WAR DIARY 314th Field Artillery Note: On each line following the date, is the condition of the weather and roads. September 16, 1918 -- Clear, Excellent Battery "A" joined the Eightieth Division at Souilly. The rest of the regiment having detrained on the 14th and 15th at Longeville, nine km. Southeast of Bar-le-Duc, encamped in a small wood and took the road at dusk on the 16th for Pierrefitte, twenty-nine km. distant. To avoid congestion on the main highways the regiment was required to move by a circuitous route which proved trying to both men and animals. September 17, 1918 -- Clear, Good By dawn the regiment was encamped in the Bois-de-Pierrefitte, two km. Northeast of Pierrefitte. The facilities for making oneself comfortable were very limited. Strict camouflage discipline was enforced. The water supply was very distant and inadequate, which, coupled with the camouflage discipline, made watering difficult. The animals suffered accordingly. The regiment again took up the march in the early afternoon for the Bois-de-Chatel, which is between St. Andrew and Heippes. This march of twenty-seven km. was delayed appreciably by a driving rain and heavy mud, both of which were encountered just before we reached our camp site. Dawn found the last of our train still in the open. September 18, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy Lieut. Col. James F. Walker joined the regiment and took control of field operations. The day was spent in improving the camp and in arranging wagons so as to better deceive Hun aviators. The regiment was reunited here, "A" Battery having been in this vicinity since detraining at Souilly on September 16th. Organizations salvaged all excess equipment as transportation proved to be a very serious problem. Camouflage requirements again seemed to cause much otherwise unnecessary labor. Lieutenant Colonel Walker called a meeting of battalion and battery commanders and explained what was then known about the operation in which we were to take part. The Americans had just been successful in driving in the St. Mihiel salient. The British and French were preparing for a drive to the north. The First American Army was to attack north of Verdun, between the Argonne and Meuse. This drive would be in cooperation with our allies, the whole effort being directed at the important rail center of Mezieres-Charleville. September 19, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy The regiment rested. Orders to break camp were received after dark. The regiment was ready to move in short order, but owing to the heavy traffic already on the road a place could not be given us until after midnight. The march was long and tiresome with frequent stops due to the necessity of permitting passage to the practically continuous traffic on the main highways, which our route crossed at infrequent intervals. September 20, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy The march from Bois-de-Chatel to Boise-de-Chapitre, although only nineteen km., required sixteen hours. The first elements of the regiment arrived early in the morning, but it was late afternoon before the last wagon was brought into camp. The whole Eightieth Division was now assembled at Camp Gallieni and in the vicinity of the Bois-de-Chapitre. Division P.C. And that of the 155th Field Artillery Brigade were at Lempire, seven km. south of Gallieni. This was the first time that the division had been together since leaving Camp Lee in May. September 21, 1918 -- Good, Good The Regimental Commander, battalions and battery commanders made reconnaissance of positions south of Le Mort Homme. During the day the material was carefully gone over in preparation for the coming activity. Second Lieut. Emory Landon, Second Battalion telephone officer, was evacuated. September 22, 1918 -- Rain, Fair Batteries "A" and "F" left Camp Gallieni at 7:45 P.M. And marched to the positions which had previously been selected for them on Le mort Homme. September 23, 1918 -- Fair, Good Batteries "B," "C," "D," and "E" left camp under cover of darkness and marched north, toward their positions on the southern slope of Le Mort Homme. Traffic was so congested that they were unable to reach their destination before daybreak and so were forced to take cover in the woods near Montzeville where they remained the following day. The ammunition train was not functioning properly, which was a cause of worry to regimental and battalion commanders. All wagons in the regiment were used to haul ammunition. They were out all night on heavily shelled roads carrying shells to the gun positions. This was the first time that our regiment had been under fire. September 24, 1918 -- Fair, Good At nightfall the batteries came from their cover and went into position. The regiment was in line in old entrenchments on the southern slope of Le Mort Homme. The rear echelon moved from Bois- de-Chapitre to the Bois-de-Sartelles. The combat trains were located at Bois-Bourru. All available transportation was given over to the hauling of ammunition. Orders received from 155th Field Artillery Brigade informed us that our division was the center of the three attacking divisions in our corps, the Third Corps of the First American Army. The Fourth and Thirty-third Divisions were on our left and right, respectively. The mission of the regiment on the first day of the pending attack was accompanying fire for the infantry on the left half of our divisional sector, which extended in width about one km. east and west of Bethincourt and in depth north and slightly east to the Meuse. The divisional artillery was in three groupings, I., II., and III. The first group composed of the 313th and 314th Field Artillery, was commanded by Colonel Welsh; the second group was a group of French 75's and the third was the 315th Field Artillery Regiment. Colonel Welsh, having command of the first group, command of the regiment was taken by Lieutenant Colonel Walker. Barrage charts and data were prepared. The batteries were made ready to open fire when "h" hour should arrive. Batteries "A" and "E" adjusted fire, but an order from the Brigade prevented further registration. First Lieut. Henry B. Grandin of the Supply Company was evacuated. September 25, 1918 -- Fair, Good All available transportation was again impressed into the work of securing ammunition. The echelon at Bois-Bourru was shelled but there were no casualties. In the afternoon the enemy registered on "D" battery and wounded one man, Private Nuzum. Orders were received to open our barrage at 5:30 A.M. on the 26th. The Regimental P.C. moved to the gun positions in the evening. The Supply and Headquarters echelon moved to Baleycourt. At 11 P.M. the corps on our left and army artillery opened fire. At 11:30 our corps (the French Heavy Artillery) joined in the preparations. September 26, 1918 -- Fair, Bad Colonel Welsh, having been made chief of operation of the 155th Field Artillery Brigade, Colonel Brunzell, 313th Field Artillery, commanded our group. At 2:30 A.M. American heavy artillery commenced its preparation. Our barrage was opened at 5:30 A.M., at 6:29 No. 2 gun, battery "A," blew up due to defective ammunition. Luckily there were no casualties. The barrage lasted until 7:30. At 9:30 A.M. the Second Battalion advanced through Bethincourt to positions west of Hill 281. As soon as firing had ceased and preparations for the forward move were seen to be well under way. Lieutenant Colonel Walker, accompanied by Operation Officer and a small detail, pushed forward to Hill 281, where the Regimental C.P. And O.P., were established. The First Battalion took position in the first valley west of Hill 281. The Second Battalion was in the next valley to the west of the First Battalion. Two 77 mm. Guns, which had been abandoned by the Germans, were moved to a spot in the side of Hill 281, from which they could be fired toward the east bank of the Meuse. A gun crew was picked up by Second Lieut. Alan H. Means and fire at maximum range with high corrector, was opened with a view to adjustment and in hopes that some of the ammunition, of which there was a good supply, might be returned to its rightful owners. The First Battalion delivered some fire from its new position on Sivry and on a railroad between Sivry and Vilosnes. The Second Battalion was able to assist the infantry by putting a few rounds in the Bois-Dannevoux. In the meantime telephone communications had been established within the regiment and the O.P.'s were in operation. Fire with D shell was delivered on the east bank of the Meuse. It is remarkable that at no time during the day were we subjected to serious shelling. The terrific congestion which prevailed everywhere in the rear of the front lines would have made shelling most disastrous. In the late afternoon thirteen enemy planes flew low over our guns' positions and echelon. They dropped a few bombs and fired many rounds from their machine guns, but succeeded only in wounding one horse. The Headquarters and Supply Echelon moved from Baleycourt to Le Claire. September 27, 1918 -- Fair, Bad Forward reconnaissance and liaison with the infantry was carried out. We registered on Haraumont and Sivry, and also continued to fire the captured 77's. The enemy counter-attacked the division on our left and, as could be seen from our positions and O.P.'s made a considerable and dangerous advance. To meet this condition it was necessary to shift two of our batteries 600 mm. left in order to protect our flanks in the event of a rupture. The men prepared to defend the guns to the last. The Supply and Headquarters echelon was brought with great difficulty to a position in the valley west of Hill 281. A large quantity of enemy food was found near our position and was utilized for our troops, the delivery of supplies not having been perfected owing to the frightful congestion and deplorable condition of the roads. September 28, 1918 -- Rain, Muddy Reconnaissance of forward positions was completed and liaison with the infantry was maintained. O.P.'s were established in the Bois- Dannevoux south of Vilosnes. The First Battalion moved forward to positions in the Bois-d'en-Dela during the evening and night. We fired again on Haraumont Ridge, Sivny and road from Consenvoye to Haraumont. We also fired on Vilosnes and M.G. In front of Brieulles. The German captured guns were trained on the Bois-Consenvoye and on German battery positions along the main highway entering the woods from Consenvoye. These batteries had been located from flashes by our observers on the previous night. Captured German maps and fire control instruments were of material assistance to us while in these positions. September 29, 1918 -- Rain, Muddy Registration was carried out by the First Battalion from its new positions. Harassing fire was delivered near Vilosnes and Brieulles. The Eightieth Division less 155th Field Artillery Brigade was relieved by the Thirty-third. The infantry of the Eightieth Division moved to the left of the corps sector near Montfaucon. September 30, 1918 -- Fair, Muddy The regiment harassed some batteries in the Bois-Chatillon and near Vilosnes. In the afternoon, during the adjustment of our fire, the O.P. (Kronprinzessen Cecilie's Tower) on Dannevoux Ridge, was shelled. Lieut. Kenneth V. Blue was seriously wounded, and Lieutenants Landreth L. Layton and Raymond Shean were slightly wounded. There were several casualties in the enlisted personnel. October 1, 1918 -- Fair, Muddy The regiment executed harassing fire as on previous days. The infantry in front of us dug in on the northern slope of Dannevoux Ridge. It seemed evident that there would be little activity on this divisional sector until the troops on the left had made a considerable advance. During the night, nevertheless, we harassed the enemy continually. The targets were assigned to us by Brigade Headquarters. October 2, 1918 -- Good, Fair The captured 77's having fired all of the available ammunition in the vicinity of Hill 281, were moved forward with the First Battalion in the Bois-d'en-Dela. During the afternoon the enemy registered on Battery "B" with time shells of heavy calibre. Adjustment having been completed, he opened with heavy shells and succeeded in getting one direct hit on a gun emplacement. One cannoneer was killed and three were severely wounded. This fire was believed to have been in retaliation for the harassing fire of the night of October 1-2. The regimental O.P. Was shelled. Two enlisted men were seriously wounded. October 3, 1918 -- Fair, Good In the morning reconnaissance was made in the vicinity of Septsarges with a view of moving the regiment to the divisional sector on the left, information having reached us that we would be required to operate there in an attack which was soon to take place. Positions were selected for the First Battalion near the Bois-de-Septsarges and for the Second Battalion on the road between Septsarges and Montfaucon. The batteries moved in the evening to the new positions. The regimental P.C. Was established in a dugout on the north edge of the Bois-des-Tuileries, about 500 meters southwest of the Second Battalion. We found ourselves once more with the Eightieth Division. In the pending attack our mission was to be that of accompanying fire. At the end of this fire one battery ("C") was assigned to the close support of the infantry and was ordered to advance to Cunel where it was to be reported to Major Wise, who commanded the leading battalion of the 318th Infantry. The barrage was prepared. The regiment was ready for action. "H" was announced for 5:25, October 4. Lieutenant Sordoillet, a French officer, joined us. October 4, 1918 -- Fair, Good The attack was launched at 5:25 without any previous artillery preparation. At the end of our barrage programme Battery "C" advanced toward Cunel as far as Nantillois, where Capt. Lester R. Graves, commanding the battery, found Major Wise and reported to him. The infantry had not met with the hoped-for success nor were they anywhere near Cunel. It is believed that at this time and for several days following the best P.C.'s in and about the town just mentioned were being used by German commanders. Captain Graves was told that the infantry had no mission for him and his battery was returned to the First Battalion in the afternoon. Septsarges was subjected to a rather lively gas treatment at about 8 P.M. This lasted for about one hour. The rest of the night was quiet except for the continual cry of "gas" from over-zealous guards. Lieut. John S. Strong was shell-shocked. October 5, 1918 -- Fair, Good Plans for harassing fire, artillery preparation and barrage were received and again the infantry prepared to oust the enemy from Cunel. Col. Robert S. Welsh directed the 314th Field Artillery to transmit orders for cooperation to a French battalion of 75's which were in position near our Second Battalion. The French Commandant informed us that he could take no orders coming through such channels and the attack was deprived of this much of its support. We executed harassing preparation and accompanying fire. The country from Bois-des-Ogons to 200 meters north of the Femme de la Madelaine was showered with H.E., but at the end of it all the infantry had not advanced perceptibly. Harassing fire was continued all night on the roads and trenches of the enemy near Cunel. October 6, 1918 -- Fair, Good The enemy artillery was active this day. Lieut. John B. Wise was wounded by a bursting shell and was evacuated. Our batteries executed a small amount of raking and harassing fire north of Femme de la Madelaine. Brieulles was reported in flames. October 7, 1918 -- Fair, Good The enemy's artillery was again active. This increasing activity was probably due to the fact that enemy planes, which continually circled over us in great numbers, furnished the enemy with many useful and instructive photographs, while our artillery was dependent for its targets on its own observation and information from the infantry. Although Brieulles was said to be burning and a great glow was visible in the north, we gassed the town early in the morning. Whether it was on account of some of our ammunition being defective or because the Germans sent over some gas with their H.E., is not known, but the regiment suffered heavily from gas casualties. The Second Battalion lost Major Granville Fortescue, Capt. Dwight S. Beebe, Capt. Samuel B. Ridge (Surgeon), Lieut. Frank A. Heacock and five enlisted men. Captain Brown was ill and was also evacuated. Capt. Norman E. Kane took command of the battalion. October 8, 1918 -- Fair, Good Verbal instructions were received from the 155th Field Artillery Brigade relative to the next attack which was to be made in conjunction with the divisions on our right and left. As usual we were to deliver the accompanying barrage, the regiment taking the left half of our divisional sector. Lots were registered by 4 P.M. In accordance with instructions from the 155th Field Artillery Brigade. There was heaving shelling by enemy artillery almost constantly. Two of our men were killed and twelve wounded. October 9, 1918 -- Misty, Muddy There was a noticeable decreases in enemy artillery activity. This was though to be on account of a successful advance on the right bank of the Meuse which captured several heavy guns and forced the withdrawal of others. The H for which we had prepared was announced as 3:30 P.M. Shortly after 3:30 Major Zager reported that his observers could see that the barrage was satisfactory and that the infantry were following it. The attack was not successful. Col. Robert S. Welsh officially took over command of the brigade, relieving Gen. Gordon G. Heiner. October 10, 1918 -- Misty, Muddy During the night another attack was planned and 7:00 A.M. On the 10th was announced as the H. The infantry pushed the enemy beyond the Femme de la Madelaine, but did not take Cunel. Forward reconnaissance about the Femme de la Madelaine by regimental and battalion commanders showed that it would not be practicable to move guns so far forward at this time. The Supply and Headquarters echelon moved from near Hill 281 to a position west of Septsarges on the road to Montfaucon. Capt. Dwight S. Beebe returned from hospital. The First Battalion left its position near Bois-Septsarges for a previously reconnoitered one south of the Femme de la Madelaine. Dawn found the battalion on the road between Nantillois and Cunel, just south of the Bois-des-Ogons. The batteries were forced to go into position here and were ordered to advance no further. October 11, 1918 -- Cloudy, Good The Second Battalion moved north and west to a position west of Nantillois. An accompanying fire was again delivered for the infantry who protested that it was cutting them to pieces. Investigation showed that our infantry was suffering casualties from German fire. The infantry withdrew their statements of "friendly artillery is causing us losses." the attack netted no gain. One gun in battery "B" blew up, cause unknown. One man was killed in this accident and two were wounded. The batteries improved their positions. During the night of October 11-12 the Fifth Division took over the sector from the Eightieth Division. The 155th Field Artillery Brigade remained in the sector and was attached to the Fifth Division. The infantry of the Eightieth Division was withdrawn for rest and reorganization. October 12, 1918 -- Misty, Muddy An hysterical report of German tanks brought a demand for the physical presence of field guns on the front lines, so Lieut. Raymond Shean was sent forward at 1 A.M. with a platoon from "F" battery. The guns were taken as far as possible with horses and then moved into position by hand. The infantry detail to assist in man-handling the guns was very late in arriving so that the guns were not in position until 10 A.M. The tanks afterwards proved to be made of painted cloth on frames mounted on farm wagons. S.O.S. barrage was fired twice. We also fired gas shells on La mi Noel, northeast of Cunel. Captain Beebe was relieved from his duties as adjutant of the Second Battalion, to go to A.P.O. No. 705 as an instructor. October 13, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy The enemy was quite active on this day, and our batteries were subjected to heavy fire. Capt. Rowland H. McLaughlin was mortally wounded. Lieut. Robert Ober was killed and four men of battery "B" were wounded. At about 4 P.M. the enemy tried a counter-attack from Bois-des-Tays, but this was stopped by our artillery and machine gun fire. October 14, 1918 -- Misty, Good After an elaborate artillery preparation the infantry attack was launched at 8:30 A.M. We assisted the 313th Regiment in delivering accompanying fire which rolled through the Bois-de-la-Pultiere, Bois- des-Rappes and Bois-Clair Chenea at the rate of 100 meters in five minutes. One battery of our regiment was to be used as an accompanying battery, but the C.G., Ninth Brigade, Fifth Division, decided not use it. Reconnaissance parties were sent out to locate advance positions for batteries and C.P.'s in Cunel and north of it. Cunel was taken late in the afternoon, and at dusk the woods at the northern edge of the town had not yet been freed from machine gunners and snipers. The infantry suffered rather heavily and was very much confused as to the whereabouts of its won components, and wanted relief. A second creeping barrage had been fired at the request of the infantry, but they were unable to organize and follow it. A defensive barrage was arranged as well as possible with the limited formation as to front lines. This barrage was fired twice during the night of 14-15. The regimental P.C. Advanced to the position of the First Battalion P.C. Captain McLaughlin died of his wounds in a hospital. October 15, 1918 -- Cloudy, Good In accordance with Field Order No. 56, Fifth Division, we prepared and fired a barrage which rolled through the Bois-des-Rappers at the rate of 100 meters in ten minutes. The infantry did not reach the jumping off line at H. And the barrage went on without it. An S.O.S. Barrage was prepared after conference with the infantry brigade commander. The guns were kept laid on this line. The vicinity of the Femme de la Madelaine was again reconnoitered and the regimental P.C. Was moved to a bungalow about 500 meters east of the Femme de la Madelaine. There was considerable artillery activity during the night. October 16, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy Orders from Brigade soon after midnight slightly modified our S.O.S. line. Due to bad weather there was almost no aeroplane activity. The Femme de la Madelaine and its environs were subjected to harassing fire. Colonel Walker conferred with Generals Malone and Kastner in the morning and afternoon. The platoon from "F" battery that had been sent forward for anti-tank work, was returned to the Second Battalion. Lieut. Frederick L. Moore was taken ill and sent to the hospital. October 17, 1918 -- Misty, Muddy Fire was prepared in accordance with Field Order No. 18, 155th Field Artillery Brigade. The enemy artillery was active north of the Femme de la Madelaine and prevented the First Battalion from running a telephone line to a new O.P. Which it established. The regiment was told to prepared to work with aeroplanes. We prepared but no aeroplanes appeared. The enemy fired gas almost continually during the day. October 18, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy The vicinity of the regimental O.P. was gassed during the night and it was necessary to evacuate seven men. The battalions established telephone communication with their new O.P.'s. First Battalion O.P. Hill 272, south of Cunel. Second Battalion O.P., Shoulder 1 km. southeast of Romagne. October 19, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy During the night of October 18-19 the infantry called directly on us for fire on machine guns and mineworfers near Bantreville in order to protect some patrols that they were sending there. We delivered the fire and the infantry reported that it was exactly what was needed. Colonel Walker visited the commanding officers of the Ninth Infantry Brigade and the 155th Field Artillery Brigade and our own Second Battalion. Plans were made and remade for an attack on the Bois- des-Rappes. There was a lively C.P.O. by enemy artillery in the late afternoon and during the night there was artillery activity on both sides. The Supply company and Headquarters echelons moved to a position southeast of Nantillois. October 20, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy The infantry, accompanied by our fire, launched its attack on the Bois-des-Rappes at 7 A.M. The attack was not successful and orders were received to renew it on the following day. Chaplain Thomas H. Saunders was evacuated. October 21, 1918 -- Misty, Muddy At 11:30 A.M. an attack was made which succeeded in taking and consolidating the Bois-des-Rappes. We laid our S.O.S. in front of our front lines between Bantheville and the Bois-des-Rappes. This barrage was changed slightly during the night by Brigade, but it was not fired. October 22, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy The Ninetieth Division relieved the Fifth. Lieut. Murray Rushmore, who had been liaison officer with the Ninth Infantry Brigade, was relieved by Lieut. Thomas F. Hoxsey, who acted as liaison officer with the 179th Infantry Brigade. The infantry spent the day in consolidating its lines and in getting acquainted with the sector. We spent the day harassing with gas and H.E. Lieutenants Irvin M. Puffer and Joe White reported for duty with the regiment and were assigned to the Second Battalion. October 23, 1918 -- Fair, Muddy During the night of October 22-23 the commanding general, 179th Infantry Brigade, called the Regimental Commander to confer. An attack was planned in the direction of Bantheville-Bourrut, with the objectives of Grande Carre Femme and the high ground to the north and west. Our fire instead of the usual accompanying barrage, was placed on critical points and shifted with different phases of the attack. The attack was made at 3 P.M. on the 23rd and was reported a complete success. We executed four different shoots and expended 5,688 rounds of H.E. between 12 o'clock on the 23rd and 12 o'clock on the 24th. The S.O.S. at the end of the day called for a range which made it evident that we would have to advance the batteries. October 24, 1918 -- Fair, Muddy The regiment delivered some raking and concentration fire, but was unable to do all that it was called upon to do on account of not having the proper ammunition. The Second Battalion advanced to a position east of Romagne, on the ridge north of Rau de Moussin. The First Battalion took over the S.O.S. for the regiment while the Second Battalion was moving. The grouping was discontinued and each regiment was considered as a group. We were made Group 2. Lieut. Joseph W. Bailey, Jr. was assigned to the regiment and Lieut. Henry F. Holloway relieved from the regiment to take Lieut. Bailey's place at Brigade Headquarters. October 25, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy During the night (24-15), the First Battalion advanced to new positions north of the Cunel-Romagne road. As the leading battery ("B") reached the First Battalion P.C., an infantry officer reported to the commander of the column that the enemy had broken through. "B" battery was immediately prepared for action and "fire at will." The men from all of the batteries were formed in a line of skirmishers across the top of the hill which extended east and west north of the Ravin des Perrieres. When it became evident that the report was false, the mean were reassembled and the batteries were put into the positions that had been selected for them. These positions were about 500 meters north of the P.C. and on the reverse slope of the next hill. The batteries were ready to deliver S.O.S. shortly after midnight. There was harassing fire near the regimental P.C., but generally the day was quiet. At about 5:30 P.M., the enemy tried a counter-attack but our S.O.S. and M.G. fire drove him back. Lieutenants Alan H. Means, Harry Kellerman and Raymond Shean, having volunteered, were sent to an aviation instruction camp. October 26, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy At about 5:30 P.M., we fired an S.O.S. barrage. Report was received that our fire was short so our range was increased 200 meters. The report was due to a German rocket which resembled ours for short firing. The increased range caught the retiring Germans and caused much confusion. After completing the barrage the Second Battalion harassed Le Grande Carree Femme. It was reported later from a German prisoner that our S.O.S. had prevented them from launching an intended attack. It was also learned that our fire on the 25th had been very effective. The enemy fired gas and H.E. at intervals during the night. October 27, 1918 -- Cloudy, Good The German harassing fire continued. The Second Battalion delivered an S.O.S. in answer to a rocket to our left. The Second Battalion also harassed Grande Carree Femme. This place had been reported as captured on the 23rd of October, but evidently it had either been retaken by the enemy or the report was false. A direct hit on a "C" battery emplacement killed one man. During the night there were several casualties while ammunition was being brought forward, and we experienced the usual nightly gas and H.E. harassing. Lieut. Daniel P. Forst left for A.P.O. No. 704 to act as instructor. October 28, 1918 -- Fair, Good Harassing fire on the Grande Carree Femme composed our fire programme for the day. The enemy's artillery activity increased during the day and became very heaving in the night. German planes flew low over our positions, adjusted fire and scattered pamphlets and machine gun bullets. The presence of an increasing number of our own heavy guns in our neighborhood indicated that we would soon push forward. October 29, 1918 -- Fair, Good Again we harassed the Grande Carree Femme. We also executed harassing fire north of the Femme de Chassogne. Enemy artillery continued to be active. The regimental P.C. moved to Romagne in accordance with a memorandum from Brigade. Lieut. Frank A. Heacock rejoined from the hospital. October 30, 1918 -- Fair, Good October 31, 1918 -- Fair, Good The P.C. of Colonel Tidball, 315th Field Artillery, which was also in Romagne, was demolished by six large shells in the afternoon. An order was received from Brigade for an attack to be made on November 1st at 5:30 A.M. The First Battalion was to deliver a gas concentration and zone fire and then to take part in the accompanying fire. The Second Battalion was ordered to take position in the northern edge of the Bois-des-Rappes during the night before the attack, and to be held in readiness to support the attack by direct fire on machine guns and fleeting targets. The enemy artillery was very active this day, as was also his air service. Our batteries of the First Battalion being in extremely forward positions, were lucky in not suffering any casualties. Most of the enemy fire was on areas occupied by echelons and kitchens. One cook was wounded. November 1, 1918 -- Misty, good During the night of October 31 - November 1 the Second Battalion took position as ordered. The infantry detailed to assist in moving the guns into position did not arrive on time. Some of it was too late to be of any assistance. The positions were occupied under heavy shell fire which abated somewhat later in the day, but which continued until the battalion moved out. A heavy mist which hung like a curtain, prevented the batteries of the Second Battalion from being of much use. They were not prepared for map firing and there was no observation. A line of machine guns a short distance in front drew much fire which proved most disastrous to our men. Three were killed and seventeen were wounded. At about 9:00 A.M., it was possible to orient the batteries sufficiently to fire on several targets which were indicated by brigade. The First Battalion was unable to fire its gas or zone fire programme for lack of proper ammunition. The accompanying fire was delivered and the attack was successful. Forward positions in the vicinity of Grande Carree Femme were reconnoitered and occupied by the First Battalion in the afternoon. The Second Battalion moved to positions on the ridge southeast of Andevanne and northeast of the Rau de Cheline. Lieut. Frank Gosnell, who was acting as liaison officer with the leading infantry, was wounded in the leg by a shell fragment and evacuated. Many prisoners were taken by the infantry during the day. They were moved to the rear very efficiently. Two M.P.'s for each group of 150 or 200 prisoners seemed to handle the job very well. November 2, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy During the day, the First Battalion moved to positions near the Second Battalion and slightly to the north on the same ridge. In the evening we received orders for an attack which was to be delivered at 8:00 A.M. on the 3rd in order to follow up the success of First. Our programme was very simple, "The Regimental Commander will report to the C.G., 179th Brigade, for such missions as he may assign during the attack." November 3, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy The Regimental Commander, reported to the C.G., 179th Brigade, but there were no missions assigned. The attack was more of a pursuit than an attack. By noon it was evident that we would have to make a long move forward. Colonel Walker, therefore, made arrangements for reconnaissance, gave orders for the move and himself pushed forward to Mont-Devant-Sassey, which he reached with the first infantry units. The speed of advance broke lines of communication for a short time. The Supply Company and Rear Echelon had just moved from Nantillois to Cunel, and they improved their position by going to Romagne, where watering facilities were excellent. November 4, 1918 -- Misty, Muddy The C.P. was established in a small house in Mont-Devant-Sassey. The battalions took position in the Bois-de-Mont during the night November 3-4, and were oriented early in the morning on the 4th. Telephone communication was established early in the morning. Excellent observation of the valley of the Meuse was to be had from O.P.'s in the edge of the woods northwest of Mont. The disposition of the batteries was improved during the day. The batteries were located on the top of the hill west of Mont and between the two roads running into the town from Villers-Devant-Drun. Mont was subject to almost continual shelling by 77's. November 8, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy Regimental and battalion O.P.'s were established on the heights west of Mont and Sassey. The O.P.'s positions were plotted, and by means of intersection we were able to locate several targets. Battery "E" located an enemy battery near Milly and silenced it in twenty minutes. Col. Robert S. Welsh, commanding the brigade, was killed by shell fire was he was about to enter Montigny. The road leading into Montigny from the west runs through a ravine which was entirely under enemy observation. The road was the scene of many casualties, as the enemy had their fire perfectly adjusted and harassed the road continually. Headquarters Company and Supply Company Echelon moved into a position in the woods west of the batteries. November 6, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy The division on our right, the Fifth, made a successful attack in the neighborhood of Dun. The Thirty-second Division made a reconnaissance of our area, as it was intended to put this division between the Ninetieth and the Fifth. The Metz-Meieres railroad was taken under fire by the G.P.F.'s west of Montigny. Lieutenants Emory Landon and Frederick L. Moore rejoined from hospital. November 7, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy Shortly after midnight we received by telephone from Brigade a plan of artillery preparation and accompanying fire that was to be our mission in an attack to be launched by the Fifth Division in an effort to take Milly-Devant-Dun, Lion-Devant-Dun and Cote Germain. We had scarcely time to make our plans and to notify the battalions in time to have the fire delivered at 3 A.M., which was the first of our preparations. The attack was partially successful. November 8, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy We did not fire on this date. November 9, 1918 -- Rainy, Muddy The First Battalion C.P. moved to Mont. Orders were received by telephone from Brigade at 3 P.M. to hitch up and be ready to move on Mouzay via the bridge at Sassey and the Route Nationale. Reconnaissance by the Regimental Commander showed that the bridge was just being completed, but that there were three wrecked culverts between the bridge and Mousay. It would require some time for the engineers to repair these, so arrangement was made to have a messenger notify us the earliest possible minute that we could move. In the meantime information came from Corps that the enemy was in full retreat so we were ordered to take part in a road march on Montmedy. Brig. Gen. J.H. Bryson assumed command of the brigade. November 10, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy The battalions took the road at about midnight and marched to Mouzay. The infantry was forced to deploy at Mouzay. The batteries went into position along the Mouzay-Milly road. The First Battalion on the east of the road in a small grove north of Charmois, and the Second Battalion in a field on the west of the road and about 500 meters south of Mouzay. The batteries took position under heavy fire, but suffered no casualties. The Regimental Commander went forward with General O'Neil, commanding the 179th Infantry Brigade. When they arrived in Mouzay at about 4 A.M., the town was being heavily shelled. Several officers were killed outside of the P.C., and many casualties were suffered. The enemy had left the civilian population in the town and they suffered greatly from fright and gas. Our P.C. was established in Le Moulin at the northeast extremity of the town. We delivered fire on the heights north of Baalon and on some reported enemy batteries and machine guns. O.P.'s were established with a view of Baalon and the heights beyond. Plans were made for an attack on the 11th with the object of assisting the Eight-ninth Division to cross the Meuse at Stenay and of continuing on our way to Montmedy. Our regimental mission was to support the 180th Infantry Brigade. The Regimental Commander was to report to the C.G., 180th Infantry Brigade, and to cooperate with him. Shortly before midnight we were informed that the attack had been postponed until the Eighty-ninth Division could join our left. Supply and Headquarters Companies moved to Mont. November 11, 1918 -- Cloudy, Muddy The batteries delivered some previously planned fire on the Bois-de- Chenois, Femme St. Martin and road forks and ravines north of Baalon. At 9:15 word was received by telephone from Brigade that Germany had agreed to an armistice and that hostilities would cease at 11:00 A.M. We were to cease firing at once. This news was transmitted to the battalions. The message had hardly been sent when Brigade called us again and ordered fire on a battery that was shelling Mouzay. This order was countermanded before it was executed. We were told not to fire unless we were actually fired on and then to only return shot for shot. November 12, 1918 -- Clear, Good The day was spent in getting the men into billets and in cleaning horses, harness, guns and equipment. News was received that the Ninetieth Division would be a part of the army to occupy Germany. As the artillery of this division had never served with it, we thought that we would be allowed to continue with the Ninetieth. We received instructions from Brigade to continue to maintain our O.P.'s. November 13, 1918 -- Clear, Good Reveille and retreat were held once more. General policing was continued. Headquarters and Supply Companies moved from Mont to Mouzay. November 14, 1918 -- Clear, Good Our guns were still kept laid ready to deliver C.P.O.'s north and east of Baalon. The O.P.'s were still maintained although there was an American observation balloon in front of them. November 15, 1918 -- Clear, Good The following officers were transferred to the Sixty-seventh Field Artillery Brigade of the Forty-second Division: Second Lieut. William D. Love Second Lieut. Howard F. Neill Second Lieut. Alan H. Means Second Lieut. Robert D. Paskins Second Lieut. Dan M. Robinson Second Lieut. John H. Rollman Second Lieut. John Williams Second Lieut. Harold B. Wilson Second Lieut. Joe White Second Lieut. Irvin M. Puffer 220 men, 176 horses and 17 mules were also turned over to the same brigade. The animals were fully equipped. This left the regiment with a horse for each ration and water cart and four mounts. We also turned over six caissons. November 16, 1918 -- Clear, Good Forty-five men were transferred to the Sixty-seventh Field Artillery Brigade. Inspection was held by organizations. November 17, 1918 -- Clear, Good Battery "A" was placed at the disposal of the C.O., Third Battalion, 359th Infantry, for a practice manoeuvre. Lieut. Edmund D. Wells reported to the C.O. Of this battalion. Miss Wilson visited Mouzay. Second Lieut. Harold E. Jewett evacuated to hospital. November 18, 1918 -- Cloudy, Good Major J. Howard Eager was ill and evacuated. Capt. Lester R. Graves took command of the First Battalion. A warning order was received to be ready to go to Dun-Sur-Meuse to entrain for Fifteenth Training Area. November 19, 1918 -- Cloudy, Good All material and wagons except water and ration carats and two wagons for regimental headquarters were moved to Dun by motors and parked under guard in field next to the railroad yard. O.P.'s were discontinued. November 20, 1918 -- Cloudy, Good The caissons which the Second Battalion had been forced to leave behind were collected and parked with the rest of the material at Dun. President Poincare visited Mouzay. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Headquarters, 155th Field Artillery Brigade On Board U.S.S. Zeppelin May 26th, 1919 General Orders No. 15 The Brigade Commander cites the following named officers and men of 314th Field Artillery for deeds of heroism and gallantry during the Meuses-Argonne offensive, September 26th - November 11th, 1918, described after their names: First Lieut. Robert Ober: On the afternoon of October 13, 1918, Lieutenant Ober was directing the barrage of Battery "B," 314th Field Artillery, at the battery positions north of Nantillois. In the course of the barrage the battery was spotted by a German aeroplane and fire opened by the German battery with which the aeroplane was working. The first enemy shell which fell, made the accuracy of the German adjustment obvious to all at the batter position. In spite of this fact Lieutenant Ober continued to direct and encourage his gun crews. The example of his bravery and coolness inspired his men to forgetfulness of their own danger and a better performance of their duties. First Lieut. Kenneth V. Blue: On September 30, 1918, Lieutenant Blue was adjusting the fire of the batteries of his battalion from a German observation tower on Danneveaux Ridge. This tower was under direct observation of the enemy, who opened fire on it before the adjustment was completed. Lieutenant Blue continued to fire his batteries until severely wounded in both legs by shell fragments. Although suffering great pain Lieutenant Blue would not permit the other officers of his battalion to leave their post on his account and gave no thought to his own condition, but only to the successful completion of the fire. Second Lieut. Landreth L. Layton: On September 30, 1918, Lieutenant Layton at Danneveaux Ridge, after having been severely wounded in the left leg and while still under enemy shell fire, assisted in moving several wounded comrades to a place of safety, and ignoring his own safety, continued the adjustment of his battery to its completion. First Sergeant Harold Marshall, Battery "A," 1834997: On October 1, 1918, First Sergeant Marshall was in charge of a detail of men to load and unload ammunition. The ammunition trucks to which this detail was assigned became jammed on Cuisy Ridge. The road on which the truck was halted was under heavy enemy shell fire. Sergeant Marshall, by his coolness and courage, succeeded in extricating the trucks from the jam and bringing the ammunition safely to the battery positions. Sergeant Charles R. Shelton, Battery "A," 1834995: On October 1, 1918, Sergeant Shelton was in charge of a detail of men from Battery "A," 314th Field Artillery, at the ammunition dump near Nantillois. Although the dump was subjected to heavy shell fire, Sergeant Shelton continued to move ammunition from the dump until all of the ammunition had been removed to safety. Private Albert L Tomblin, Battery "A," 1835089: On the night of October 27, 1918, Private Tomblin was lead driver of a caisson team which was hauling ammunition to the battery positions at Romagne. A shell exploded on the road in front of his team, wounding Private Tomblin and one of the other drivers. In spite of this fact Private Tomblin continued with his team until a place of safety was reached. Private Glenn D. Hughes, Battery "A," 1835027: On October 1, 1918, Private Hughes was acting as telephone operator at the Battalion O.P. on Danneveaux Ridge. Private Hughes was wounded by a shell fragment while at his post, but he nevertheless, continued to operate the telephone and refused to leave until ordered to do so by his battery commander. Private Royal W. Wynings, Battery "A," 2706038: Private Wynings, telephone lineman, maintained telephone communication the entire night of October 13, 1918, between his battery position and the battalion P.C. near Nantillois. Although the field between the two P.C.'s was under terrific enemy shell fire and the telephone lines were almost completely destroyed several times, Private Wynings did not allow communication to be interrupted for more than a few minutes. Private Roy E. Burroughs, Battery "B," 1835139: On the afternoon of October 2, 1918, on Hill 262 D'Ondela Ridge, No. 1 piece of Battery "B," 314th Field Artillery, received a direct hit from a german shell, most of the gun crew either being killed or wounded. Private Burroughs carried to safety three members of this gun crew. This work was done under continued heavy shelling of the battery positions. Private Walter L. Paynes, Battery "B," 1835190: On the afternoon of October 2, 1918, on Hill 262, D'Ondela Ridge, No. 1 piece of Battery "B," 314th Field Artillery, received a direct hit from a german shell, most of the gun crew either being killed or wounded. Private Payne carried to safety three members of this gun crew. This work was done under continued heavy shelling of the battery positions. First Sergeant Lawrence O. Brown, Battery "C," 1835261: First Sergeant Brown, at Mouzay, November 10, 1918, although under heavy machine gun fire from the enemy, dragged a wounded comrade to a place of safety, extricated a working detail, of which he was in charge, from a very hazardous position and although armed only with a revolver succeeded in holding his position until reinforcements came to his assistance. Private Walter Roach, Battery "C," 2666936: Private Roach, at Mouzay, November 10, 1918, volunteered to bring up food to his comrades through an area which was being continually swept by the enemy's machine gun fire. He continued to perform this duty until severely wounded. Private Willard H. Groff, Battery "C," 2705739: On October 27, 1918, Private Groff, at Romagne, while under exceptionally heavy shell fire from the enemy, carried messages between his battery and the battalion P.C. until severely wounded. Private 1st class Howard L. Ashcraft, Battery "D," 1835413: On the night of October 10, 1918, near Romagne, Private 1st class Ashcraft, being stationed at the battalion O.P. as operator, repaired several breaks in the line during the night under heavy enemy shell fire. Private 1st class Clauson Sampson, Battery "D," 1835471: On the morning of November 1, 1918, Private 1st class Sampson assisted in carrying a seriously wounded comrade to the rear of the Bois-des-Reppes, under the direct observation of the hostile forces and continuous fire from their one-pounders. Sergeant Amos I. Garrison, Battery "D," 1835394: On the morning of November 1, 1918, Sergeant Garrison assisted in carrying a seriously wounded comrade to the rear of the Bois-des- Reppes, under the direct observation of the hostile forces and continuous fire from their one-pounders. Private 1st class George E. Salisbury, Battery "D," 1835470: On the morning of November 1, 1918, Private lst class Salisbury assisted in carrying a seriously wounded comrade to the rear of the Bois-des-Reppes, under the direct observation of the hostile forces and continuous fire from their one-pounders. Sergeant Charles G. Kleeh, Battery "E," 185558: (Note: There is obviously a missing digit in his serial number.) On the night of October 12, 1918, Sergeant Kleeh, under very severe enemy shell fire, directed the moving of ammunition to the gun emplacements west of Nantillois. Sergeant Kleeh remained at his work encouraging the men under him until wounded. Private George Spotts, Battery "F," 2667551: On the night of October 12, 1918, Private Spotts, after carrying a message to the infantry front lines, voluntarily made two more trips over the Cunel-Nantillois Road, which was subjected to continuous enemy shell fire. Private Allen S. Hartman, Headquarters Company, 2965103: On the night of October 10, 1918, in the vicinity of Nantillois and during a particularly heavy concentration of enemy shell fire, Private Hartman, though already wounded, went to the assistance of a severely wounded infantryman, assisted in placing him on a stretcher and carried him to the first aid station. While carrying the stretcher Private Hartman was again struck by a shell fragment. Corporal Thomas H. White, Headquarters Company, 1834861: On October 28-29, 1918, Corporal White (then Private 1st class) a member of the Second Battalion telephone detail, was on duty as a lineman at the battalion forward observation post which was located a short distance west of Bois-des-Rappes. Corporal White was the only lineman on duty on a line about three kilometers long and without aid maintained communications by extraordinary efforts on his part. Corporal White was repairing the line continually from 9:30 P.M. until 4:30 A.M. and was in the midst of heavy shell fire from the enemy during this whole period. Private 1st class John F. Babbitt, Headquarters Company, 1834791: On the night of October 27, 1918, at the First Battalion P.C. north of Romagne, where communications had been destroyed by enemy shell fire, Private 1st class Babbitt of his own accord left the dugout and repaired all the lines. This was especially difficult in view of the fact that the area in which the breaks occurred was subjected to a constant interdiction fire and many wires were broken again immediately after they had been repaired. Private 1st class Oscar Riggs, Headquarters Company, 1834843: On the night of October 15, 1918, being on duty at the First Battalion O.P., near Cunel, Private 1st class Riggs volunteered to go out under intense enemy shell fire and heavy gas concentration to repair breaks in the telephone lines. In spite of the greatest difficulty, he maintained communication throughout the night between the O.P. and the regimental central at Madeline Farm. Corporal Clarence R. Sandy, Headquarters Company, 1834847: On the night of October 27, 1918, at the First Battalion P.C. north of Romagne, when all communication had been destroyed by enemy shell fire concentrated on the battalion telephone central, Telephone Corporal Sandy was ordered to have communication established at once. Rather than send out his men under the intense fire, he went himself, restored communication, and with the assistance of one man maintained it until the bombardment ceased. There were sixteen circuits leading into the central, all of which was cut at least three times during the bombardment. Private William F. Gartland, Headquarters Company, 2965740: On October 12, 1918, Private Gartland was ordered to carry an urgent message from the Regimental P.C., near Montfaucon to the first and Second Battalion P.C.'s, one kilometer north of Nantillois. Private Gartland was severely wounded in the shoulder near Montfaucon, but refused to go to the hospital and delivered both messages before seeking surgical treatment. Wagoner Chester Sprouse, Supply company, 1834984: On October 26, 1918, Wagoner Sprouse was driving a wagon with rations to be delivered at the battery positions near Romagne. The cart was hit by a shell and Wagoner Sprouse was wounded. In spite of the fact that the road remained under constant shell fire, he continued his way, delivered his rations and returned. By command of Brigadier General Bryson, Chapin Marcus, Captain Field Artillery, Adjutant (Typed by DELORES KNOWLES.)