Negro regiments serving with the French were supposed to be mobilized
for the complete organization of the 93rd Division. Barracks were
cleaned in expectation of these troops, but before they reached the
camp the 369th, which had been resting less than a week, was ordered
back to the front to resume its place in the 161st Division. It was
placed in a sector west of and adjacent to the sector of Calvaire
previously held. On its return to the division it replaced the 115th R.
I., which was broken up and distributed among other French units. The
new sector was the most active and deadly the regiment had held. There
were constant raids and patrols and a continuous combat of artillery.
The Germans here used the device of having several aeroplanes “loop
the loop” over the French lines in the hope that men would come out
and watch them. If they did a projector gas attack would be launched
immediately.
One of the most furious attacks on the 367th was begun in such manner.
The aeroplanes did the “loop the loop,” which was followed by two
gas attacks separated only by seconds. Then a terrific artillery
bombardment started, lasting forty minutes, during which time it was
estimated that 9000 shells fell on the regiment. Twenty minutes after
the lull of the big guns seven German infantry regiments charged over
the top to drive the 369th from its trenches. The First Battalion,
assisted by the machine-gun companies from the other two, met the
assault with a steady, intensive, and continued fire until it broke
down in front of the lines. At no point were the enemy able to enter
the lines or capture any prisoners. Instead, the 369th Regiment
captured prisoners who gave valuable and much needed information,
and it was specially commended for its steadiness under fire in this
engagement. In this sector the regiment lost a large number of officers
and men and experienced its hardest fighting. On September 15 it was
relieved by a French Fourragère regiment and taken to the rear to Somme
Tourbe and Somme Bionne, where for eight days the men rested. Meanwhile
they were taught the principles of open warfare in anticipation of the
attack by the French and American armies which was launched September
25, 1918.
For this attack the infantry battalions in the division were placed
in assault waves and commanded by their regimental officers. The
artillery preparation for the attack lasted six hours and twenty-five
minutes, with French and American guns of all sizes going at full
blast. At the zero hour (5.25 A. M.) the Allied armies went over the
top in one of the biggest offensives of the war. The French and
Moroccan battalions on the left and right of the 369th contracted
their fronts, thus leaving an opening between the French divisions;
and the Third Battalion, commanded by Major Spencer, advanced on the
left and established liaison with the Moroccans. On September 26 the
two units captured the town of Ripont, a large number of prisoners and
machine-guns, and advanced to the Dormois River, a distance of more
than four kilometers. Heavy casualties resulted from this advance;
several officers and men were killed, and Major Spencer himself was
wounded six times. On the afternoon of the 27th Fountaine en Dormoise
was captured and the regimental P. C. was established there. Further
advance was held up for a while by barbed wire entanglements commanded
by machine-gun nests, some of which were in concrete pill boxes.
These, however, were finally captured. During the night the Second
Battalion relieved the third in the front line, and by daylight on
the 28th it was ordered to continue the attack with the two French
battalions on its left and right. The artillery barrage for the third
day’s attack was ineffective, and the assaulting battalion had to cut
its way through wire and overcome machine-gun nests without artillery
assistance. The day’s advance was 1000 meters over hills and ridges
occupied and controlled by the enemy. On this day the battle was
hottest around Bellevue Ridge and Bellevue Signal, with the contending
forces trying to gain possession. After nightfall the French executed
a brilliant flank movement with three battalions, including the second
of the 369th, driving the enemy from all the trenches and terrain
leading to the summit of the ridge. Dawn on the 29th found the enemy
killed, captured, or driven from the ridge and the advance moving down
the slopes toward the plains beyond to the town of Sechault, the next
objective.
The First Battalion, commanded by Major Little, led this advance,
entering the town and engaging in heavy fighting in the streets and
in house to house combat, in an attempt to clear the town of enemy
infantry and machine-gun nests. The battalion advanced through Sechault
to the plains beyond, but withdrew for the night to make way for French
artillery preparation for the continued advance, which began on the
30th through the woods of Petit Rosière and lasted until October 3. The
regiment was again commended by the division general for the way in
which it cleared Sechault of the enemy. The entire division halted to
await the capture of the town because of its importance.
The Second and Third Battalions were sent in to relieve the first on
October 3, but the regiment had suffered so many casualties in both
officers and men that it was relieved with the 161st Division and
carried in troop trains to Vitry-le-François. A little later it was
transferred from Gouraud’s Fourth Army, where it had served during its
offensives, to become a part of the 7th French Army.
The 369th entrained at Vitry-le-François for Belfort on October 12,
reaching its destination on the 14th. Two days later it moved by trucks
and forced marches to Thann in the Vosges Mountains, where the entire
regiment was put in front line trenches in the Thur sector. This was
comparatively quiet, and from October 16 to November 11 only six
casualties occurred, including one officer.
The 369th Regiment played an important part in all the campaigns in
which it participated, its efficiency increasing with every engagement.
During the time that it was brigaded with the French the relations were
most cordial; and during the last days of the September offensive the
commanding general of the 161st Division attached it to his own two
crack regiments because of its fighting qualities under fire. While
there were difficulties of language, these were usually overcome by
the assignment of efficient interpreters and the French officers were
enthusiastic in their praise of the manner in which the regiment fought
in all its battles.
After the Armistice the 161st Division became a part of the Second
French Army of Occupation. The 369th was given the post of honor as
advance guard in the Triumphal March of November 17, 1918, and led
the Army of Occupation out of the mountains to the plains lying on
the west bank of the Rhine River. Reaching Blodelsheim on the Rhine
on the morning of November 18, it was the first unit of all the
Allied armies to reach the goal toward which so many million men had
struggled through four bloody years. The regiment occupied the towns
of Blodelsheim, Fessenheim, and Balgan, which also included a pontoon
bridge head and a ferry head. Meanwhile the municipal affairs of these
towns were administered by the regimental commander and his troops, who
also guarded the surrounding territory.
Of this duty the 369th was relieved on December 4, and it moved to
division headquarters near Ensisheim. On the 13th it took part in the
division review, at which time its colors were decorated with the Croix
de Guerre for gallantry in action in the Champagne offensive. The
recommendation for this citation was made by General LeBouc, with the
approval of General Gouraud, Marshal Petain, and General Pershing. The
translation of the citation reads as follows:
Citation for Croix de Guerre
161st Division of Infantry, 8th Army Corps, Fourth Army (Aux Armées
Françaises)
369th Regiment of Infantry, United States, under command of Colonel
Hayward, who though injured insisted on leading his regiment in
battle, of Lieutenant Colonel Pickering, admirably cool and brave,
of Major Spencer, grievously wounded, of Major Cobb, killed, and of
Major Little, a true leader of his men, fought with great bravery,
stormed powerful enemy positions energetically defended, captured many
machine-guns, large numbers of prisoners and six cannon, and took,
after heavy fighting, the Town of Sechault.
One hundred and sixty-seven officers and men received decorations,
including the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service
Cross, the Croix de Guerre, and the Legion of Honor. Where all were
brave it is almost invidious to mention names. Some of the most
noteworthy exploits, however, were those of Henry Johnson, Needham
Roberts, and Sergeant William Butler. The story of the first two
of these men is well known to the American public, as they were the
very first Americans to receive the French Croix de Guerre. Their
achievement in repulsing a German raiding party of more than twenty
men in a hand-to-hand combat served as an incentive to their comrades
and as an example for the whole American Army. Johnson’s feat was
particularly noteworthy. Soon after the beginning of the encounter
Roberts was wounded. Although surrounded by overwhelming numbers,
Johnson continued fighting, first using hand grenades, then his rifle
until that jammed, when he used the butt of it, hitting right and left.
Finally he resorted to his bolo knife as a last means of preventing
the capture of himself and his comrade. Although himself wounded, he
succeeded in killing four of the enemy and in wounding a large number
of the others. In August, while the 369th was in the front lines, and
when raiding parties from both sides went out nightly, on one occasion
the Germans laid down an encaging barrage, after which they enclosed
and captured a raiding party of one officer and four men. Sergeant
William Butler, armed with a Chauchaut rifle, attacked the group with
such effectiveness that he killed four men and wounded the officer, who
was captured and later died, the rest being put to flight. The officer
and four men of the 369th meanwhile made their escape and returned to
their regiment. A captured German report described Sergeant Butler’s
activities as “an enemy group in overwhelming numbers” and stated
that because of the superiority of the rescuing party eight Germans,
including an officer, failed to return. For his heroism on this
occasion Sergeant Butler was decorated by both the French and American
Governments.
On December 18 the 369th bade a last farewell to its French comrades in
arms and started for Belfort, reaching there on the 20th. It had made
an enviable record, serving longer than any other American unit as an
integral part of a foreign army. In his report of the operations of
the regiment on the western front, Colonel Hayward said: “It had less
training than any American unit before action, as follows: 3 weeks at
Camp Whiteman, New York; 10 days at Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina;
2 weeks with French Army while changing equipment. It had one of
the lowest, if not the lowest percentages of venereal infections or
drunkenness in the A. E. F. It was 191 days in action in front line
trenches, believed to be the longest of any American regiment. It never
lost a trench or a foot of ground and never had one of its number
captured by the enemy.”
With such a record the 369th turned its steps homeward on January 1,
1919, arriving on the 2nd at Le Mans, where it remained until the 11th.
It then entrained for Brest, reaching there on the 12th. The battalions
sailed on three ships, and the last contingent arrived in New York,
February 12.
It was a happy day for these war-worn heroes when they saw again the
Statue of Liberty and set foot on American shores. As one battalion
steamed into port, the regiment’s famous band, which had toured
France under the direction of Lieut. James Reese Europe and had
the distinction of being considered the best musical organization
in the American Army, played the “Star Spangled Banner” and the
“Marseillaise”; and it was a sight never to be forgotten to see these
hardy warriors stand at attention while the national airs of two
great allies were being played. As they landed they were applauded by
thousands of their kinsmen and countrymen for their glorious deeds; and
the greatest reception ever given returning heroes was held for the
369th by the City of New York on February 17, when the regiment, led by
its band, marched up Fifth Avenue under the Victory Arch and through
Harlem to the plaudits and cheers of tens of thousands who counted it
a privilege to honor those who had so gloriously upheld the traditions
of their country. At the end of this historic day’s activities, the
regiment entrained at night for Camp Upton for demobilization, which
was completed March 1. The twelve hundred original survivors were
discharged at Camp Upton, while the replacements were sent to the camps
nearest their homes.
370TH INFANTRY
The 370th Infantry Regiment, which was otherwise known as “the old
8th” of Chicago, was one of the federalized National Guard units
that entered the World War with a record of achievement and with a
tradition to uphold. The regiment’s beginning dates back to 1892, when
a small group of men in Illinois banded themselves together for the
purpose of organizing a battalion of Negro soldiers. The first company
was formed with B. G. Johnson as captain, John C. Buckner as first
lieutenant, and John R. Marshall as second lieutenant. Three years
later a battalion was formed with John C. Buckner as major, and soon
afterwards this was admitted to the Illinois State militia as the Ninth
Battalion Infantry National Guard. This organization at the time it was
formed gave Negro men their best opportunity in the country to gain a
knowledge of military tactics, which they found useful when Congress
declared war on Spain April 25, 1898.
The allotment for Illinois under President McKinley’s call for 175,000
men was seven regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. When these
eight regiments left for camp and the Ninth Battalion was not called
to the colors, the Negro people felt that they were wilfully being
kept out of the war with Spain. Shortly afterwards, however, John R.
Tanner, who served as governor of the state during the Spanish-American
War, called John R. Marshall to his office and suggested that he
organize a regiment of Negro men, in which case he would be the first
man of his race to bear the military title of Colonel; and the work of
organization accordingly began.
President McKinley’s second call for 75,000 men on May 25, 1898, gave
Governor Tanner an opportunity to carry out his promise to put the
regiment into service. He ordered it to Springfield, where the work of
recruiting continued until it reached war strength with 1195 men and
76 officers, and on July 23 John R. Marshall was sworn in as Colonel.
While every other Illinois regiment had gone to Cuba and soldiers
from all parts of the country were constantly embarking, the 8th
remained at Camp Tanner in Illinois; and just about the time the Negro
soldiers were getting discouraged over their prospects of taking part
in real war, Governor Tanner visited the camp and in a speech said:
“Even from the doors of the White House have I received letters asking
and advising me not to officer this regiment with colored men, but I
promised to do so, and I have done it. I shall never rest until I see
this regiment, my regiment, on the soil of Cuba battling for the right
and its kinsmen.”
It was not Spanish shot and shell that sent many Americans to their
graves, but the hot climate of Cuba and its fevers; in some camps the
sick and dying were found in every tent and the dead march was heard at
every mess call. Yet when the men of the 8th were asked to go to Cuba
to relieve the 1st Illinois whose men were dying daily, they readily
said “Let’s go”; and their volunteering under the circumstances was
especially commended by President McKinley.
On August 14, 1898, the regiment arrived in Cuba and immediately it
attracted attention by its military precision. Some very efficient men
were officers, among them Major Franklin A. Dennison, who served as
judge of claims in Santiago. When the regiment returned on March 17,
1900, and marched down Michigan Avenue, it was given a great ovation
by the citizens of Chicago. Much of its success had been due to the
hard work of Colonel Marshall, who served until January 1, 1914. He was
succeeded by Major Dennison, who took command January 12. During the
next year the state legislature appropriated money for the erection of
a new armory. The corner-stone of this was laid in 1915, and it was the
first building of its kind for Negroes in America. In the course of the
trouble with Mexico the 8th was sent to the border.
When war was declared against Germany, April 6, 1917, the regiment
was sent to Texas for preparation. It was in Houston during the riots
between the citizens and the soldiers of the 25th Infantry, but its
record for discipline was upheld. For a while after the riots it was
not thought safe for it to remain at Camp Logan, but the soldierly
bearing of its officers and men demonstrated that such fears were
unwarranted; and when the regiment left Texas for Newport News the
citizens of Houston turned out to do it honor. Its arrival at Newport
News, with a Negro colonel who placed Negro military police on the
streets, created something of a sensation. On Washington’s Birthday,
1918, three companies, led by Colonel Dennison and the regimental band,
went to Norfolk to take part in a demonstration to stimulate interest
in the sale of war stamps, and for the first time in the history of
the city Negro troops marched at the head of a procession of several
thousand American soldiers, sailors, and marines.
The regiment did intensive training at Newport News until it sailed
for France. It arrived in Brest April 22, 1918, spent two days in
the barracks at Pontenazen, and then journeyed for three days to
Grandvillars, a village near the town of Belfort and within three
miles of the Swiss border. Here it received intensive training under
French officers for six weeks. The regiment made excellent progress and
was complimented on numerous occasions. It was supplied with French
equipment, and during the training period and the time spent in quiet
sectors it was attached to four different French divisions.
At the end of the first training period the regiment marched on June 12
and 13 to Morvillars, where it entrained for Ligny en Barrois (Meuse).
It then moved near the town of Bar-le-Duc in the department of the
Meuse. Here it was declared fit for active service, and on June 21
it was placed on the front line in a quiet sector in the St. Mihiel
district for fourteen days. Leaving for the Argonne on July 19, it was
placed in the Verdun sector on the plateau of Gorgia and at Hermont
and Mont des Allieux. At the last named place, on July 24, the first
casualty in action took place when Private Robert M. Lee of machine-gun
company No. 2 was killed. The only other operation except the usual
routine work was the raid of a Stokes mortar platoon, commanded by Lt.
Robert A. Wood, on August 4. This was in the sub-sector of Vauquois.
Three hundred rounds of ammunition were fired, the object being to fill
up the gaps of the artillery barrage.
On August 15 the 370th was placed at the disposal of General Mangin,
who was commander of the 10th Army and who ordered the regiment in
reserve along the Curcq River. From this position it was taken on
September 15 to the Soissons sector with the 59th Division in the area
of Vauxaillon with the Ailette Canal and Alizy Château as its strong
salients. The Third Battalion, commanded by Colonel Otis B. Duncan,
succeeded in taking the southern boundary of the canal. Four rifle
companies were detached with two French regiments and assisted in
taking Mont des Singes. The fighting was severe. The 370th was usually
in close support, but it also participated in several attacks, in all
of which the objectives were gained.
For the first time, on September 22, the regiment was given a full
sector extending from L’Écluse to a point 300 meters west of the
crossing of the Pinon Braucourt road. The First Battalion went into a
position on the Oise-Aisne Canal and the Farm Guilliminet, the Second
into a support position at Mont des Tombs and Les Tueries and the
slopes west of Antioche Farm, and the third into reserve at Tincelle
Farm. The headquarters company was stationed at Levilly and the supply
company at Monte Couve.
In the midst of the relief of the First and Second Battalions on the
front line during the night of September 27, an attack was ordered at
dawn. By the greatest effort the relief was completed and the Second
Battalion, which was ordered to work, began offensive operations.
These lasted three days. During the night, while the relief was being
conducted, there was considerable mixing of units. It was difficult to
maintain liaison and as a result one company advanced too far and a
number of casualties resulted.
Colonel Duncan, commanding the Third Battalion, was ordered on
September 30 to attack along the canal from Mont des Singes to the
Pinon Braucourt road. The fighting in this section continued until
the evening of October 4 before it was certain that the enemy had
been driven across the canal. During this advance the patrols of
the regiment were out nightly around L’Écluse and along the canal.
The 370th drove the enemy from this triangle several times, but it
was difficult to remain where it was as it was the target of severe
artillery and machine fire from two directions. This attack of the
30th is memorable in the annals of the 370th as it was against the
Hindenburg line and was driving back the famous Prussian Guard, the
flower of Emperor William’s army. On account of the orders’ being
delayed in transmission, the advance started in broad daylight. It was
led by Colonels Roberts and Duncan with other officers close by their
sides. As they passed through a shell-torn ravine, German machine-gun
bullets rained upon them, but they pressed forward, finally engaging
in a hand-to-hand struggle and driving the enemy before them. The fact
that some of the new troops got separated from their units in the
night caused the rumor to be circulated that the regiment as a whole
was demoralized. This was found to be not true, as all the objectives
were gained and the morale of the men in the front line was good at all
times.
The regiment took part in the general advance of the division on
October 12, pushing back the German line 70 kilometers. In this
advance the cities of Laon and Crépy were captured. The First and
Second Battalions were complimented by the commanding general, the
First for its passage of the strong position in Bois de Mortier
and its successful reaching of its objective, and the Second for a
well conducted march in pursuit of the enemy via Anizyle-Château to
Cessières, which was reached late on the night of the 12th. Here the
division stopped for twelve days, ten of which were spent in cleaning
the town and the last two in supplying the men with much needed
clothing. During these days the First and Second Battalions were in the
St. Gobain forest and the Third at Mauneux Farm.
After this brief period of rest from fighting, the division went into
the front line again, the First and Second Battalions going in near
Grandliep, with the Third in reserve near Chambrey. There were no
engagements between October 24 and November 3, but on the latter date
a large shell fell and exploded in the midst of Company A at Chautrud
Farm where the men were gathered around the kitchen. Thirty-four were
killed and fifty-two wounded.
On November 5 the enemy began a general withdrawal with the French
following closely. The three battalions of the 370th continued in
pursuit, alternating in the front line position. Company C of the First
Battalion, Captain James H. Smith commanding, took a German battery
consisting of three field pieces (77 cannon) and two machine-guns, for
which it was proposed for an army citation. The Second Battalion helped
to take Beaume and Aubenton, while the Third had crossed the Belgian
frontier when the Armistice was signed. On November 10 the regiment
celebrated the evacuation of Signy le Petit, a town which had been
occupied for four years by the Germans, who marched out four hours
before the parade through the town with a French soldier carrying the
Stars and Stripes and Color-Sergeant Mark P. Freeman, a Negro, carrying
the Tricolor of France.
After the Armistice the regiment did road work and fatigue duty,
cleaning up the villages and towns where it was stationed. With the
French the relations were always most cordial; all had been comrades,
working and fighting together for a great cause. In spite of the
difficulties of language, which were often serious, the regiment showed
marked improvement as the operations progressed. It played an important
part in the activity of the division, as its numerical strength was
nearly half of that of the infantry of the whole. During most of the
advance to the Ailette and north of the Hindenburg line, the battalion
operated separately, but for three weeks in front of the Ailette the
regiment functioned as an organization, and it did as much work as any
other regiment in the 59th Division. Valuable and necessary service
was also rendered by 125 men of the regiment’s depot company who were
attached to the divisional artillery, and by 75 who were attached to
the engineers.
On the day that the armistice was signed General Vincenden commended
the men of the 59th Division for helping to vanquish “the most powerful
instrument of conquest that a nation could forge.” In referring to the
“Black Devils,” he said: “The 370th R. I. U. S. has contributed largely
to the success of the 59th Division and has taken in bitter strife
both cannon and machine-guns. Its units, fired by a noble ardor, go
at times even beyond the objectives given by the higher command; they
have always wished to be in the front lines, for the place of honor is
in the leading rank. They have shown, in the course of our advance,
that they are worthy of being there.” As the officers and men were
leaving the French command, he further thanked and commended them in
General Order No. 4785, which especially complimented the intrepidity
of Colonel Duncan and said to the men in closing: “The blood of your
comrades who fell on the soil of France, mixed with the blood of our
soldiers, renders indissoluble the bonds of affection that unite us.
We have, besides, the pride of having worked together at a magnificent
task, and the pride of bearing on our foreheads the ray of a common
grandeur.”
Prominent among those to whom these words were addressed and among
those who received citations were Sergeant Charles T. Monroe of the
Headquarters Company of the regiment, Sergeant Mathew Jenkins of
Company F, and First Lieut. William J. Warfield of Company L. Sergeant
Monroe displayed extraordinary heroism in action at Mont-de-Sanges,
September 24, 1918. A private at the time, in the absence of a platoon
commander he took charge of a platoon of Stokes mortars, directing the
work of the men under heavy shell fire. Although the shelling was at
times so intense that the guns were buried, Sergeant Monroe and his
men worked unceasingly in placing them back in action. He himself was
buried by the explosion of a shell, but on being dug out, continued
to direct the work of his men and to inspire them by his fearless
example. Sergeant Jenkins, on September 20, 1918, was in command of a
detachment that was ordered to attack the German line. After rescuing,
under fire, a wounded comrade, he charged with his detachment, took a
fortified tunnel, and, being far in advance of his lines and without
rations and ammunition, held the position for more than thirty-six
hours until relieved, making use of captured guns and ammunition to
repel the attacks made upon him. Lieutenant Warfield’s exploit took
place near Ferme de la Rivière, September 28, 1918. Although separated
with his platoon from the company, he continued to lead a stubborn
resistance against enemy machine-gun nests, successfully capturing a
gun and killing the crew. Although severely wounded, he still continued
to command, refusing relief until his objective was reached. Altogether
the regiment received twenty-one Distinguished Service Crosses,
sixty-eight French Croix de Guerre, and one Distinguished Service Medal.
The 370th was released from the French command and returned to the
American Army December 12, 1918. After the change it encamped at
Soissons until December 23, then at Le Mans until January 8, 1919, and
then at Brest until February 1, when it sailed for America, arriving
at Camp Upton nine days later. As the men of the 370th turned towards
their native land, they did so with pride in the achievements of their
regiment and with the knowledge that it had lived up to its tradition.
It had served on two fronts and had participated in the Oisne-Aisne
offensive, the last great battle of the war. While patrols had gone
forth both day and night, only one man had been taken prisoner. Because
of such a record, all Chicago turned out on February 17 to do honor
to the “Old 8th.” Offices and stores were closed for the day, bells
and whistles welcomed the heroes home, and at the Coliseum, where
the regiment went after leaving the station, thousands gathered that
they might see the war-scarred and medal-bedecked soldiers and hear
something of their experiences. After this great meeting, there was
in the afternoon a regimental parade down Michigan Avenue in full war
equipment, amid the plaudits of all Chicago. At the close of the parade
the regiment entrained for Camp Grant at Rockford for demobilization.
This was completed March 12, and thus the noble record of the 370th
became history.
371ST INFANTRY
The 371st Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel P. L. Miles, was
organized and trained at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S. C. It was composed
mainly of North and South Carolina men and was officered largely by
Southerners. The commanding officer was interested in the welfare of
his men, so also were many of the junior officers; and in spite of some
discouraging circumstances the soldiers were faithful in their work.
Especially had there been strong protest against having Negroes trained
in Columbia; but in the end all such fears proved to be unwarranted,
as the conduct of the men was above reproach. At the end of their
training period citizens from all walks of life gave testimony to the
fact that they had been a credit to their race and to the uniform they
wore, and the Columbia _State_ said that South Carolina was proud
of the regiment and that when the men went to France they would carry
with them the best wishes, the prayers, and the blessing of the best
people of the state.
Just before the regiment left for overseas, the colored citizens
of Columbia presented it with a flag (March 27, 1918). As the men
marched through the principal street of Columbia in full uniform, they
presented a wonderful spectacle. The transformation that had been
wrought in many of them was almost unbelievable, and mothers, fathers,
wives, and friends came from far to see their kinsmen on parade. After
receiving the flag the regiment returned to camp, but it was soon
on its way to France. William Slovens McNutt, in writing about its
departure from Camp Jackson, said that while he was with some officers
he heard a great shout outside and the thump, thump, thump of marching
soldiers. On looking out he saw a Negro regiment passing in full array.
The whole camp was quiet, and the only sound was that of the marching
and the cracking of the packs. The black men from the cotton-fields
were on their way to France. A big Mississippian standing near swore
growlingly under his breath, gulped, and said: “I’m done talking about
niggers. These boys have been fine soldiers here, and if they ever get
back from France, I’m big enough to lick any man who don’t give ’em a
square deal.” Then a soft, quavery voice somewhere in the ranks began
the hymn, “Will there be any stars in my crown?” Others took it up,
and soon the whole regiment was singing the old church song as the men
tramped their solemn way out of camp to put their bodies to the chance
of war on a foreign field.
The regiment sailed from Newport News April 9, 1918, arriving at Brest
on the 23rd. For three days the men drilled, worked, and rested before
their next journey to Rembercourt, the training area. One of its first
duties was to clean up Rembercourt, and the soldiers were interested
to find that the French people would not allow them to remove the
cobwebs from the old barns used as billets because of the superstition
that their removal would bring harm to the family. Some companies
were trained at Marats-le-Grand and others at Marats-le-Petit in the
Rembercourt area. Here under French instructors they did intensive
work, learning the French system, and the rapidity with which they
absorbed the new methods gratified both the French and the American
officers. It took the men some time to get used to the French rations,
and Colonel Miles meanwhile forbade the sale of French wines or any
form of intoxicant to the men in his charge.
The 371st was assigned to the 157th French Division. Its training
period lasted until June 6, when it was ordered to the St. Mihiel
sector to join the 38th Division. While it was proceeding to carry out
the orders and the regimental commander was making reconnaissance
of the sector, the order was rescinded and the regiment was directed
to return to the 13th French Army Corps. It then marched to
Sivry-la-Perche, Bois Bourrus, Vigneville, and Bois de Bethlainville,
where it supported the 68th Division from June 13 to June 22.
On the nights of June 22 and 23 the headquarters company of the First
Battalion entered the front line of the Avocourt sub-sector, west of
Hill 304, for its first experience in modern warfare. After July 14
the regiment moved into the Varrieres sub-sector in the same vicinity,
and the Second and Third Battalions were in support. In this sector
the regiment remained until September 14, most of the time with two
battalions in the line and one in support, although for a short time
the entire regiment was in the front line. During these days there was
some nervousness on the part of the troops as they were constantly
expecting an attack; but it did not take them long to become accustomed
to the artillery fire, and their nonchalant attitude won for them the
admiration and the confidence of the French officers.
The supporting battalion did the night work on the defenses destroyed
by the artillery fire, and its nearness to the front line prevented any
training of the regiment in offensive action. Outpost duty was done,
and at one time the 371st covered as much as five kilometers, which
was its own front and half the front of the 333rd French Infantry at
its left. There were occasional raiding parties and nightly patrols,
and daily there was harassing fire in the sector. Some men were killed
or wounded in these raids, but on the other hand some prisoners were
taken, much to the satisfaction of the French command.
The 371st, though inexperienced in war, occupied and defended its
sectors, and provided for all means of liaison and supply just as
a French infantry regiment was expected to do. More and more its
discipline improved. On September 14 it was taken from the Verdun
region by trucks to Helitz-l’Évêque, Champagne, for two weeks of
training in offensive action, but on the first day of training new
orders came and the regiment marched to Somme Bionne, Champagne, in
the area of the great offensive which was to start on September 26. On
the night of the 26th the regiment marched from the old French line
at Boyan to Butte de Mesnil. At 12.30 on the 27th it was ordered to
a position in readiness behind the crest line facing north between
Butte de Mesnil and Maison Champagne Ferme. A position astride the
Ripont-Gratevil road was reached before daylight. There was heavy gun
fire and there were six casualties in the course of the march.
In accordance with operation order No. 20, issued by the 157th
Division, the First Battalion of the 371st Infantry attacked at 6.45
o’clock on September 28 on a front of 500 meters on the axis Ripont,
Bussy Farm, les Petit Rosières, between the 161st French Division on
the right and the 2nd Moroccan Division on the left. Major Joseph B.
Pate, commanding the First Battalion of the 371st, was ordered to fill
an interval that was reported to have occurred between the 161st and
the 2nd Moroccan Division. On receiving information from the commander
on the right that no gap existed, the First Battalion attacked at the
hour set, but machine-guns held up the advance for a while and caused a
large number of casualties. At daylight it was discovered that the gap
did exist, but defective liaison prevented getting the necessary aid or
artillery support. As a result machine-gun nests had to be taken with
rifle and bayonet at a heavy cost.
The French and the 371st, advancing on Hill 188, withdrew and marched
to the right flank around the hill, as it was filled with machine-gun
nests. The hill was finally taken by the First Battalion of the
371st with the assistance of a battalion of the 372nd Infantry. This
encounter will always be remembered by the 371st, as it was here that
the regiment lost the greatest number of men. Machine-gun fire swept
the crest of the hill, but even this did not stop the advance. When
night came a position had been reached 400 meters south of Le Pied.
Personal reconnaissance by the commander of the Second Battalion
determined that Bussy Farm had been evacuated by the enemy. Acting in
accordance with orders from the 157th Division, the Third Battalion of
the 371st occupied this farm at 7 o’clock on the morning of September
29. At 9.15 on the same morning the entire regiment advanced in a
column of battalions on a front of 500 meters’ distance between
the battalions and 500 meters from the 372nd Infantry on the right
and the 333rd French Infantry on the left. The Third Battalion of
the 371st captured the villages of Ardeuil, Montfauxelle, and the
railroad station, yards, and shops just north of Montfauxelle; and
the advance of the regiment halted at these places for the night.
During this advance Company K of the Third Battalion was on the extreme
left near the French unit. Both were subjected to heavy fire from
the hills before them. Captain Chester D. Heywood, who commanded the
company, ordered an attack to clear the hill. This was successful, and
thirty-five prisoners, including three officers, a 77 M. M. cannon
with its ammunition, and a number of machine-guns were captured. On
September 30 the regiment advanced in the same formation as on the
preceding day, with the Third, Second, and First Battalions from front
to rear in the order given. Trières Farm was captured by the Third
Battalion, which was far in advance of the troops on its right and
left. While in this position it was subjected to heavy fire and there
were heavy losses. The Second Battalion was deployed to the right and
met the same opposition.
On October 1 at 5 o’clock the regiment was relieved of front line duty
and carried to the rear to reorganize. There it remained until October
6. Before entering the great Champagne campaign it had had no training
in offensive operations for battalions, and the signal platoon had had
experience only in a defensive sector. Lack of training on the part
of the signal platoon prevented the regiment from obtaining artillery
assistance even sometimes when it was sorely needed in the advance.
In spite of this handicap the regiment carried the attack forward in
advance of adjacent troops. No French troops led the way for the 371st.
It marched into battle and maintained its approach formation under
heavy fire without faltering. Many officers stayed at their posts even
when wounded, continually encouraging their men; and on the other hand
there were numerous acts of heroism and devotion to duty on the part of
the men.
During the regiment’s advance it shot down three German aeroplanes
which were flying low and directing the firing. This was a unique
record. Ninety prisoners were taken, and of a total strength of 2384
the losses of the regiment in the Champagne offensive were as follows:
Officers, killed 4, died of wounds 4, wounded 41, total 49; Enlisted
men, killed 101, died of wounds 6, wounded 866, total 973; Missing 30;
Total 1052.
Such figures are cold. Let us note some of the concrete deeds that were
afterwards cited for honors. Near Champagne, on September 28, Corporal
Sandy E. Jones was engaged as company clerk and was left behind to care
for the company records. “When he learned that all the company officers
had become casualties, he immediately went forward, and, collecting the
scattered elements of the company, reorganized them under most trying
and difficult conditions.” Private Reuben Burrell, “although painfully
wounded in the knee, refused to be evacuated, stating that if he went
to the rear there would not be enough left for his group to function.”
Privates Ellison Moses and Junius Diggs, after their companies had been
forced to withdraw from advanced positions, “went forward and rescued
wounded soldiers, working persistently until all of them had been
carried to shelter.” Four other men, among them Bruce Stoney, Charlie
Butler, and Willie Boston, “crawled 200 yards ahead of our lines under
violent machine-gun fire and rescued an officer who was lying mortally
wounded in a shell hole.” These are only a few of the individual acts
of heroism.
After the Champagne offensive the regiment was withdrawn and sent to
a quiet sector in the Vosges Mountains, the Bonhomme sub-sector in
Alsace. It remained there from October 16 until after the Armistice,
with the assistance of one battalion of Chasseurs holding over eight
kilometers of front. There were no important operations here and for
the first time the reserve battalions were given intensive training.
During the service with the French there were always the most cordial
relations. General Goybet had sincere affection for these Negro troops
and took personal pride in what they did. Other generals and the French
soldiers also learned to respect and admire them for their soldierly
qualities and their bravery; and so did the Moroccan division. General
Garnier Duplessis, commander of the 9th Army Corps of France, after
watching the deeds of the 371st and 372nd in the Champagne offensive,
said, “I salute the brave American regiments who have equalled in
intrepidity their French comrades.” Colonel Quillet, who commanded
the regiment in the decisive battle that brought victory, said: “In
sectors they have shown endurance, a vigilance, a spirit of devotion,
and a remarkable discipline. In battle they have taken by storm with
a magnificent animation very strong positions doggedly defended by
the enemy.” On October 11, when the regiment came out of battle, the
commander of the 157th Division wrote Colonel Miles, saying, “Your
troops have been admirable in their attack”; and when the famous
157th “Red Hand Division” was broken up, General Goybet commended
the American Negro soldiers for the part they had taken in the great
struggle as follows: “During seven months we have lived as brothers
in arms, sharing the same works, the same fatigues, the same dangers;
side by side we have participated in the great Champagne battle, which
was crowned with a prodigious victory. The 157th Division will never
forget the irresistible dash, the heroic push of the colored American
troops.... The most formidable defenses, the best organized machine-gun
nests, the most smashing artillery barrage could not stop them. These
élite regiments crossed all of it with a superb disdain of death and,
thanks to their courageous devotion, the Red Hand Division during nine
days of hard struggle always held the lead in the historic advance of
the Fourth Army.”
For its splendid fighting in the Champagne battles the regiment was
commended by the French high command and the regimental colors were
decorated by Vice-Admiral Moreau in Brest January 27, 1919. The
citation reads as follows:
The 371st R. I. U. S. has shown, during its first engagement, the
very best qualities of bravery and audacity which are characteristic
of shock troops.
Under the command of Colonel Miles, it launched itself with a
superb spirit and admirable disregard of danger at the assault of a
position stubbornly defended by the enemy. It took it by terrible
fighting, under an exceptionally violent machine-gun fire. It then
continued its progression in spite of the fire of enemy artillery
and its cruel losses, making numerous prisoners, securing cannon,
machine-guns and important material.
PETAIN,
Marshal of France.
Thirty-four individual Croix de Guerre for officers and sixty-nine for
enlisted men, one Legion of Honor, and twenty-one Distinguished Service
Crosses were awarded to members of the regiment. The 371st sailed
from Brest February 3, 1919, and arrived at Camp Upton February 11th.
Thence the men were sent to the camps nearest their homes, and most of
them naturally went to Camp Jackson. Amid the plaudits of the city of
Columbia they returned the flag that had been given them, and South
Carolina, that had hesitated to receive and train these black sons of
hers, had the magnanimity to admit that no other organization that
represented the state in the World War had shed as much luster upon it
or brought as much glory to it as the 371st Regiment of Negro soldiers.
372ND INFANTRY
The 372nd Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Stuart, Newport News,
in January, 1918, of infantry troops from the First Separate Battalion
of Washington, D. C., the Ninth Separate Battalion of Ohio, First
Separate Company I of Maryland, First Separate Company K of Tennessee,
First Separate Company M of Connecticut, and Company L of the 6th
Massachusetts Regiment. These organizations had survived since the
Spanish-American War by reason of the enthusiasm of a few commanders
who had held them together from year to year in spite of handicaps,
until the call to arms in 1917.
Every one of these units had made an interesting record. The First
Separate Battalion of Washington was the first unit of district
guardsmen to be mobilized for duty on the Mexican Border in 1916. It
served for four months, spending a part of the time at Naco, Ariz.,
where it guarded waterworks. On March 29, 1917, just before the United
States entered the war, it was mustered into the Federal service and
called to guard the White House, the Capitol, and other Government
buildings and railroad properties around Washington. The Ninth Ohio
Battalion was composed of companies from Springfield, Cleveland, and
Columbus. It was called to the mobilization center in 1916, but was
not ordered to the border. In July, 1917, when the regiment was called
to service, efforts were made to raise it to war strength, which was
finally reached at Camp Stuart. The First Separate Company of Maryland
was organized in the 80’s by Capt. William R. Spencer, who commanded it
for nearly thirty years. In 1917 it first went to Pittsburgh for guard
duty, but later was sent to Camp McClellan, Anniston, Ala., where it
served at the remount station until it was ordered to France. While at
Camp McClellan it participated in a review of thirty-five thousand men
and was conceded by the reviewers to be the best drilled company in the
line of march. Company K of Tennessee, commanded by Captain Hadley, was
the only National Guard company of Negro men in the South. It trained
at Camp Sevier, Greenville, S. C., before joining the 372nd at Newport
News. Company M of Connecticut was one of the two National Guard
companies in New England composed of Negro men. During the years of its
existence it trained in camp with the Connecticut National Guard, which
as early as 1904 it accompanied to Manassas, Va., for the Bull Run sham
battle. During the maneuvers an unfortunate incident occurred, two
troopers in the unit opposing this company being injured, and it was
withdrawn from further participation in the event. Company L, of the
Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, was the only Negro company attached to a
white regiment in the United States; and William J. Williams, the first
captain, was the first Negro to receive that commission in the United
States Volunteer Army. This company served in the Spanish-American
War, and it was mustered into the Federal service on the day that the
United States declared war on Germany. It was first sent to Fort Smith,
N. H., where it remained until July. Thence it was moved successively
to Framingham, Ayer, the Watertown Arsenal, where it was raised to war
strength, then to Westfield, and thence to Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.
C. In January, 1918, it was ordered to Camp Stuart to join the other
National Guard units preparatory to the formation of the 372nd Regiment
under the command of Colonel Glendie B. Young. While organization was
being completed, the men were given three months of intensive training
in all forms of offensive and defensive tactics.
On March 30 the regiment sailed for France, arriving at St. Nazaire
on April 13. It was stationed in one of the rest camps outside the
city, details doing stevedore work at Montoir until the 21st, when
the regiment was ordered to the Givry-en-Argonne training area,
where it was billeted at Condé-en-Barrois. Under French officers
intensive instruction was given in the use of hand and rifle grenades,
machine-guns and automatic rifles, trench construction and battle
formations; and during this period the regiment was reorganized in
accordance with the French table of organization and became an integral
part of the 63rd Division of the French Army.
Leaving Condé-en-Barrois on May 27, the 372nd proceeded to towns in
the Meuse and Vosges Departments, there to await operation orders.
These were received on June 6, the different battalions being assigned
to the sub-sector Argonne (Meuse), which was placed under the command
of Colonel Young. The First Battalion was located at La Noue and Les
Islettes as reserve to the 63rd Division, the Second at Camp Kapp and
Basse Chevrie, and the Third at Courtes Chousses. There were no large
offensive operations in this sector, but patrols from both sides gave
the regiment its first real opportunity to see modern warfare.
On June 21 the 372nd was transferred from the 63rd to the 35th
French Division, the latter having relieved the 63rd. On June 27 the
commanding officer of the 35th Division ordered the 372nd to relieve
the 123rd French R. I. in the Vauquois Sector (Meuse). This relief,
which was made by the battalions going into the line separately,
continued until July 3, when it was completed. On July 2 the regiment
was again transferred, this time to the 157th “Red Hand” Division.
It was immediately ordered to occupy new positions in support, and
from July 11 to 14 it relieved the 49th French R. I. in sub-sector
Courcelles. The First Battalion on the night of the 11th moved to Bois
de Fenchères, the Second and supply company on the following night to
Camp Demougin at Brabant, and the Third and headquarters company to
Lochères. On July 4, 1918, Colonel Herschel Tupes relieved Colonel
Young in the command of the regiment.
The 372nd moved into second-line positions on July 18. The First
Battalion was stationed at sub-sector West, the Second at Vigneville,
and the Third at Bois de Bethelainsville. On the 26th the regiment
moved into a sub-sector of Hill 304 in the Verdun region, where it
relieved the 333rd French Regiment. This relief was completed on the
28th, with the First Battalion in the front line left of sub-sector
304, the Second on the right of 304, and the Third in reserve at Camp
Dormandie. The regiment remained in the Verdun region throughout the
month of August. Here it took part in no offensive operations except
active patrol duty; yet the men were under constant bombardment, which
made the line of communication difficult to hold in order. Detachments
took part in two attacks, which were accompanied by artillery operation
put over by the 333rd French Regiment. On both occasions the men of the
372nd were praised for their conduct under fire. Sub-sector 304 was
organized and consolidated for the first time by this regiment.
While in this sector the Negro officers, many of whom had been with
their units for years, were removed. It was natural that the removal
of those who had helped to organize and promote their organizations
should affect the morale of the regiment for a time, but the men
finally adjusted themselves to the changes and the work of the regiment
proceeded.
On September 8 the 129th U. S. Infantry relieved the 372nd. The
battalions marched to Bois de Brocourt and Bois de Fouchères, where
they remained until September 12, when orders arrived to leave for
the training area in Brienne le Château. Four days later they were
ordered by train to Vitry-le-François in Haute-Marne, and thence they
proceeded by night marches through Jussacourt, Contault-le-Maupas,
Dommartin-sur-Yevre, and Mes Maigneaux to Hans, ten kilometers west of
Ste. Menehould, where they arrived on September 25.
In the big offensive the attack which had been scheduled for the Fourth
Army began at 5.25 on the morning of September 26. The mission of the
157th French Division was “to exploit the successes after the initial
breaking through attack had attained the assigned objectives.” The
372nd was ordered to advance at 3 in the afternoon. The headquarters
and headquarters company occupied the north bank of Marson Brook, and
the three battalions were on the south of the brook. On the 27th the
First and Third Battalions marched north to new positions in Ravin
d’Hébaterne, while the Second Battalion was held in reserve for the
157th Division. On the 28th the Second Battalion advanced to Ripont
by Corduroy road. The Third was ordered to attack north of Ripont
Rouvroy road, which it did at 11.30. Stubborn resistance was offered
by the enemy from their entrenchments on Crete-des-Observatoires, but
after hard fighting, which lasted the entire afternoon, this position
was rushed and cleared. The Third Battalion captured in this advance
60 prisoners, one 105-calibre field-gun, two 77-calibre field-guns,
2 anti-tank rifles, and large quantities of material and small arm
ammunition. The Third Battalion continued its advance until night,
reaching the woods south of Bussy Farm, three and a half kilometers
north of Ripont. Its ranks had been greatly depleted in the day’s
operations.
On September 29 the First Battalion was ordered to attack towards
Moulin, L’Avébrune, and then towards Challerange, but after starting
the attack it was obliged to leave its direction of attack and advance
toward Sechault because of the strong resistance from that direction.
The town was finally captured, the First Battalion of the 372nd
assisting. Because of the casualties suffered by the First and Third
Battalions, they were ordered at nightfall to the woods south of Bussy
Farm, where they were reorganized into one provisional battalion.
On September 30 the Second Battalion advanced to a plateau 250 meters
south of Bussy Farm and on October 1 to Trières Farm, where it relieved
a battalion of the 371st Infantry. The provisional battalion, commanded
by Major Johnson, advanced three kilometers north of Sechault on the
Sechault-Monthoise road, capturing the town of Ardeuil. On October
3 the advance was held up, pending the capture of Croix de Langley,
west of Monthoise, by the 120th French Division, which was stopped
in its advance. The enemy took advantage of a heavy fog on the 4th
and launched a strong counter-attack, assisted by heavy artillery
preparation. This attack, which developed into a hand-to-hand combat,
was completely repulsed by two battalions of the 333rd French Regiment,
and the Second Battalion of the 372nd, the enemy leaving behind 55
prisoners and 6 machine-guns.
The 372nd was relieved on October 6 by a French regiment and moved
southward to the north banks of Marson Brook for the 7th, and on to
Somme Bionne, 12 kilometers west of Ste. Menehould, on the 8th. Its
fighting qualities were put to severe test in the Champagne offensive
from September 26 to October 7. The nature of the attack may be judged
by the losses sustained. Seven officers and 74 enlisted men were killed
and 32 officers and 435 men were wounded. Three of the wounded officers
afterwards died.
The regiment entrained at Valmy in Champagne on the 11th for Alsace,
arriving at Corcieux in the Department of Vosges the following day.
Here it detrained and marched to St. Leonard, preparatory to entering
the front lines to relieve the 70th French Infantry at Ban-de-Laveline
in sub-sector B on the 15th. It remained in this sector until after
the armistice. On the night of November 7 patrols were sent out from
each battalion to gain contact with the enemy, who were believed to
be retreating. A patrol from the Second Battalion, consisting of an
officer and twenty-three men, advanced two kilometers into territory
occupied by the Germans, who surrounded them. The officer and one
man were killed. All the rest, a number of whom were wounded, were
captured, with the exception of one man, who made his escape and
returned to the battalion. On the last morning of the war another
patrol went 1200 meters into the enemy’s line and captured a soldier
of the 2nd Ersatz Bavarian Regiment. There were no heavy offensives
in sub-sector B, but there was aggressive patrolling, which secured
valuable information from the enemy. On November 17 the regiment was
ordered to Granges, Ammontzev, and Jussarupt in the Vosges, where it
remained until January 1. At Ammontzev, on December 17, 1918, General
Goybet, commander of the 157th French Division, awarded the Croix de
Guerre to those officers and men who had won the coveted prize, and
Colonel Tupes presented to eight men the Distinguished Service Cross.
The 157th, the “Red Hand Division,” was ordered dissolved on December
20. At the same time the 372nd was returned to the American Army. The
regiment had served with the French since April, 1918. During that
time the relations had been most friendly, the men of the two nations
working together in perfect harmony. The 372nd played an important
part in the operations of its division. Its occupation of sub-sector
Argonne Quest, considered a phase of training, was satisfactorily
conducted. In the Vauquois sub-sector its mission was difficult and
important, namely, the defense of Côtes-de-Foriment, the key to the
Aire Valley, which was threatened by a German offensive. Its fighting
in the Champagne and its capture of Crete-des-Observatoires, the key to
Challerange and Monthois, caused the French Higher Command to say that
its achievements were equal to those of any French unit in its division.
The regiment entrained for Le Mans on January 1, arriving two days
afterwards. There it remained until the 11th, when it was ordered to
Brest, where it arrived on the 14th. At Brest, on January 24, 1919, the
regimental colors were decorated with the Croix de Guerre with palm by
Vice-Admiral Moreau of the French Navy. The citation said:
The 372nd Infantry
Gave proof during its first engagement of the finest qualities
of bravery and daring exploits, which are the virtues of assaulting
troops.
Under the orders of Colonel Tupes, dashed with superb gallantry
and admirable scorn of danger, the assault of a position continuously
defended by the enemy, taking it by storm under exceptionally violent
machine-gun fire, continued the progress in spite of the enemy’s
artillery fire and severe fire. Made numerous prisoners, captured
cannons, many machine-guns and important war material.
(Signed) QUILLET,
Colonel, Commanding 157th L. D.
Of individual heroes in the regiment thus cited for gallantry there
were many. Two of the most outstanding were Corporal Clarence R.
Van Alen, of Boston, and Sergeant Clifton Merrimon, of Cambridge,
both of whom were members of the “Old 6th Massachusetts” and both of
whom received the extraordinary triple decoration of the Croix de
Guerre with palm, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Medaille
Militaire. On the morning of September 28, 1918, when his company was
under a gruelling fire from hidden German machine-gun nests, Corporal
Van Alen, having determined the location of one of these, rushed it
single-handed. He killed four of the operators and brought the other
three as prisoners into the American lines, himself escaping with a
few scratches. Later on the same day, and during the same engagement,
he rushed and captured single-handed a trench mortar battery that was
inflicting severe losses upon the French lines. Corporal (afterwards
Sergeant) Merrimon, near Bussy Farm on September 27, made an attack
with hand grenades on an enemy machine-gun which was causing heavy
losses to his platoon, and succeeded in killing the gunner and putting
the gun out of commission. He then reorganized the remainder of the
platoon, leading his men to their position south of Bussy Farm.
Although gassed himself, he silenced the machine-gun single-handed.
Colonel Tupes himself was decorated with the Croix de Guerre, and
altogether four members of the regiment received the Medaille Militaire
and fifty-two the Croix de Guerre.
The 372nd sailed for America on February 3, 1919, landing at Hoboken on
Lincoln’s Birthday. Demobilization was completed on March 6.
* * * * *
Of such nature was the work and the fighting of the 93rd Division of
the American Army in France, which was composed of Negro soldiers and
whose different regiments were so largely decorated with the Croix de
Guerre with palm.