_32nd Division, 107th Field Signal Battalion, Company C_
Sergeant Burr, in charge of a detachment near Cierges, France, August
2, 1918, strung wire far in advance of the front lines, working through
heavy artillery fire to the point where the regimental post of command
was to be situated. When ordered to leave one man at the instrument, he
himself remained.]
“‘Why, you’re no Catholic!’ I told him.
“‘No, Padre, I’m a Presbyterian,’ said he, ‘but they say confession is
good for the soul. Believe me, mine feels none the worse now.’
“Once Father Brady received $2,000 from America to buy himself an
automobile. He spent it on a club for the boys in his regiment. Later
they found that the young priest could box and wrestle, and that he was
the best referee that could be got for their fights. He built up trust
and affection for himself during the weary months at the front.
“He has been day and night with his regiment during the long period
when they were in the midst of things. For a month at a time he has
snatched what sleep he could wherever he might throw himself down,
under hedges, in roadside barns and even in shell holes. But he has
always had a word of cheer for the men, and in the most terrible days
he has made both living and dying more bearable for the 5th Marines.”
“BUCKEYES” OR “SPEARHEADS”