_1st Division, 3rd Machine Gun Battalion, Company “B”_
Decorated for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France,
July 19, 1918. When the infantry was held up by a trench occupied by
Germans he voluntarily circled the trench and from the rear shot and
killed one of the enemy and captured the others.]
“About 4 p.m. we left Proyart for Fontaine-les-Capy and in the first
line. Alan was beaming with joy and full of impatience for the order
to join in the action. Everywhere delirious joy reigned at having
driven the enemy back without loss for us. We believed that no further
resistance would be met and that our shock attack would finish the
Germans. After passing the night at Fontaine-les-Capy we moved in the
morning toward what had been the German first lines. I passed almost
all the day with Alan. He was perfectly happy.
“‘My dream is coming true,’ he said to me, ‘and perhaps this evening
or to-morrow we shall attack. I am more than satisfied, but it’s too
bad about our July 4 leave. I can not hope to see Paris again now
before the 6th or 7th, but if this leave is not granted me _“Mektoub!
Mektoub”!’_ he finished with a smile.
“The field of battle was relatively calm, a few shells fell, fired by
the enemy in retreat, and our troops were advancing on all sides. The
Colonials had taken Assevillers and the next day we were to take their
place in first line.”