“LET’S GO!”
The 26th “Yankee” Division (also later known as the “Sacrifice Division”) was the first National Guard division to be formed for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Following the Federalization of National Guard troops on August 5, 1917, the organization of the Division was authorized by the War Department on August 13, 1917 and the Division’s table of organization under the command of Maj. General Clarence Edwards was announced on August 22, 1917. Units of the division were composed of assorted National Guard troops from the New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) together with a contingent of National Army (drafted) troops from Camp Devens in Ayer, Mass.
The 26th Division consisted of the following units:
Division HQ (MA Cavalry)
51st Infantry Brigade
- 101st Infantry Regiment (5th, 6th, 9th MA Inf.)
- 102nd Infantry Regiment (1st, 2nd CT Inf.; 1st VT Inf.; 6th MA Inf.)
- 102nd Machine Gun Battalion (MA Cavalry; 1st VT Inf.)
52nd Infantry Brigade
- 103rd Infantry Regiment (2nd ME Inf.; 1st NH Inf.)
- 104th Infantry Regiment (2nd, 6th, 8th MA Inf.)
- 103rd Machine Gun Battalion (RI Cavalry; NH MG Co.)
51st Artillery Brigade
- 101st Field Artillery Regiment {75mm} (1st MA FA)
- 102nd Field Artillery Regiment {75mm} (2nd MA FA)
- 103rd Field Artillery Regiment {155mm} (NH, RI, CT FA)
101st Machine Gun Battalion (CT Cavalry; 1st VT Inf.)
101st Engineers Regiment (1st MA Eng; 1st ME FA)
101st Signal Battalion (MA, CT Signal Units)
101st Military Police Company (6th MA Inf.)
101st Ammunition Train (1st VT Inf.)
101st Supply Train (RI Cavalry; 8th MA Inf.)
101st Sanitation Train {Medical} (MA, CT, RI, NH Field Hospitals)
Like the other U.S. infantry divisions being formed at the time, the 26th was a “square” division also known as a “Pershing Division.” Designed by General John J. Pershing, this structure was more than double the size of a European army division and consisted of 2 Infantry Brigades of 2 Regiments each, 1 Field Artillery Brigade with 3 Regiments, a Machine Gun Battalion, Engineer Regiment, Signal Battalion, and divisional supply & sanitary trains. Each battalion included 4 companies of 6 officers and 250 men each. The total divisional strength was 979 officers and 27,082 men.
The 26th “Yankee” Division was both the first U.S. National Guard unit and also the first complete American Division to arrive in France since only elements of the 1st Division (Regular Army) had preceded it. It was in combat longer than any other American Division and suffered the greatest number of gas casualties in the AEF.
103rd Infy. Helmet (Courtesy of 103rdnh.com)
worldwar1letters
Hello,
I have recently begun researching my family history and have discovered that a great uncle was in the 26th Yankee Division in World War 1. He born in Ireland and resided in the Stamford,CT area. His name was Peter Troy and he died in 1930.
Is there a roster of the members of the Guard units from CT on file, or can you recommend where to research.
Any information is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jack Dunn
Hi Jack:
Thanks for the question regarding your great uncle. To uncover the answer it helps to know as much as possible about any details regarding his service. If he was a Volunteer or a member of the Connecticut National Guard prior to the declaration of war, he was quite possibly assigned to the 102nd Infantry Regiment which was composed of Connecticut troops (and also was home to Stubby the Divisional Mascot). I would begin your adventure by inquiring if the Connecticut National Guard currently maintains any archives which may very well hold some information for you.
Best of Luck!
My grand father, Harold Barnes and His brother were both in this division. I recall a story that my grandfather stole a generals jeep and than sometime after the war the general told my grandfather, yeah, i thought it was you!
In response to Jack Dunn’s query; the book “Connecticut Fights! The Story of the 102nd Regiment” (Daniel Strictland, 1930) has a very good roster list of Connecticut men who served with the 102nd Inf., 26th Division. Incidently, the roster is not complete in that it does not name the men who were reassigned to the unit from other states (such as the 6th Vermont and 3rd Massachusetts regiments) before embarkation to France or who were originally conscripts.
Thanks Alan! I have passed your lead along to Jack. Can you also offer any information sources for Connecticut artillery?
I have been researching my grandfather’s (Nicholas Vennitti) service in WW1. Not much to go on but a picture of him in uniform. Clearly visible on his sleeve is the insignia of the 26th “Yankee” Division.
Oddly, however, my grandfather was a recent immigrant from Italy, arriving in 1912, and lived in New York City’s lower east side. I am sure his english was poor as it wasn’t very good when I was a child in the sixties.
How do you suppose he ended up in the Yankee division and not the 27th?
There might be some info in my cousins attic, but all who he would of spoke to about his service are long gone.
Vince, thank you so much for visiting Soldier’s Mail and for your recent comment/question. I love hearing from readers, especially those who are doing their own family research such as you are.
Your grandfather could have become a member of the 26th Div. either as a volunteer enlistee or a draftee. It would not be hard for someone from NYC to join the 26th through a recruiting drive as it included troops from CT. It has always been common for immigrants (even recent ones) to enlist during wartime in an expression of patriotism and to embrace their new lives as Americans. He also might have been drafted and then assigned to the 26th Div. as a replacement. Sam speaks of many draftees arriving in France and filling the ranks throughout his time Over There, especially since the 26th Division had a high casualty rate.
The “YD” insignia on his sleeve indicates that picture would have been taken anytime from November, 1918 onwards since it was only then that such insignia was officially adopted in the AEF. It would be hard to judge just how long he had been with the Division unless there are also overseas service chevrons visible on his sleeve.
If you can locate any other information via other members of the family, what can help unravel the mystery is any documentation that indicates what specific unit he was in, when he entered the service, etc. Any relics, letters or discharge papers are valuable clues.
Good Luck!
Rich
Good day – First, please let me compliment you on your terrific website. I feel very lucky to have come across it. Like many others, I’m trying to discover more information about a relative who served in the 26th. My great-uncle (whom I idolized when I was a very little kid in the 60s) was a Top Sgt. in the 103rd Sup. Co. – I have his dog tags, ribbon bars (with 3 battle stars), prayer book, Maine Nat’l Guard collar insignia, helmet and a German M-16 helmet he brought back, along with a wooden cane with an Iron Cross carved into it; he told me that he took it off a dead German officer, which of course was really exciting to a 7 year-old. My guess now is that it’s POW art he probably gave some German a pack of cigarettes for. No matter; it was a beyond-cool story at the time.
My question is this; I’m trying to locate any service information for him that I can. Like so many others, his service records were destroyed in a fire at a storage facility in 1973. Do you by chance have suggestions as to where I could look next for information? I do know that he is credited with service at the 2nd Marne, St. Mihiel, and the Argonne, and that he was overseas from 12/1917 to 7/1919.
Sorry for the length, and thanks very much in advance for whatever you may be able to tell me.
Sincerely,
Pete Lord
Hi Pete:
Thanks so much for visiting Soldier’s Mail and for your question. You should look at Sam’s letters from Neufchateau, Vosges (1917-1918). In them he describes billeting in a house with 2 or 3 other NCO’s including the Supply Sgt. who may well have been your great-uncle.
I’m glad to hear that you have some relics. The cane may very well have been taken off a dead or captured German officer as the 26th (including the 103rd Infantry) was in fierce fighting for 9 months and took many prisoners as well as casualties along the way. It might well have been acquired by a man in a rifle company and then traded for something from the Supply Sgt.
If your great-uncle was a volunteer in the Maine NG then it is also likely that Maine has their own records of his service. I would suggest starting with the Maine Military Museum and see if they either have the records themselves or can better direct you.
Best Regards,
Rich
Ok,
Did some research and found out a lot. Vincenzo Vennitti enlisted in the 26th “Yankee” Division in May of 1918. Vencenzo (I think I said Nicholas in the first message mistakenly as that is my Father’s name) arrived in this Country from southern Italy in 1912, I am told, so I assume he enlisted as opposed to being drafted. Could a alien be drafted at that time? I found his enlistment paper and his new citizenship papers, the latter having been issued in June of 1918 which could have been the motivating factor in his enlistment.
The enlistment papers gave no indication as to unit or battalion, but I was fortunate to find his discharge notice, both original and copies, that state he was in the 102nd Machine Gun Battalion, and list as his “expeditions” St. Michael, Verdun (which I researched and found to mean the Battle of Belleau wood or surrounding area) and I think it said St.Remy, I had trouble reading it as it is hand scripted by the officer who’s name I cannot read.
He was listed as having no “Injuries” or Typhoid and having a “excellent character” and was discharged form Massachusetts in Spring of 1919.
I will try to get more info. If you can tell anything about the this info I would be very appreciative.
Thanks,
Vincent Vennitti
Hi Vince:
Great news on your discoveries! If Vincenzo was in the 102 MG Battalion, then he was assigned to the 51st Brigade and supported both the 102nd and 104th Infantry in extremely heavy fighting. There are many sources on the Bibliography page that will help you out.
Regards,
Rich
I have bought an oval wrist ID on a chain. It states:
J.K. FAIEBANKS
101ST.AM.TR
2TH CO
CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THIS IS THE AMMUNITION TRAIN (VT)? ANY OTHER INFO ?
(it is common to find ‘r’s written as ‘e’s as in FAIEBANKS/FAIRBANKS)
DYLAN RIVIS
Hi Dylan:
The wrist ID was worn on the left wrist and matched the ID discs (aka “dog tags”) which were worn around the neck. The logic of this was to have identification in more than one place in case a soldier became dismembered in battle. The wrist ID you have apparently belonged to a Private of the 101st Ammunition Train which was an element of the 26th Division organized from National Guard troops of the 1st VT Infantry. If Mr. Fairbanks had a higher rating than Private it would have been also stamped on the ID. Not sure what to make of the Company designation because usually they were identified by letters A,B,C etc. In any event, if it could speak I’m sure it would tell quite a story. Check out the references on the Bibliography Page to find historical accounts written shortly after the war that will give you more information about the activities of the 101st Ammunition Train.
Best Regards,
Rich
I was so happy to find this website-I have been very interested in learning more about my grandfather’s involvement in WW1-he directed the 106th Sanitary Train of the Dixie Division at Camp Wheeler. Can you tell me more about these sanitation trains-were they the precursors to the mobile army surgical hospitals?. His name was Dr. George F. Keenan he retired as a Brigidier General in the national Guard in 1921. He rose to rank of Colonel in the medical department of the army. Thanks for any insight into this interesting time. Kerry Bean
Hi Kerry:
The sanitation trains operated as a medical function and were responsible for all tasks related to maintaining the health and fighting strength of the larger unit. In camp they were responsible for preventive health maintenance including ensuring the water and food supplies were not contaminated, preventing vectors of possible infection through insects and vermin, constructing and maintaining sanitary latrines and making sure that rubbish was properly disposed of. In battle they also operated dressing stations and field hospitals which were the first line of treatment and triage for the sick and wounded.
Best Regards,
Rich
What a wonderful site–! In my late father’s belongings I found a large [2 1/2"diameter] bronze cast medal depicting a soldier in gear running in the foreground with others in the hills shooting. The reverse side shows a landscape and relief map showing the French cities of Reims, Argonne, Bois-Belleau, Verdune and others. The YD symbol is at the top along with 1917-FRANCE-1919.
I am guessing that these were given to Division members after the War showing their battle venues. The edge shows “FD Brown Inc, NY” The design shows a copyright symbol and artists name: M Lordonnis 1919.
Oddly, no one in the family on either side had any
wartime connection to WWI so how it came to Dad is a mystery.
Any other information you may have would be appreciated Thank you
TO ELLEN BUCHNANAN – medal made in NJ not NY. Name is LORDONNOIS also.See info below found online.
Country: USA – New Jersey
Issued By: F.D. BROWN Inc. N.J.
Type: Commemorative
Details: AEF 1917 – 1918 | EF+
signature – ©Bv. M.LORDONNOIS,1919 – helmeted, rifle-toting American soldier rushing into battle, smaller soldier figures fire from trench, smoke rising, near rim “copyright” BY M. LORDONNOIS, 1919.
· 1917 FRANCE 1918 · – see NOTES
Grouping: Single
Designer: M. LORDONNOIS
Shape: round.
Mint: (1919)
Wt./Size/Axis: 94.10g / 62mm / –
Acquisition/Sale: $41.03 Mar-03-09
Notes: Mar 13, 09 – reverse description: Top “· 1917 FRANCE 1918 ·” above map with incluse names (L) “SOISSONS BOIS BELLEAU CHATEAU-THIERRY”; (Center) “REIMS”; (R) “ARGONNE VERDUN ST. MIHIEL”, below cross bar (L) “DEPOSE” (R) “STUDER Eot”; a cross of Lorraine below in exergue.
HI, about two years ago we discovered that my maternal grandfather Hugh James O’Brien served with the 26th division 102nd artillery. My cousin was able to locate his application for a headstone. It states that he was a private in battery J. Is this unusual because he was from Elizabeth n.j. My mother was only months old when he passed away in 1926. Her mother died when she was 10 years old so info on Hugh James O’Brien is sketchy. I was told that mustard gas contributed to his death but that also is a unknown. His brother Walter OBrien also served in the artillery but i not sure if it was with the same outfit. I was a little kid when my uncle Walter told me of WW1. Is there any way to verify his service in the 26th ? thank you John Quigley.
Fantastic web site – from here I have found links and search suggestions that have enabled me to find photos, details etc. My grandfather was a member of the 26th, 51 Brigade, 102 Inf. Co M. I am fortunate to have most of his uniform, “purple heart” document, his field notes, tags, helmet, a German Luger he picked up in No Mans Land on the day of the Armistice and much more. He was severely wounded on 3/17/1918 in the Chemin des Dames sector. I am trying to find out where he was treated and approximatley how long he would have been in hospital. Any thoughts on where I might find out this information. thank you for any assistance.
Hi Inge:
Thank you so much for visiting Soldier’s Mail and for your question. Please read the page “Recovery in the Hospitals” for a recounting of the process by which troops were triaged and treated for injuries at the front. Without knowing more information, I would assume that your grandfather was initially treated at the 102nd Field Hospital before being moved to an Evacuation and Base Hospital (depending on the severity of his wounds). Follow this link for a list of AEF Base Hospitals:
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/basehosp.htm
I hope you may have some additional clues (correspondence, records, etc.) which will match him up with one of these locations. Let me know how you make out.
Best Regards,
Rich
Hi there,
I am in the middle of working on my family tree and I have been told by a cousin in the US that that one of my grandfather’s cousins Michael J McGuire was killed in action on 20 July 1918 during the Aisne-Marne Offensive. He was in the 26th Infantry and his Serial Number was 2312960. He emigrated from Crossmaglen, Ireland in 1910 and enlisted on 18 September 1917 in Lakewood. I was wondering if there is any way of obtaining any further information or pictures of him.
I would be grateful for any information or advice you might be able to give me.
Regards
Rosie Finnegan
My grandfather served with the 101st Field Artillery in the 26th Division. His obituary says he served in four major engagements and was gassed during the war. He died when my father was nine years old. How might I find his service record?
Thanks for any advice!