[Illustration: “Listening In”
An American Signal Battalion outpost “listening in” on a suspicious
wire somewhere in France. Complete telephone units including women
operators went over with the American troops.]
_Costin, Henry G., Private_, Co. H, 115th Infantry, 29th Division, Cape
Charles, Va.—Bois de Consenvoye, France, Oct. 8, 1918. When the advance
of his platoon had been held up by machine-gun fire and a request was
made for an automatic-rifle team to charge the nest, Private Costin was
the first to volunteer. Advancing with his team under terrific fire
of enemy artillery, machine guns, and trench mortars, he continued
after all his comrades had become casualties, and he himself had been
seriously wounded. He operated his rifle until he collapsed. His act
resulted in the capture of about 100 prisoners and several machine
guns. He succumbed from the effects of his wounds shortly after the
accomplishment of his heroic deed.
* * * * *
_Gregory, Earl D., Sergeant_, H. Q. Co., 116th Infantry, 29th Division,
Chase City, Va.—Boise de Consenvoye, north of Verdun, France, Oct. 8,
1918. With the remark, “I will get them,” Sergeant Gregory seized a
rifle and a trench-mortar shell which he used as a hand grenade, left
his detachment of the trench-mortar platoon, and, advancing ahead of
the infantry, captured a machine gun and three of the enemy. Advancing
still further from the machine-gun nest, he captured a 7.5-centimeter
mountain howitzer, and, entering a dugout in the immediate vicinity,
single-handed captured nineteen of the enemy.
* * * * *
_Regan, Patrick, Second Lieutenant_, 115th Infantry, 29th Division, Los
Angeles, Cal.—Bois de Consenvoye, France, Oct. 8, 1918. While leading
his platoon against a strong enemy machine-gun nest which had held up
the advance of two companies, Lieut. Regan divided his men into three
groups, sending one group to either flank, and he himself attacking
with an automatic-rifle team from the front. Two of the team were
killed outright, while Lieut. Regan and the third man were seriously
wounded, the latter unable to advance. Although severely wounded,
Lieut. Regan dashed with empty pistol into the machine-gun nest,
capturing thirty Austrian gunners and four machine guns. This gallant
deed permitted the companies to advance, avoiding a terrific enemy
fire. Despite his wounds, he continued to lead his platoon forward
until ordered to the rear by his commanding officer.