Major Warner A. Ross, 365th Infantry, commander of the 2nd Battalion,
while leading his battalion and part of the First Battalion into
action in the “Bois Frehaut” on the east bank of the Moselle River
north of Pont-a-Musson and under the guns of Metz, on the morning of
November 10th, 1918, with Brigade orders to capture and hold this
strong German position, displayed most exceptional bravery, coolness
and efficiency under heavy fire. He personally led his forces and
established his first waves in their firing position in no-man’s
land immediately in front of the enemy’s observers, machine gunners
and snipers. He then, after encouraging his men through enemy wire,
under heavy barrage established his Post of Command in the edge of
the “Bois Frehaut” in what just before was enemy territory. This Post
of Command was a shell hole with no protection from artillery fire
and was established in this place so that runners coming back from
platoons and companies could follow the edge of the wood and easily
find him. This he maintained as his P. C. until 10:30 o’clock on the
morning of the 11th, when news of the Armistice reached him.
Major Ross refused to move his Headquarters despite the fact that a
hostile plane had located it and that others abandoned it. Shrapnel
burst over it and high explosive shells tore great holes all around
it. The sides were caved in and he was once almost completely buried.
During the night it became filled with mustard gas. He ordered lime
sprinkled in it and a fire built and remained. By moving to a less
exposed position or to a dugout his liaison would have been impaired.
It was excellent liaison that enabled him to send in reinforcements
to meet counter attacks and flank movements attempted by the enemy.
The bravery of Major Ross and his indifference to personal safety in
his determination to win this battle are considered worthy of special
recognition. Such conduct is far in excess of the ordinary line
of duty of a Battalion Commander. The “Bois Frehaut,” “Belle Aire
Ferme,” “Ferme de Pence” and “Bois de la tete d’Or” were taken from
the enemy and the battle line changed by this victory.
Witnesses (Signed):
EDWARD B. SIMMONS,
_Major, Medical Corps, Regimental Surgeon._
F. E. SWEITZER,
_Captain, 365th Inf., Regtl. Adjutant._
T. C. HOPKINS,
_Captain, 365th Inf., Regtl. Intelligence Officer._
WALTER R. SANDERS,
_Captain, 365th Inf., Second in Command at that time._
WM. W. GREEN,
_Captain, 365th Inf., Comdg. Co. H, 365th Inf._
JOHN F. PRITCHARD,
_1st Lieut., 365th Inf., Adjutant, 2nd Bn._
GARRETT M. LEWIS,
_1st Lieut., 365th Inf., Comdg. Reserve Co. at that time._
U. J. ROBINSON,
_1st Lieut., 365th Inf., Chaplain._