“LET’S GO!”
The 26th “Yankee” Division (also known by its veterans as the “Sacrifice Division” and by French troops as the “Phalanx of Aces”) 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. According to captured enemy documents, the 26th Division was also considered by its German opponents to be one of the four best “storm” or assault divisions in the American Army.
26th Div. Artillery Shell Trench Art
103rd Infantry Regt. Helmet
Presenting the Colors, Boston Mass., 6/14/19
Soldiers' Mail
Soldiers' Mail 
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!
My Grandfather,Irving H Nelson was a machine gunner with the 26th Yankee Division.
After the war he joined the newly-formed Connecticut State Police and was the first State Trooper shot to death in the line of duty in 1928. My grandmother was with child (my mother) at the time, and was bitter for years that he came through WW1 just to be slain in Connecticut. You can “Google” his name and read the story of how he died.
Thank you for the work you have done on this website.
Thomas Dooley was a member of the YD during WW1. From the many stories he told when I was a young boy (75 now) I learned that he also served on the Mexican Border under Pershing.
The Boston Globe newspaper published a great article sixteen years after the war. It was about a St. Patrick’s Day event held on a battlefield in France. They put on a chariot race and a mule race. Tom was the winner of one of the mule races.
Tom was a Mess Sergeant and great with the mules. He told many stories about his service and was considered quite a hero by my grandfather and father.
I believe Tom was my grandfather’s cousin and arrived from Ireland about 1900.
He was also my youngest sister’s Godfather.
He left some of his possessions to her and my father: Two Copper throphies awarded for his win in the races and a 75 mm trophey engraved with initials and the word VERDUN.
Hope some find this info of interest.
Regards,
Jim Griffin
Hi Jim:
Thanks so much for the contribution! The 75mm shell casing sounds like classic “Trench Art” which probably was hand-crafted while in the lines during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Please send along a photo sometime if you have one.
Best Regards,
Rich
Hello,
My great uncle was in the National Guard from Mass. and I too wanted to find out specifically where he might have been in the Division. He was suppoed to be finished with his 3 years but was ‘kept’ in the service and shipped to Europe. He was a welder by trade and I have been told he did lots of that during his service in WWII. As for your advise previously written, I will look into the Mass National Guard to find more info. Thanks for any and all help.
Best,
Dennis
I recently found out my grandfather fought as part of the 102nd Infantry and I was wondering if anyone had any information about when they shipped out and details about their objectives and experiences in France. My daughter is doing a report on WW1 and including information about a family member makes the learning process that much better. His name was Elias Kolofolias and he lived in Lowell, MA.
Thanks for any and all help.
Mary
I am trying to identify chevrons (gold in color) worn on the lower right sleeve of my grandfather’s uniform – reference indicates this is the location for wound stripes. However, his are dark blue in color and there are 2 of them. He was in the YD, 51st Brigade, 102 Inf., 3rd Battalion, Co. M. Can you tell me what they might be? I know he was wounded once on 3/17/18 but have not heard of any other wounding.
Hi Inge:
Based on your description I would have to say they are indeed wound chevrons if they were located on the right cuff. Not sure whether you are saying they are gold or appear to be dark blue. The discoloration could be due to several factors, but they would have originally been gold. Sounds like he was wounded twice by enemy fire. Please let me know if you have any documents or other information and I will try to help further explain things for you.
Hi
My Grandfathers name is Henry A Cheney who lived in Bow, NH during WWI. He served with the 26 Yankee Div. as a machine gunner with the 103rd Machine Gun Battalion. He received the Distinguished Service Cross and the French Croix De Guerre while engaged in battle at Chateau Thierry (July 18th-24th 1918) I’m very fortunate to have his helmet, gasmask, dog tags, letters and pictures of him in his uniform. I was wondering if anyone else had relatives in the 103rd Machine Gun Battalion that could share information.
Hi,
I came across a request from a genealogy-related French website. (Its member also help with any search really, not only genealogy.)
One of the member has found an ID plate in 2008 in Lorraine, in her backyard, with the inscription:
LEOB MINTZ PVT CO.M 26 INF USA.
That’s the only information she has, but she’d like to find the family of that person, in case they’d be interested to get the ID plate back.
If anyone has an idea of where we could find information, I’d be glad to forward it. Thanks a lot for any help.
Angelique.
A Google search shows there was a Leob Mintz buried in BOZEMAN-GRIFFIN CEMETERY, Brunswick Co, Ash, NC : Leob Mintz – b. Sept 24, 1899 d. Dec 14, 1967
This would be about the right age for WW2 service.
A Google search of Ash NC states there are over 700 people of this last namein the area.
I am continuing to search.
During World War I, the 26th infantry was part of the
1st Army Corps
Major General Hunter Liggett, commanding.
1st Division – Major General Charles P. Summerall, commanding; Lieutenant Colonel Campbell King, Chief of Staff, Major H. K. Loughry, Adjutant General.
1st Brigade Infantry – Major [General] John L. Hines;
16th Infantry Regiment
18th Infantry Regiment
2nd Machine Gun Battalion
2nd Brigade Infantry – Major General Beaumont B. Buck
26th Infantry Regiment
28th Infantry Regiment
3rd Machine Gun Battalion
1st Brigade Field Artillery
5th Field Artillery
6th Field Artillery
7th Field Artillery
1st Trench Mortar Battery
Engineer Troops – 1st Regiment
Signal Troops – 2nd Battalion
Division Units – 1st Machine Gun Battalion
Hello Dylan,
Thanks for the info. I’ll forward it right away. I must say someone on the same site suggested the name might have been Leo B. Mintz, and there are tons of them on the Internet. I know about nothing about those ID tags. Do you think it’s possible that the middle initial was B?
Thanks again for your help,
Angélique.
Hello I am trying to find someone who during WW2 served with the 26th Infantry Division(101st Field Artillery Battalion).Several weeks ago my brother in law passed away in a VA home in Pennsylvania.With his belongings was a Purple Heart medal and an American 48 star flag.Years ago I had made him a shadow box with his WW2 decorations and unit patches.Since he never talked much of his war service other than when on one occasion he and his buddies took over a home with a large wine cellar.His daughter and son asked me since I am also a WW2 vet to try and solve the problem.Thank you. Bill
Angelique. Yes, it is quite possible that the ‘B’ is his middle initial. I also have a WW1 dogtag where the man’s name ,Fairbanks, was mistakenly stamped as Faiebanks.I think that whoever was stamping the tags was working from a handwritten list and the commonly used french ‘r’ was mistaken for an ‘e’.There were other errors on the tag too, so it obviously wasn’t unusual !
Somehow you need to access WW1 troop listings from his regiment to try to ascertain his real name.
Many years ago I purchased a Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors at a used book store. The inscription inside seemed to call to me and I had to have it. When I got it home I realized that there was a photograph of a woman together with partial letters tucked inside the back flap – – also pressed flowers. The front inscription reads as follows:
This is to certify that Edward Whittlesey Shore, Co;. B, 101st Engineers was Confirmed by me at Hamoredville Lorraine, France on the Sunday after Ascension, May 12, 1918 in a tent deserted because of shell fire. He was presented by Earl R. Closson
Signed: Roger Israel Bishop of Erie, U.S.A. There is also a faint pencil note in the back “R??? Frey Comp. F 101 Eng Died Nov. 16, 1918.
I would like to locate the family and return the book.
I am in the process of reading a hand-written diary kept by Thomas Wellington Williams who was a National Guardsman from the Boston area and served the 26th Yankee Division Field Artillery Battery B in 1917-1919. I have followed his experiences through WW 1 and was wondering if more information could be available about this soldier or where to look. Any ideas?
Hello,
My Grandfather, Pvt.Melvin Campbell and his Brother Pvt.Alonzo Campbell both served during WW1 in the 101st Engineers Co.B . They both were from Wells,Maine.
I found both their names in the back of the 26th Yankee division History book and a reference to my Uncle Alonzo in the Co.B history book (Acording to the book he apparently tried to “liberate” a French farmers mule to ride into town and it threw him and he managed to end up with a sore backside!)
Just wondering if anybody has any reference to either of them or if they have been identified in any photos? Unfortunately no one in the family bothered to inquire into any war stories and any info would be greatly appreciated.
Hi
My name is Tony Ring. I wonder if anybody can help me? My uncle William Ring was killed in WW1 second battle of Aisne-Marne. He was killed in action on 31st July 1918. I dont have much helpful information, only that he was Irish and joined the AEF. I don’t know when he went to the U.S.A. I have a Registration Card, badly photocopied and hard to read. His medal said Bayonne, N.J.
Thanks for any help.
Hi Tony:
To figure out his military history, please give me whatever you have for information on his Draft Registration card and anything else. Not sure what the “medal” is you refer to, but if you can send me a digital picture I’ll figure it out. It was a common thing for recent immigrants to the U.S. to join the military in order to advance their citizenship.
Two links I can recommend for research are the American Battlefield Monument Commission (http://www.abmc.gov) and Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com). Based on what information you can give me, I can recommend how you might also make an inquiry with the U.S. Dept. of Defense.
Best Regards,
Rich
I’m doing research about a hero dog from WWI named Sgt. Stubby. I have found lots of information about the dog, but not lots about Private John Robert Conroy who was the one who found the dog. John R. Conroy of New Britain, Conn. belonged to the 102nd Infantry Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division. I would like to know if anybody has any information about him. Thanks in advance.
My father was a buck sgt in the 101st infantry company “D” of the Yankee Division in World War 1. He was in France, was gassed as well as wounded and received the purple heart. He convalesced at a hospital in Oize, France in 1918. Does anyone have any more information about my father Edward H. Burke? I would like to know the name of the soldier in the company who went on to become a journalist for a Boston paper. Also, any other members f the company who went on to become famous.
My grandfather, Lawrence S. Sherman, was a member of Co. K, 104th Inf. of the YD. He was wounded at Chateau-Thierry. Prior to WWI, he had been with Pershing in the expedition into Mexico chasing Pancho Villa.
I have a wonderful photo of him, in uniform, seated in front of a photographer’s painted backdrop showing a harbor scene. I have recently come across paperwork relating to his pension.
Thank you so very much for this very interesting website.
Hello-
My Grandfather Howard F Lancour was part of Co D in the 104th. He was gassed in the war, but I’m not sure where. I have two postcard photos of him when he was in France. In one of the photos is he with three other men, but I have no Idea who these men are. Is there any way to find out? Perhaps a book with Company Photos. Thank you.
What a wonderful site! Would it be too late to get recognition for a wounded WWI soldier? Sgt. Seth Avery Beeker fought at Chemin des Dames in 1918 with the 102nd Infantry from Connecticut. He was gassed and hospitalized but his unit got a Croix de Guerre. His son is now 80 but keeps wondering if his father might still be eligible to receive the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded to him in 1918 but not given due to his hospitalization. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Susan,
Try the get information at the massachussets state archives or the CT national guard. Both may have elements of the military records of Sgt Beeker.
The National Archives may also be helpful on the following address:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Best of luck for your research
Benoit
My Grandfather Allen Monteith was a Sgt in the 26 Inf. Yankee Division. I don’t know what unit he was in, just started looking into his military history. He was from Revere Mass. when he enlisted. Is there a roster of soldiers in the 26th YD? Any information or direction would be much appreciated.
George Allen Monteith
I am looking for information about Frank Sibley, reporter who traveled with the 26th Infantry. I realize the uniqueness of the request, but any chance that you know how to contact his descendants? I’m working on a book that will include Mr. Sibley rather prominently.
Many thanks,
K. McCollum
This is a great site. I’ve been doing research on my Grandfathers service in WW I and this has been very informative. He (George A. DiPesa) was a member of the 26th YD, Co. L., 101st Infantry Regiment, A.E.F.
For anyone who is looking for information on relatives who served in the 26th YD, I suggest contacting the Mass ANG Military Museum. They keep all of the military records of service members who were in the 26th YD from 1775 to 1940. The web site is: http://www.or.ng.mil/sites/MA/resources/museum/default.aspx
My father, now deceased, is Sergeant Joe Herman. He was a member of the 26th Infantry, 101 Engineer Battalion, Company B, 1st Platoon during WWII. From reviewing papers I just found may indicate he left Camp Shanks, NY on August 27, 1944 on a ship where it later anchored off of Utah Beach on September 7, 1944. If anyone has any information about him, it would be greatly appreciated.
I JUST CAME ACROSS A OLD PHOTO COMPANY D 103 INFANTRY U.S.A 26. THIS PHOTO WERE IN MY GRANDPARENTS THINGS. I’M TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT GRANDFATHER WAS IN THIS PHOTO? LAST NAMES HATTON OR BUTLER . ANY IDEAS? THANK YOU THIS IS A GREAT SITE.
Greetings,
A dear, old, friend of mine from long ago, August “Jack” Girard from Connersville, PA, born in March of 1896, passed away in March of 1999 at 103! He was one of the finest people I’ve ever known. He was in the 102nd. Infantry and fought in the Meuse Argonne. Subsequently, he received commendation medals for his gallantry there. I’ve been searching extensively for any information about his unit, service, etc. to no avail. Years ago he told me that he moved to San Francisco in 1925, where he lived for the rest of his life. I would be grateful for any useful information at all.
Hi I was wondering about my Grandfather’s service in WW1.
His Name was James Graham and was from Natick, Ma. his service stone on his grave says Mass. Company B 101 Infantry.
I can recall as a kids a picture of him and on the reverse the places they fought and some of them saying we fought hard but thats it and I don’t know where the picture went.
Thanks
Bonjour je suis francais et ne parles pas du tout americain. je trouve votre site sympahique et étant moi meme passionné de la 26 YD. En effet j’habite au pied du chemin des dames et avec un ami aussi passionné nous faisons visiter une carriere ou de nombreux soldats de la 26 YD ont gravés leur nom sur la paroi et ont laissé de nombreux dessins et gravuresen février et mars 1918. si vous voulez je pourrai vous envoyer des photos de cette carriere.
bonne continuation
Wonderful site!
My grandfather, David Sanford Cutler (1894-1926), was a 1st. lieutenant with the 103 Infantry and was stationed in Liffol-le-Grand for a while, arriving October 1917. I think his captain was named either Call or Hanson–or they both were. His parents lived in NYC at the time, but David had been living and working in Cambridge, MA. when he signed up for officer training school at Plattsburg NY. I am trying to pin down his company and figure out its exact movements, although I know they were involved in both Chateau-Thierry and St. Mihiel. I also know he was wounded and/or gassed a couple of times. Any help you can offer would be great. Thanks.
Hi – My Grandfather was part of the 51st Artillery HQ CO
I have some photo’s I believe taken in New Haven that I believe include a photo of Sgt Stubby – there is a group photo with the dog – I blew up the photo and I do not recognize my grandfather. I have about 30 photo’s from that time.
Bonjour Patrick Valissant,
Je fais un peu de recherche pour un vieil homme de mon village. Son grand-pere etait soldat a Chemin des Dames en mars 1918. Il s’appellait Seth Avery Beeker ou Beaker. Il etait hopitalise aussi en avril 1918 mais il n’est pas mort en France. Si vous trouvez de trace de lui, veuillez-vous me le dire? Mon address email c’est;
susanshoup250@hotmail.com
merci bien. Vous habitez pres de ces endroits en France?
My name is william Hart and I live in New York. My father served in WWI with the Yankee Division. He was from Newton Mass. and served with the 51st. Infantry Brigade 101 Infantry Regiment, Co I., formerly with 5th Infantry Masss Nat. Guard Company C.(ID 60,333). His name was William J. Wolfe #60333. If anyone has any pictures of this unit and or company C i would appreciate a contact. I don’t have much info. on him because he passed in August 1963. It’s been a long hard struggle trying to find out information. Im 67 now and time is getting short .Anybody help. Thanks William Hart billh87@optonline.net
Hello,
In response to Rosemary Seal’s note of last July, I can provide the following information. The name penciled into her book is Rolly Frey, who, on the night of 13 July, along with Corp. Joe St. Lawrence, Ralph Shirley, Walter Johnson and Frank Shaw were hit by shell fire while working in the ravine where it goes under the road to Lucy-le-Bocage. The St. Lawrence and Shirley were both killed and the other three later died of their wounds. My father, who was a member of the 14th Squad of Company F, 101st Engineers,relayed to me that St Lawrence was rather superstitious and did not want to go out that night, it being Friday the 13th and him being in the 13th Squad. Every member of that squad was either killed or wounded by that shell. My father was in the 14th Squad and had dirt thrown on him as he lay there but was otherwise unharmed. There are photographs of the members of Company F in the back of the book “The Story of Company F” written after the war by a committee of the company. The library at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA has a copy. As far as I have been able to determine, only Companies A, D, and F had histories published.
A wonderful site. I am trying to find any of my grandfather’s military service. His name was Joseph E. Ball. He filled out the Draft Registration card in Anderson, McDonald County, Missouri, May 26, 1917. He is buried in the Santa Fe NM National Cemetary. The records show that he was a bugler in Battery B, 102 FA, 26th Div.
I have not been able to locate any information at all.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you.
Sandi-
The National Archives is a great resource for military information. There is a form online that you can fill out. It costs money, but only if they find something. Since many WWI records were destroyed, there isn’t much, but if it exists, they’ll have it. I’ve gone there personally and the people in charge of pulling this information are really great. I’d start there. Rachel
My grandfather was a member of the 26th YD, I believe the 103rd Artillery, Battery B. His name was Alfred Trow Heaton. If anyone has any information on his service it would be greatly appreciated
Rick
My great uncle, Pvt. Casimir Jaworski, was in Co. K, 104 Infantry Reg. of the 26th. I have a letter from the commanding officer, Major General Edwards, in which he received special commendation for action in the Bois Brule sector from April, 2 1918 thru April 14th. It is an extract from General Orders No. 40 dated May 13 1918. My brother and I are trying to get additional information about his service in order to have a proper grave marker installed.
Bill
Bill, I was in the Bois Brule just a few days ago. In fact my husband and I are spending 3 weeks here in France on WWI things and we are now in the area of the Somme. We were also at the St. Mihiel Cemetery (American cemetery) in Thiaucourt where we paid respects in particular to the Yankee Division. My grandfather David Cutler was 2nd lieutenant, 103rd Infantry, later transferred to 101st Inf. I can only tell you Pvt. Jaworski must have been a brave man indeed; the Germans held that sector until the battle that began 12 Sept 1918.
Best wishes. Ellen
@Dorothea, Apr 9, 2011: I would be interested in seeing your picture. My grandfather David Cutler was 2nd lieutenant, 103rd infantry, co. D. Would you consider sending me a jpeg of the image? I have David’s letters and something might be gleaned from those that you would find interesting. Ellen ebcutler@verizon.net
Writing from France having just spent a day at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. Simply extraordinary experience. Flora Nicolas (nicolas@abmc.gov), the Cemetery Associate spent a long time reviewing the history of the war, explaining the map, and seeing how she could integrated the experience of my grandfather David Cutler into it all. Then she handed me the key the the 26th church so I could go in. Nothing so special as silence. Flora is also working with the head of the 26th Division’s archives at the Worcester (MA) Armory to create databases and records for all the soldiers. I am sure you know this but I thought I would mention it anyway.
Are we aware that there is no longer any financial support for the preservation and maintenance of the church? I would like to pass this along because it seems like this may be the moment to organize a gift (like the day’s pay each surviving member of the 26th gave so that the church could be built).
Finally, on 11/11/11, President Nicolas Sarkozy will preside over the opening of the Museum of the Great War in Meaux. The event has been pushed back from 11:00 to 3:00 and we are hoping that we non-dignitaries will be able to make it in that evening. Next day is the flight home so this is a special opportunity.
I took some photographs at the cemetery and in the church. They include all the panels of the dead of the 26th in the church. I’d be happy to send copies to anyone who can provide a name or a unit.
My great uncle George M. “Dick” Wallace was a 2nd lieutenant in Company D of the 103rd Machine gun Battalion (52nd Brigade, 26th Division). I have his diaries; he wrote every day from Oct 9, 1917 to Dec 5 1918 and 93 pages of letters that I transcribed . Truly, it’s fascinating. Some photos as well.
That is a national treasure you have there and if there was a way the letters and diaries should be made available on line here and copies sent the Smithsonian and recorded for history.
Bill is right! So many of us have similar legacies. I was wondering if Soldiers Mail might provide a link to a few of the most appropriate archives? Would that be the Armory in Worcester? Maybe the Massachusetts Historical Society? Something like that? It is also important to remember that letters, diaries and photographers are “ephemera.” The containers and climate in which they are stored make a big difference. One should use acid-free archival boxes, for instance. Photographs are often pasted into albums with dangerous paper. I recommend transcribing everything, scanning photographs, and creating digital archives that can be shared with family and otherwise finding a permanent “home” for your collections. That’s my plan, anyway…
I doubt that the Smithsonian would be interested since he was a fairly low ranking officer; however, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, located at Carlisle Barracks, Penn very probably would. They have an extensive collection of published works as well as those compiled by individuals. For example, some years ago they sent questionaires to a number of living WWI Army vererans and their responses are filed by unit and available to researchers, or just to the curious. They can be contacted at:
U..S. Army Heritage and Education Center
950 Soldiers Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013-5021
SO far I have transcribed all the letters and scanned them as well and scanned all the pages of the diaries and the photos I have as well. I have some really large battle maps…. Any suggestions as how to preserve those as opposed to just leaving them in a ziploc bag where they have been stored for some time????
Here is a site link to archiving methods and materials that you may find helpful. Very exciting to hear about the progress in capturing the George Wallace Collection! http://www.archivalmethods.com/news/Archiving-Methods/Aged-maps-and-documents-require-protection-from-light$800564577.cfm
My Father fought witht he 26th Infantry Division with the Maine naational Guard. He was with Battery A, 101st Trench Mortar Battery. He had memories of seeing the mustard gas and talked about walking behind the tanks with his buddies during the battles in which they engaged. I have a Belgian Luger he said he took from a dead Germand soldier. I also have his medals naming the battles in which he fought.
He spent the rest of his life working to help veterans.
Where can I read more about his battery and the Maine troops who were in France in WW I?
Very good blog with great information.
My Grandfather, Claiborne Medine Sr. from Louisiana served in WW1 in France. Recently found an old tin that contained a picture of him in uniform near an motorcyle and a bronze shield shaped medal that he probably received for his service. The front has fleur di lys at each point of the shield and a star with a circle and cross in the middle. The words I.C.C. Monstrat.Viam are in the circle. 1741 is on the cross within the circle. The back of the medal has the following: Presented by the Veteran Association Independent Corps Cadets Massachusetts 1917 -1918. The medal has a faded orange ribbon on it which may have been red at one time. I am interested in learning more about his service and this medal. Any suggestions on where I could start?
What you have is one of the many unofficial decorations awarded to members of the Armed Forces after the war. It seems that almost every state, county, city and town had its own award. Specifically, yours was awarded to members of the 101st Engineer Regiment, 26th Division. The Regiment was made up from the Independent Corps of Cadets plus some Coastal Artillery units from Maine. Becoming engineers was the only way they could get to France as a unit.
The ribbon was originally red in color and attached to the medal by a bar at the bottom which read “overseas service”. At the top of the ribbon was a bar with pin for attaching to the uniform which read “101st Regiment U.S. Engineers” on two lines.
You might try the U.S. Army Center for Historical Studies. They have a large collection of books on all U.S. Army units, many of which have personnel rosters attached. Best of luck in your search.
Thanks for this great blog. I have my father’s enlistment and discharge paper and I’m lucky to have this because his records were lost in that famous fire where the government house WWI Army records.
My father served in the Yankee Division – 26th and he was in the 102nd Supply Company as a wagoner. Can you tell me what the supply company did, what a wagoner did and would have have been his only duty?
Thanks so much for your help. I’ve been unable to find any of this online.
Lucie
Lucie,
A supply company moved various items usually from depots to the unit to which attached. This could be food, ammunition, clothing, or any other things needed. The wagonner drove and maintained the wagons which were used at the time, although trucks were also available they were not as plentiful as the wagons. If you want to read part of the diary of a wagonner in a supply company, do a search for http://www.war-diary.com/worldwar1 and scroll down to the name Schulte. Joseph Schulte was a wagoneer in the 330th supply company so would have performed duties similar to your father’s.
Good luck and happy searching.
Soldier’s Mail is a wonderful website honoring those brave and loyal men and women from the New England who served this country in WW1.
My father in law Sgt. John Edward Blake served in Co B 101st Engineers Yankee Division (YD). He received a Purple Heart for wounds in combat in France. Sgt. Blake was born in March 15, 1893 at Easton, Massachusetts and died in Haverhill, Massachusetts Aug 14, 1956.
Sgt. Blake’s injuries included severe shrapnel, to difficult to remove surgically, causing considerable suffering the rest of his life.
If anyone has information of Sgt. Blake, or Co B of the 101 Engineers, I would appreciate to opportunity to correspond with that person or persons. Thank you.
H. M. Faulkner
Maine
Email: hfaulk01@gmail.com
Hi Mr Faulkner,
First off thankyou for your Father In-laws service.
My Grand Father and great Uncle were both in Company B during the Great War. (Pvt. Melvin Campbell and Pvt. Alonzo Campbell) so they must have known Sgt Blake. They were both from Wells,ME. I have a book on the 26th Div that i got on Ebay (It comes up every once and a while) I have a book on Company B and it mention Sgt Blake,
He was in charge of unloading materials from a French train that was in a exposed area so they had to do the unloading at night and would often get shelled by the Germans it mentions that he and 2 other Sergeants did an excellent job handling the situation as well as getting the materials to where they had to go
There is a tounge in cheek blurb about some of the soldiers in the back of the book and this is what it Says…
John E Blake
Of Brockton was handicapped in his career as a soldeir as he got his early training in the corps instead of “The Brockton Rifle club” (He never saluted Arthur Blackey in his life) He is a tall guy in a tin hat Has the appearance of a man you’d hate to meet in a dark alley. He got “Bumped” twice ;once with gas and again with shrapnel. We read that he Licked an MP in Bazoilles but we don’t believe it. He is a rotten billeting officer and a darn good scout. His Father thinks “Jack” won the war.I wonder who told him.
It also mentions him under enlisted wounded…
JOHN E BLAKE jr.
Wounded slightly at La Cense France July 21 1918
Sounds like he had the respect and admiration of the men under him and you should feel very proud.
There is also a Massachusetts National Guard Museum down in Worcester.They would probably have some valuable info as well.
I
have a long photo of Company B (again Ebay)
that i think could be copied if you wanted to bring it to a copier store.
I did not see any specific Sgt’s (They are all wearing Trench coats and the only ones that looks different are the Officers.though I do think i see an overseas stripe so it might be right after the war (My Grandfather was discharged in 1919 and he is in it so would not be long after the war)
Hope this was helpful
SSgt Campbell,
Could you tell me the title and author of the Company B history? I knew Companies A, D, and F had histories but not Company B.
Thank you
I have one photo and one scan of another photo of my maternal grandfather in uniform without any insignia in early 1918. On the back of my photo my grandmother notes that “This was taken at Camp Carson in early 1918. He was a PFC about to go overseas in WWI. He was a sharpshooter in France” The scan of the other photo, which is in the possession of a relative in Iowa, has a caption that says “William H. Steen in broad brimmed campaign hat of WWI doughboy, Camp Pike, Arkansas 1918”. As far as I have been able to piece together, PFC Steen was drafted in Madison County, IA. He completed BT at Camp Pike, and AT at Camp Carson. Then he was shipped overseas to France. I have found a reference that indicated he was in Company M, 102nd Infantry 26th Division in France, but no other details of his service overseas. His military gravestone states simply “Pvt 102 Inf 26 Div”. Where can I get more information?
my dads name was frank gillespie he served as a pvt.,co.B102MG Bn.captured by the enemy and held prisoner of war from 04/20/18 to12/06/18.prior to going to france he mentioned beingin texas chasing Villa. he did not talk about this part of his life .any info. on him or his unit would be great.he passed in 72.a great dad!
i served in army 59-62
I am researching my Grand father being part of the Yankee Division that went to Chateau Thierry. I have photos of him one on a horse and the other amongst the tents at a camp. I have been told he was in the National Guard. He lived in New Britain Ct. I have also been told he did make a trip to Texas? possibly New Mexico when her served. As he supposedly entered the service at 16 years old, but lied about his age. He was born 3/10/1899. Name William Anderson ( no middle name).
I have read the book about the History of Troop A, Cavalry CT national Guard. the Co.D 102nd Machine gun Battalion. It gives a list of men that served, but he is not listed. Also look up the Book about Troop B again he is not listed. My father still has my Grnadfathers dogtags.Will the number on these tags help me find what Troop he was attached with?
Thanks to you Rich & Soldiers Mail
I’ve found frank gillespie service #109529 enlisted into the N.G. July 3, 1916 at Framingham, Mass. and active duty in the U.S. ARMY July25, 1917. After reading your page 7 on the 8th Mass. Infantry I’m guessing he was on the horse he told me about in Texas. Came back to Mass., got activated in the army, between july 1916&july 1917, then sent to France. Was captured in the village of Seicheprey. Next stop for me the Museum in Worcester. What a story for his great grand kids!
thanks again
Rance
My grandfather, Elzy Benton Stutes, served with Company D, 103rd Machine Gun Battalion and was gassed during the war. Is there any record of the combat engagements of this unit?
My Grandfather was from New Britain,CT and served with company I, 102nd Infantry. Right now I am reading,”Yankee Division” by Michael Shay (AmazonBooks). In his book he tells where the different companies fought. My Grandfather appears to have fought at Seicheprey April 20th 1918, I do see a Company D mentioned there. And I do see that my Grandfather fought at Chateau Thierry, which I knew, but the book does confirm this. You may want to purchase the book to read.
My grandfather, Caulie Hendricks was apparently a member of Co G, 102 Inf, 26th Div towards the end of his service during WWI. He was apparently a “replacement” which would explain how a southern boy from Florida became a member of the “Yankee” Division! He would have been in from somewhere in late 1918 or early 1919 until his discharge in April, 1919. Anything anyone could add to illuminate his service during that time would be appreciated.
Paul M. Hendricks, MD
To find info on my Grandfather, I knew he started out in the CT National Guard. But when I found his Dogtags from WWI, it gave me his Company info. personal ID number etc.. So I obtained a SF 180 form. This form allows next of kin to request Military Records of family members who served in any military service. You can research this info on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) site. There are different addresses for different branches of the service,i.e. Navy,Army,Marine,Coast Guard,Air Force. I used this form when I wrote the CT National Guard whose address is: State of Connecticut, Military Dept. ATTN. Historical Records 360 Broad St. Rm #113, Hartford,Ct 06105-3795.
Currently I am writting the National Personnel Records Center, (Military Personnel Records) 9700 Page Ave. St. Louis,MO 63132-5100 or you can visit web site at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/ .This address is to find info on all men who served in the Army from 11/1/1912-10/15/1992. But againyou need a copy of the (Standard form)SF 180 to request this info. Hope this helps your search. I found lots of info this way.
Donna Blews
You were fortunate; most of the records of servicemen were destroyed in a fire at that facility, I believe in the 70’s.
Yes, I knew about the fire and was always afraid I would not be able to find info on my Grandfather.The thing though, is, when I recieved info from the CT N.G. in the info they sent me three photos copies which were taken from what appears a book.The first 2 page copies were a partial roster of names of men who served in WWI from Connecticut. They were trying to show me all the men with the last name Anderson who served, but the first page of names starts with the last name Amsel, and the second page ends with the last name Angell. It gives the mens first and middle initial and the town in CT where they lived at the time then a series of numbers. The number appear to be page numbers. For the 3rd photo copied page has the series of number in the upper left corner and is titles CT Roster 1917-1920 New Britain,CT. My grandfathers name is there, and the info listed includes the street address where he lived,the town he came from,when he enlisted his age at the time the Company he belonged to when he was drafted into the regular army his rank to the end of the war, the battles he fought in when he was wounded, and when he was discharged. On this page there are 9 other Andersons, 2 men by the last name of Andres,and 6 men by the last name of Andrews. Each man has all his info listed. I found it odd that my Grandfathers complete info is here as he was drafted into the regular Army and out of the N.G. so for those who know their relitive served in the Guard contact them as they appear to have info on the men. Especially if your relitives military recoards may have been sadly lost in the archive fire in St. Louis,MO
Donna Blews
I am a volunteer for findagrave website and have taken a photo of a gravestone which says: Frank McKeen/ Massachusetts/ PVT 101 Infantry. 26 Division. September 13 1938. In another place I found he was part of Co C. 5th Regiment Mass. Is this part of the 26th? Is there any additional information that might be nice to include in his bio or of interest?
Check first with the Massachusetts National guard archives. As like my granfather he joined the CT National Guard first and then was drafted into the regular U.S. Army infintry.
Donna
I just checked out the Mass National Guard archive web site, and they have lots of wonderful info there. Plus you can visit their museum in Worcester,Mass.
Donna
I am looking for any information on Private Charles Marino, who was awarded the DSC for his heroic action while serving with Company L, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, A.E.F., at Bois Brule, near Apremont, France, 10 April 1918. I understand that he passed away in September 1918 from wounds he suffered during the war.
I inherited a 1916 Mauser C96 pistol with his name and the names of several battlefields the 26th fought in engraved by hand. I would like to history on Private Marino and this pistol.
Thank you.
There is currently on offer in eBay a history of the 104th Inf Regt which would very likely have information about a DSC winner.
Thew 104th was a Massachusetts regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard…you can contact the Mass. National guard, Military Records Branch, office of the Adjutant General, at 1(508)233-7780 or visit the Mass National Guard Museum at 44 Salisbury St. Worcester,Ma. # for museum 1 508 797-0334
Donna
Definitely check with the National Guard in MA. I contacted them for information on my grandfather, and they sent me quite a bit of information on him.
According to my mother, my grandfather was part of this unit. His name was John Edward Walsh from Somerville, Ma. How can I find out what unit he was with?
As your Grandfather was from Massachusetts, start with the Mass National Guard for Archived WWI records. http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/DevLibrary2/resources/museum/museum.htm
My Great Uncle Francis Murphy was part of the Yankee Division and the Mass National Guard. He received the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Croix de Guerre for action at Chateau Thierry and Belleau Wood. Any additional info??? Rumor had it they wanted to make him an officer at the end of May, but they kicked him down to a buck Private by September. Smoething about a french girl an american officer and a punch to the head.
He worked at the VA Hospital in Waltham following the war.
Hello Mr. Coffey-
Try the Massachusetts National Guard archives. I contacted them for my Grandfather’s records with the Yankee Division and Mexican border service. They were very quick and helpful.
To the best of my knowledge, my grandfather David J. Hampton was a member of the 101st ammunition train ( I have a circular dog tag stamped with the abbreviation that belonged to him). He was from Pennsylvania, assigned initially to Camp Meade (Sept. 20, 1917), and transferred to Camp Merrit before sailing. He either set sail Apr 1, 1918 or arrived in Europe on that date. But from what I see here ( and other places) , 101st amm tn was Yankee Div. Were men from Pennsylvania absorbed into that division?
yes that is correct..after the initial 26th division men from all the National Guards in New England were wounded or killed they drew from other States to fill in the different divisions as the fighting continued till 11/11/1918
Also if you watch the movie “the Lost Battalion” you will understand this portion of WWI towards the end of the Great War.
Hello. I am a member of the Littleton Historical Society. We need information on a 1926 movement of troops through the town of Littleton–specifically where they bivouacked in our town–Where was the Tingley Farm ?–and where else did the 3 regiments camp on their march to Boston ? Thank you.
I am looking for information on William E. Carter he has a post named after him I know he served with the AEF in France
I am looking for help researching my 1st cousin, Dr. (Capt) Bernard H. Lovely who served as a surgeon with the 101st Field Hospital – 26th Infantry Division. He died 8 years after the war at age 33. Does anyone know of any photo sources or unit histories. I have what I could get from the National Archives as far as his military records. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The U.S. Army Historical Division at Carlisle Barracks, PA has an extensive collection of Signal Corps photos sorted by unit. If you can get there I’ve found them very helpful.
Hello…when your cousin enlisted, what state did he live in at that time?
As most of the men enlisted in the National Guard first before being drafted into the US service, you may be able to find his further information by writting the State National Guard or the State Adjutant General for further info. These are the two places I found the must information on my 2 grandfathers as their information was burned in the National Archive fire back in the 1970s…..Donna
Greetings,
My grandfather, William James Mara, was in the 101st Engineer Regiment from MA (Wagoneer). He received a purple heart, which I now have, due to being “severaly wounded” and processed out at Camp Devans, MA. as a Sgt. I can’t seem to find out the circumstances of his injuries or where it happened. I have a photo of him after the war and he’s missing all but one finger on his left hand. Any suggestions on where to look for an answer ?
Thanks
Finding how they were wounded is difficult. Same with my Grandfather,I knew he had one finger missing, and wound in his leg because he showed me the scar on his leg. The WWI records were lost in the Arcive fire so that would have destroyed his medical records as well. Because my Grandfather re enlisted in WWII, for the enlistment they did a physical exam, and listed his missing finger, tattoos,how tall he was weight,color of hair etc, did not list the scar on his leg, some how they missed that one. And in his WWI medical exam they wrote how he was wounded 2 time during WWI. Tha is how I was able to recieve his Purple Heart.
Donna
I have wonerful information to share for those looking for information about their relitives that were “wounded” in WWI. As I do not have the information on the circumstances of the wounding of my second grandfather,Henry E lambert, but am trying earn his “purple Heart”,I sent his info to the Awards Dept of Human Resorces of the Dept. of the Army. The Army wrote me the following info:
“Supporting documentation for Mr. Lamberts injury and treatment for wounds in the Defensive Sector, France, in april, 1918, while assigned to Company K, 103rd Machine gun Battalion, 52d Infantry Brigade, 26th Infantry Division may be available from the “National Archives at College Park”, which maintains archived records from WWI era Army Units and headquarters commands. You may write them at the following address: National Archives at college Park, ATTN: Textual Reference Branch, 8601 Adelphi Rd. College Park, MD 20740-6001.
The National Archives are an excellent scource of information concerning military units and their history. A review of archived records from his units may locate supporting documentation, unit reports, hopsital treatment records ,unit journal entries, and other documents pertaining to his awards of the Citation for Gallantry in Action.”
Donna(Anderson) blews
Thanks you for the reply.
Robert
Thanks again.
I’ll give it a try
Hi,
Can you help me with these pictures I posted on my blog?
http://steanne.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/tired-of-reading-this-blog-about-our-ancestors/
These are taken in Bristol, Connecticut. I have one distant cousin who was killed in Francein 1917. His name was William Lagasse. I wrote this about him last year when I found out about the battle he was in.
http://athabaskang07.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/its-a-long-way-to-tipperary/
Thank you
October 8, 2012
Greetings from Miami and U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND,
I am trying to find information about my grandfather: Thomas F. Doherty who served in France and Mexico with –
Co. G. 101st INFANTRY 26th Division Y.D.
1917-1918-1919
My grandfather: Born in Woburn, MASSACHUSETTS I believe 1899. He died of mustard gas poisoning effects at the age of 40 years old leaving his wife (Alice M. Donohue) with four children.
My father (USN Korean conflict, LIttle Creek Va.) passed down to me my grandfather’s , “The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”, special edition for the Army and Navy with a Foreword by His Eminenece James Cardinal Gibbons, published by The National Catholic War Council of 932 14th St NW, Washington D.C. for The Chaplains’ Aid Association, copyright 1918.
Thank you for your time and this wonderful web site.
Sincerely,
Thomas F. Doherty Jr.
This is a Great Site!
My Grandfather was in the 101st Ammo Train. I am trying to do research on where he was and what he did during WW I. Are there any rosters from 101st Ammo Train that are listed online?
His gravestone says “CPL CO B 101 AMMO TRAIN WORLD WAR I PH”
I believe this means – Corpral Company B of the 101st Ammo Train – not sure what PH means?
Dean
Very likely: Purple Heart
I just found a great reference in regards to Yankee Division: The National Guard Military Museum and Archives’. The Museum is in the historic National Guard Armory in Worcester Massachusetts. Working there is one of the best historian of the Yankee Division (Col (ret) Len Kondratiuk) in particular the men of Massachusetts that fought in the war. The website with the contact information is: http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/DevLibrary2/resources/museum/museum.htm
Col Kondratiuk was able to quickly call up my Grandfather’s data card which basically had all the information on the what, when and how of his service. I highly recommend calling the National Guard Military Museum to find out those long lost pieces of information that you may not been able to obtain. I know I search for a very long time to find out any information until I stumbled onto this web site. I early asked on what the PH meant on my Grandfathers headstone….. “CPL CO B 101 AMMO TRAIN WORLD WAR I PH” Len quickly told me that meant “Purple Heart”. This was reinforced on my Grandfather’s data card.
Happy Hunting!
Dean
Keep in mind that the men in WWI first earned the “Wound Chevron” for being wounded. The “Wound Chevron” was equal to the “Purple Heart” back then. The men who earned the “Wound Chevron” were encouraged to apply for the “Purple Heart” when this medal was authorized in the 1930s. If you wish you can apply for a replacement of your Grandfathers “Purple Heart” by writing the Army Human Resources Command, Awards & Decorations Dept…I have just earned my Grandfathers “Purple Heart”, and have his “Wound Chevron”. I am currently searching out info on my second Grandfather to apply for his “Purple Heart” for being wounded in WWI. You can also get replacements for awards and medals through the American War Library, in California. In searching out info on my Grand fathers, both, I start with the National Guard to find their info. then I write to the National Personnel Records CEnter, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100. Due to a fire in the early “70s many WWI records were last but if you speak to someone there, they can direct you. As recently they informed me to contact the Veterans Adminstration for help as well..Donna
Thanks, I’ll give it a shot. My grandfather received a PH also. One of his sons gave it to me before he passed away.
Keep this important fact in mind when you are trying to research any of these men from WWI; try to get the Personal MIlitary ID, (Dog Tag #). when you have this number you will be able to get more info on them. The National Guard of the State he lived in will have this info. Also keep in mind, that these men are eligable for other medals and awards,i.e: WWI Victory Medal, and Honorable Discharge Pin as most after being wounded were Honorably Discharged. These are still avaliable to the family members again from the Army Awards and Decorations Dept. (free of charge to veteran families) or you can register any service person from any war with the American War Library(they have a wedsite) so long as you have their DD-214 or in the case of WWI men who did not have a DD-214, some form of information that has their Personal Military ID # on it ,they will send you a (form 201A) that will list all the awards and medals they are eligable to recieve (these you must purchase). I did this for both my grandfathers and have recieved all of the above medals though I am still reasearching medical info on my second Grandfather to prove his wounding in the Defensive sector. If anyone wishes to learn more you can contact me wdpap01@comcast.net.
Donna
10OCT2012, Sunday
It is a real joy to read the above inputs….my thanks to each of you. I will look for the phone number in order to call the National Guard Museum and Archives in Worcester….in fact I’ll be up in MASSACHUSETTS for Thanksgiving holiday (Woburn and Winchester high school football game – – one of the oldest traditions in the fine Commonwealth of Massachusetts).
My hope is to find out more about my grandfather and where he was with comrades of his generation during those years 1917 – 1919 as he marked in his U.S. ARMY field-issued New Testament, “In France and Mexico).
Wishing all 101st family members of our forebears continued success finding more information about our loved ones so we can share that personal history with our children – their great-grandchildren and future generations.
Sincerely, Tom Doherty
…from the city of Woburn, Massachusetts – high school teams known as “the Tanners” – we had many tanning-hides factories, a prideful history in MIddlesex County.
Thanks for the info. I have the actual PH Medal in my possession, I just don’t know the circumstances behibd it’s issuance.
National Guard Museum and Archives in Worcester is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free of charge.
Researchers should call at least one day in advance.
Phone: (508) 797-0334
Email: museum@ng.army.mil
Location: 44 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Enjoy Dean
I would like to re-submit the information about my second grandfather, Hanrey E. Lambert, serial #69210, as he was with the 26th Yankee Division. He joined the New Hampshire National Guard in April of 1917. First in , Co L 1st Inf NH NG (Co L 103 Inf) to Sept 1917 then to Co K, 103 Inf to discharge.According to other information, I obtained he was with co K,103rd Machine gun Battalion, 52nd Infantry Brigade,26th Infantry Division when he was wounded. He was a Private then became Private 1st class in January 1919. Henry was stationed at Camp Keyes, Concord, NH, Camp Bartlett, Westfield,Mass.,Camp Devens,Mass. Henry was with the AEF from 9/29/1917 to 4/5/1919. Hanry saw fighting at Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Str. Mihiel, Muse Argonne and was stationed in the Defensive Sector. Henry was wounded in the Defensive Sector on 10/4/1918; bei8ng wounded in the hand. Henry was Honorably discharged on 4/28/1919. I had previously submitted his bio and a photo which had been posted but now I do not see him on the memorial page. Would like to re-submit his photo again…Donna (Anderson) Blews
my uncle was in the 26 div. he was drafted from Minn and shipped out overseas Apr 1918. I had four uncles in France in different units and have their letters and to each other, Fun to read.
I recently found the following info about my great-grandfather’s half brother Frank J Hurley:
Hurley, Frank J., Sergeant: died 24 July [1 Aug.’], 1918, of wounds received in action, in Trugny Wood.
Enl. 12 July, 1916, Co. H, 9th Inf., Mass. N. G. Reported for duty 25 March, 1917; mustered 3 April, Co. H, 9th Inf., Mass. N. G. (Co. H, 101st Inf., 26th Div.). Corporal 20 Aug., 1917. Sergeant 18 May, 1918. Overseas 7 Sept., 1917.
Born 1893, in Ireland, son of Daniel and Margaret Hurley (both deceased); brother of Mrs. Nora Cahalane of Roxbury. Clerk. Resident in Massachusetts eleven years.
I understand he may have won the French Croix de Guerre. I also believe that he was originally buried in France, but he body was then reinterred in the States, probably in Roxbury or Jamaica Plain.
I found this today on newspaperarchive.com. Can I post newspaper articles? It provides some insight into the war using a letter written by Frank Hurley.
Boston Evening Globe, Friday, April 26, 1918
Croix de Guerre for Frank J Hurley
Corp Frank J Hurley of Co H, 101st Infantry, whose home is at 22 Lawn St, Roxbury has received the Croix de Guerre from the French Government for gallantry in action. This word came in a letter from the front dated March 7 (1918) to Harry Lawrence of 60 Walson St, Roxbury, and intimate friend of Corp Hurley’s. The letter says in part:
“We have been in the trenches and are now out again, but in a few days we are going in for a longer stay and we hope with God’s care to come out as safe as we did the first time. We were very lucky in the first lines, and we went in and came out without losing a man. It was a good experience for the man, that being under fire the first night. We were all rather nervous, but after the first day or two everything was all right”.
The Colonel reviewed the regiment yesterday and some of the men were presented with the French War Crosses. Frank Hurley was among those who received the award. They were honored so because of the part they took in a raiding party which went over the German lines and captured a few prisoners. They returned safely with the exception of a few Frenchmen. Hurley said it was the most exciting moment of his life when they entered the enemy lines and met the Huns face to face.
“Yesterday, we also had an evening parade, just like those we used to have in Framingham., and when the band marched in front of the regiment once more, it made us think back to the happy days at Framingham, when we didn’t know we were well off. We are now just back on the 3rd line, held in reserve. Our daily work is putting up barbed wire entanglements. In fact, we have done that every time we hit the trenches, and it is no cinch. It is wicked on my hands.
Frank Hurley, to whom the writer refers, joined the old 9th regiment at the time of the trouble at the Mexican border. Before joining the regiment, he was employed at a wholesale leather house in Boston. He is 23 years old and was born in Ireland, coming to this country when he was about 10 years old. His parents are both dead and his nearest of kin is Mrs Nora Callahan (s/b Cahalane), his sister, 22 Lawn St, Roxbury.
Hi
Can you help?
I seek any information on the battle in which Sherwood K Martin Co. G 102nd Infantry was wounded during WW1. I seek any military information on Martin.
Thanks
Chris Carroll
BA History NCWC
nchistory@hotmail.com
Hello Chris…My Grandfather was with the 102nd Infantry as well, but with Company I. I have the book “Connecticut Fights, the story of the 102nd Regiment. I looked up Pvt.Sherwood K. Martin, from Co. K. who was from South Manchester, Ct. and the book does list his name as being wounded in action. Write to the “State of connecticut, Military Dept. 360 Broad Street, Hartford, Ct. 06105-3706” as Sherwood would have belonged to the Connecticut National Guard first before being drafted into regular US Service.Connecticut has a book, “Service Records Connecticut, Men & Women in the Armed Forces of the United States During World WAr 1917-1920. This book is from the office of the Adjutant General State Armory, Hartford,CT. When I wrote them and got my Grandfathers information I also recieve two medallions for his service for the State during WWI. those medallions had been waiting for him all this time. Maybe Sherwood has some waiting for him. My Grandfather William C. Anderson and Sherwood may have known one another, my Grandfather was from New Briatin,Ct….As far as the Battle he fought in, the paperwork does not list that, but is does list the date of wounding. You can then take the date and match it up with the dates that coincide with the Battles that happened. My Grandfather was wounded in Action too, his date was 7/22/18 and that date coincided with the 2nd Battle of the Marne. It will list all the Battles Sherwood fought in. My father says my Grandfather did talk about Chateau Theirry ….My grandfathers 2 photos are listed on this site, and reciently I recieved his Purple Heart for being wounded in WWI….I wish you luck…Donna
My uncle was drafted from minn. and placed in the 26th went through training and left for over seas
I am looking for information about my great grandfather Sgt George H Wiechert from Baltimore MD he served in the 26th infantry, company c he was Overseas from 8/13/17 to 2/22/19, and served in these places (Ansauville Sector; Cantigny Sector; Montdidier-Noyon; Cantigny Sector; Aisne-Marne; Saizerais Sector; Ansauville Sector; St Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne). according to “Maryland military men 1917-1918” records on ancestry.com. i am trying to find out more about his time in world war 1. thank you.
The designator “Infantry” following a number (26th Infantry) refers to a Regiment rather than a Division. During WWI the 26th Infantry Regiment was part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division. That tracks with the places he served.
thank you, helps alot
My great uncle, Timothy Francis Ahearn received the Croix de Guerre and the DSC. His DSC record from the Army web site reads:
AHEARN, TIMOTHY
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company C, 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Timothy Ahearn, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 27, 1918. After all of the officers and sergeants had become casualties, Corporal Ahearn took command of his company, leading it through the remainder of the day’s action with great bravery and ability. Late in the day he went to the rescue of a wounded officer and succeeded in bringing him to a place of safety through a terrific machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: New Haven, CT
Where might I find out the name of that wounded officer he rescued. Later on in battle Uncle Tim was a victim of mustard gas, He died in 1925 from lung problems which we assume was aggravated by the gassing. From reading the comments above such a death appears not to have been uncommon. I wonder if he would have been eligible for a purple heart due to the mustard gas. Where might I do some more research? By the way this is the same Tim Ahearn who has a statue honoring his heroics in New Haven CT.
Yes your Grandfather is elligable for the Purple Heart for the gasing.The only thing is getting medical proof stating he was treated for the gasing. Right now I am trying to research my 2nd grandfather who was wounded and gassed,while serving with the 103rd infantry but keep coming up with dead ends.
You can write: State of Connecticut Military Dept. 360 Broad Street Hartford, Ct 06105-3706 to get part of your grandfathers military records. The remainder would be with the Personal Records Dept. St. Louis, MO. the only thing is most of the WWI personel records were lost in a fire. I did recieve the Purple Heart for my 1st grandfather, and he was with the 102nd Infantry Co. I. Due to him serving in WWII, his WWII enlistment physical mentioned he was wounded in WWI. I wonder if your grandfather and mine knew one another while serving in the Army? My grandfather was from New Britain,Ct.
Good Luck Donna
Hello-
My grandfather was also gassed in the war and was awarded a Purple Heart in March of 1933, so I would imagine your Great Uncle would also have possibly been eligible for a Purple Heart.
There is a book that was printed in 1919 and written by Captain Daniel W. Strickland titled “Connecticut Fights” The Story of the 102nd Regiment. I had purchased an origianl copy of this book on e-bay. Currently someone is selling re-prints of this book. There is further information of Cpl. T. Ahern, C.Co. 102nd, in noting his Irish character and fighting spirit and that he took command of “C” (the Sarsfields) and proud of it. …Donna
As a note – before 1932 soldiers were awarded wound stripes instead of Purple Hearts. All soldiers that earned wound stripes can turn them in for Purpler Hearts….that is what I did for my Grandfather eventhough he was not alive to see it. His foot stone has a PH denoting a Purple Heart. I would imagine your Grandfather has PH on his footstone as well? Dean
I was able to go to the historial records of the National Guard unit my Grandfather was in to get his data card. On the data card listed what battles he was in and when and where he received his wounds. You might want to try your Grandfather’s unit to see if you can get his data card too. Good Luck….Dean
Thanks for writing, and providing the information. His death certificate does not mention mustard gas, but he was a very young man when he died (in 1925). His “Irish character” might refer to his enjoyment of the French wine and French girls, and his underappreciation of the chain of command. He went AWOL later on and was busted back to Pvt. His noted fighting spirit seems to have extended beyond the German army. Thanks again. I will follow up with your suggestions.
In the book “Connecticut fights”, it gives the full roster of names of the men who fought with the 102nd. After each name is a notation such as, W in A (wounded in action),K in A (killed in action), D. W.( died of wounds) etc.,when I look up your grandfathers name unfortunately there are none of these notations following his name. the only notations following his name are, D.S.C.(Distinguished Servie Cross),rec. C de G., (Croix de Guerre)., Cit. (4). and unfortunately it still does not give the name of the officer he saved. On pge 275 of the book in the foot notes, it gives the story of your grandfathers heroic deed, written in the exact words as in the story in you related in your blog. Plus giving the name of his mother and that she lived on Poplar st, in New Haven.
There is another book titled : ” Service Records Connecticut Men and Women in the Armed Forces of The United States During World War 1917 – 1920. This book is in the hands of the State of CT. When you write them, they will give you a photo copy of the page from this book, that your grandfathers name is on. That info will tell you the exact date he was wounded or gasses, killed, etc. My grandfather was “Severely wounded in action on 7/18” which coinsided with the first day of attacts at Chateau Theorry. If these 2 records do not mention he was gassed then the mititary has no record of him being treated for the effect of the gas when he came in contact with it.
Good Luck Donna
Thank you for this research. I will follow up with the state of Connecticut.
I am trying to track down the history (a picture) of a James Beaton of Bennington, Vermont who enlisted July 17, 1917 in Company B, 101st Ammunition Train, 26th Yankee Division. He was discharged April 29th, 1919. That’s all I have on James. Any info or leads from anyone will be appreciated.
This is an amazing site. I am starting to do research into my family history, as are most who seem to be posting. lol. My grandfather, Arthur M. Rogers, Sr. was in the Yankee Division. I really don’t have much more to go on than that. I have his patch and all medals, including the Silver Star and Purple heart, along with his flag and dog tags, in a shadow box. I know he was out of Massachusetts, and we have a journal that he kept when he was lost from his group and hidden by a French family in their attic (I am currently unable to locate it) but I was wondering if there is a location to find more info. Thank you for your time.
Arthur M. Rogers, IV
Dear Arthur…start with your Grandfathers Dog Tags. they will list his Army personal ID number as well as the company he was with. Also look up the patch, that is of coures if the patch is a YD (Yankee Division). If he was from Massachusetts, use the ID number and get intouch with the Massachusetts National guard Museum in Worcester,Mass. You can look up their website on line. Otherwise you can contact the National Personel Records Center, 9700 Page Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100. Though a fire destroyed most of the WWI records in 1973, they may have some info. Use his ID to get hid info..Good Luck Donna
Arthur,
If your Grandfather was from Mass NG here is all the information to start your search on any data you need. A year ago I only had a unit and state my Grandfather was from and I contacted Col (ret) Len Kondratiuk at (508) 797-0334 . He is the Mass NG WW I historian and will get you anything you need. You can also go to the Mass NG Library at: http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/DevLibrary2/resources/museum/museum.htm
The Colonel told me they are moving from the armory they are presently at 44 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 so you might have to find out their new address. Please contact the Colonial directly and he will help you out. He provided me so much information I was able to recreate my Grandfathers Army career and make a shadow box in his honor that I just presented to my Dad for father’s day. Take Care and happy hunting……Dean
This is in reply to the question for more info on James H. Beaton. I just purchased a roster of Vermont Men in WWI. This info was listed on James.
Name: James H Beaton
Born: Strafford,Vt
Resided in:Readsboro,VT
Enlisted: July 17, 1917 at Fort Ethan Allen.
Org: Co “K”, 1st Vt. Inf., to Aug. 23,1917: Co. “G”, 101st Am. Train to May 8th 1918: Vet. Serv., 26th Div., to Feb. 7,1919: Co. “G” 101st Am. Train to discharge.
Grades:: Wag. 8/23,1917; Pvt. 3/1/1918; Farrier, May 8,1918; Pvt 2/7/1919.
Overseas: 10 3,1917 to 4/23/1919
Dish: 4/29,1919, Camp Devens, Mass.
Dean, I had occasion to speak to Col. Kondratiuk today. The library and museum have moved to 91 Everett Street in Concord, Massachusetts. The number is 978-369-4807. He said it’s so recent that he hasn’t unpacked everything yet.
Greetings
my grandfather was in 26th, 101st… I still have his uniform and picture of the unit mustering out at fort devens in 1918.
my cousin has cards signed by his captain on how he served in battle and was awarded bronze star with oak leaf
At the time he enlisted he was 16 years of age. he did have a beret with YD in gold on it, all his friends had them too. his name was Raymond Knipe Sr
My f ather was in the 26th 102nd and was also mustered at Fort Devens. Can you post a photo you have of the mustering out? Thank you!
I’ll try… its in a large frame and panoramic view…
Steven – you should be able to find that photo on the National Archives site. I found the one there for the 102nd and contacted the archives to see what it would cost to puchase a copy. Too expensive, I checked out ZAZZLE and they had it – I was able to purchase a copy from them of a smaller version yet a really good size for only $25.
Check out Zazzle at:
http://www.zazzle.com/yankee+division+gifts
They still sell photos for the 102nd if anyone is interested.
The photo is of the 102nd Supply company…do they have other photos of the other different companies? Such as the 102nd Infantry, Company I? As my Grandfather belonged to the 102nd Infantry Co. I. Would like to know…Donna
You should contact them.. The first photo I found that they were selling was the one for aft. devens. I then contacted them about the 102nd SupplynCo. And they got it and made it available in different sizes.
I just order the 102nd Supply from Zazzle. I could not find their seach area but found other panoramic photos, 109 pages worth and I will have to go through them all. Tried the National Archives came up with nothing. I have purchased the Camp Devens 2 panoramics, and Camp Bartletts 2 panoramics on E-bay. Will keep looking…thanks donna
I found a panoramic photo of the 102nd Infantry, Co I. There are more such photos on the ‘Library of congress” website. There were more on the 102nd and its different Companys. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item2007664480/ or under US Army Inf. REg. 102nd people is what you can type in for your search.
Donna
Yes..I believe I had mentioned that. The thing about the ones in the National Archives is that if you wanted a copy they are extremely large and when I called, would have cost me over $400 – that’s when I found the ones on Zazzle for $25.
My four uncles were in ww1 . One was in the 102nd and was wounded 14 days before wars end . He was with them through training and fought in all major battles . He was from minn. it is never spoken of even through there were men from many states
Hello,
I’m probably leaving this in the wrong place but I have two questions that I hope someone might be able to answer. My Grandfather Pvt.Melvin Campbell and my Great Uncle Pvt.Alonzo Campbell both served in the 101st Engineers in France.I have a brief unit history of Company B and that is where my questions come in.
The unit history lists jobs and what the men actually did (cook,blacksmith,carpenter etc.) but though it mentions both Melvin and Alonzo in the rolls it does not say what there jobs were. My second question is in the back it lists KIA,Wounded etc. But my Great Uncle is listed in a small section under the title “Members who did not return with the company” If you did not return with the Company were you part of the Army of Occupation or was there usualy a different reason? I anyone could help I would really appreciate it.
SSgt.Kevin Campbell (USAF)
Wells,ME.
I purchased the photo from zazzle, was disapointed in it as it was not to the scale of the original photo…cant make out the men to well…I purchased a copy from the Library of Congress, you can get any size you want, they range in price dependin on the size. The copy I requested was the size of the original photo, it was $100 plus shipping. I am waiting for it now hope the quality is better. Donna
Hi Sgt,
Not returning with the Company most probably meant they were in hospital for illness rather than wounds, therefore did not sail back at the same time although still assigned to the unit. The jobs assigned to the individual soldiers would not necessarily have been listed in rosters because they were temporary duties rather than rank. I would suggest contacting the Mass. National Guard Archives to see if they can provide you with more complete service record information: http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/DevLibrary2/resources/museum/museum.htm. Best Regards, Rich
Duane (and others): I am reading the FABULOUS new book by Richard Rubin, “The Last of the Doughboys: The Forgotten Generation and their Forgotten War.” I’m enjoying everything about it, but one of the people he interviewed at length was J. Laurence Moffitt, the last survivor of the 102nd in the YD. Moffitt was 106 at the time. There are some terrific nuggets about the YD–and of course the war in general, the home front, all kinds of stuff. Though you might enjoy.
Just recieved my copy of the group panoramic photo from the Library of congress of the 102nd infantry, Co. I. It is fantastic! Just as I remember it when I saw it in my grandfathers home. Check out their website. Keep in mind these photos can be downloaded and copied FREE OF CHARGE right off their website. I special ordered mine to the exact measurements of the original (7.5 x 41 “). You can order other sizes and the prices very according to size. Other Panoramics of the other 102nd companies are there too. check them out. Donna
Hi Donna,
Thank you for the great info! Do you happen to have a link to the section of the library of Congress that has the photos or where they can be special ordered? My Grand Father and Great Uncle were both in the 101st Engineers co.B so I am hoping they might have a group photo of them.=)
SSgt.Kevin Campbell
Wells,Maine.
Hi Donna..can you post the link?..thank you!
The link for the Library of Congress is: http://www.loc.gov/index.html when on the main page click prints & photographs, or write in the search area “Panoramic Photos Military” . There are many there to search thru..Donna
I looked through the Library of congress for any photos of the 101st Engineers or any other infantry group photos but did not find any there…Donna
There is a museum on Hood Terrace in West Haven that is dedicated to the 102d Infantry Regiment from colonial days to the present they can answer most of the questions asked here. They have the names of every one from Conn. who served in WW1, every branch of the service. Also one correction “Stubby” was the mascot of the 102d Inf. Regiment not the 26th Division. He is also featured at the 102d museum
It is t rue that they do – I contacted them last year hoping they would have my father’s service record but they had scant information. That said though, they had a tidbit I had not known before I contacted them. They are very helpful and would encourage anyone who had a relative with the Connect 102nd to contact them.
Does the museum have a website for the 102nd? If so please post link.To find hours and days the museum is open Thanks
If you are looking for the full service record of anyone in the 102nd infantry regiment, as I have posted on this site before write to: State of Connecticut, Military Dept. 360 Broad Street, Hartford,CT 06105-3706. They have ALL the records there.
They really do not have full records..WWI Army records were mostly destroyed in the St. Louis archives fire..that is why I contacted Connecticut..they had scant information on my father and certainly not his enlistment papers or discharge papers which I happen to have.
Just a note that I used newsapaperarchives.com (pay site) to search for information on my mother’s uncle in local Boston newspapers. As I searched, I saw mention of numerous other soldiers from the YD. It could be a valuable research tool as they do have local newspapers from that timeframe.
In an earlier post, I mentioned that family believed the body of Frank S Hurley, who died of wounds received in Trugny Wood, was at some point returned to the United States. A returning soldier had told his sister where Frank was buried – behind a white church. I just found that he is now buried in St Paul’s cemetery in Arlington MA with his sister’s family. His body was returned to the US in 1921. Does anyone have information on this process? It seems the bodies of many soldiers were returned at some point.
Bodies were repatriated if the families wanted them to be returned for burial in the U.S. It was done by request made to the Veterans Administration.
I had an Uncle that died in the “Battle of the bulge” in WWII. His body was first buried in Belgium. After the war, the Army approached my grandmother and asked her if she wanted her sons body back. Of course the family said yes.
Yes the Personel Records Archive fire did destroy most of the WWI records. But another source to get WWI military records is through the VA. My second grandfather served with the 103rd and was wounded on October 4th 1918. I have been trying to reseach the medical reports for him being treated at a Field Hospital for this wound as I want to apply for his “Purple Heart” medal. I found he did recieve the PH from his military stone at the cemetery,but the family never remembers him having the medal. So, I also wrote the regional VA of New Hampshire for the medical info and they had it. For to recieve a duplicate of the “Purple Heart” I had to produce proof of him being medically treated for the wound.The field hospital treated him for being gassed in the line of duty. Plus he was treated again at Camp Devens when he arrived home. So now I can present this info to my contact at the Army Awards Dept. By try the VA from the state your relitive lived in.
Hello-
Who do you apply to for a duplicate PH? My grandfather apparently was a recipient according to his cemetery application, but we don’t have the medal. He was a member of the 104th Mass.Infantry if that makes a difference.
Thank you.
Rachel
You can write to: Dept of the Army, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, 1600 Spearhead Division Ave. Dept 480, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5408 put it attention: Lieutenant Colonel Michael A. Ries, Assistant Chief, Awards and Decoration Branch
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Hi Jack,
I looked up your great uncle Peter Troy. He is listed in the Connecticut Roster 1917-1920. Your uncle enlisted in South Norwalk on August 16, 1916. He was 20 yrs. old. He served in the 2nd Infantry CNG and then switched to Btry E. 1OTH F.A. CNG (Btry E.103 F.A.) to discharge. He was a Pvt. in the AEF from October 9,1917 to February 12, 1919. He was Honorably Discharged on February 28, 1919.
Sincerely,
Ed Kacey
Curator West Haven Veteran’s Museum
Representing The 102nd Infantry Regiment
Hello Ed, Thanks very much for the great information!
My Mothers cousin Michael J Perkins won a CMH with the Yankee Division in WW1. I would like to know how many more were there?
I have a book for the 103rd Infantry 26th Divison A.E.F that lists all companies and names of all. Also lists KIA’s and how, where they where from, Commanding officers, battles they fought. Does have some water damage but most all can be read or photographed.
Any chance you want to sell that book? Or could I rent it? I’d be more than willing to pay a fee you find appropriate.
Looking for help finding rosters of the 103rd Machine Gun Battalion (all companies). I have a request into NARA but they have not answered yet.
TO: Joe “Red” Mulkern, It looks like there were two Medals of Honor (MoH not CMH) for the division. 1.) Pfc George Dilboy, Co H, 103rd Infantry, GO No 13, WD 1919. and 2.) Pfc Michael J. Perkins, Co D, 101st Infantry, GO No 34, WD 1919.
I own 2 copies of the souvenir book 103rd infantry, 26th yankee Division, AEF. One was purchased with water damage but the book is readable….there is a copy of this book listed on this website it is imbeded in another e-mail. That is how I found out this book existed. As my grandfather Henry Lambert, 69210 is listed under the photo of Co, K. This book will on occasion come up for auction on e-bay. That is how I found my 2 copies…You will find this book in its entirety connected to: go to side panel of this web site, click onto Readers Roll Rememberance…scroll down to a blog dated FEb 9,2012 6:03 pm Ron Cook wrote: in his message you will see this link listed; http://103rd.newspipers.com click onto this link and you will find the book.. Donna
I am reading the book “With the Yankee Division in France” online and the book talks about alien soldiers having to satisfy a board of their allegiance and sympathies. In many cases, Naturalization Papers were accepted as evidence. My Frank J Hurley who enlisted in 1916 and served on the Mexican Border, was born in Ireland. I can find no evidence that he Naturalized (I believe he arrived in the US in 1907). Does anyone know if there was a separate naturalization process for National Guard members? Any suggested on where I might look? Or even if Frank had to become a US Citizen at some point?
As far as I know, being a citizen was not a requirement for service in the U.S. military as long as allegiance and sympathies were confirmed. I believe many immigrants willingly served as an opportunity to expedite the process of subsequently obtaining citizen status. In fact, Native Americans who were born in the U.S. and served in the military were also not regarded as full U.S. citizens (rather, they were members of their sovereign tribal nations) until after the War.
From the dates I have of my grandfather (WW1) I have 2 discharge dates. I’m guessing they discharged the National Guard (enlisted in 1917 as a Private in Company E 1st Regiment MA Engineers National Guard) to form the new units under the Yankee Division. The second discharge date is in 1919, as a Corporal wih Comp. E 101st Engineers Yankee Division, when I believe the Yankee Division was demobilized at Camp Devens. I’m not finding any information really on any of these units. There are a lot of postcards on ebay though of Camp Devens. I think some of those buildings were still there when I lived on Fort Devens. Any advice of where to look for information? Thank you.
I have relatives buried at st. Ann’s cemetery in Cranston r.i.I sometimes ride my bike thru the grave stones and was drawn to an odd stone with an angel lying down on the stone,when I saw the name it was sylvester s Payne killed in France November 11 1918.I was taken aback for I had just seen a show the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month,the last day of w.w 1 and I have been trying in vain to get some information regarding this fallen hero.Can anyone help?thank you..
Though they will tell you to write the National Personel Records Center, in St Louis, (a fire destroyed all the WWI personel records back in the 1970s) the best place to write is the Regional VA Association in the State your Grandfather lived in. The VA will have all his information. I found the necessary information through them, I needed to confirm where and how my 1st Grandfather was wounded in France during WWI so I could apply for his Purple Heart Medal.(Which I have recieved). My 1st grandfather was with the 103rd Infantry, and then was transfered while in France to the 103rd Machine Gun Battalion. He too, was given his Honorable Discharge at Camp Devens,Ma ,upon returning home from France. This was his demobilization Camp for his Unit in 1919. My second Grandfather was with the 102nd Infantry, and he recieved his Honorable Discharge, at Camp Upton, on Long Island,NY. Camp Upton was another demoblization Camp for units returning home from France in 1919.
According to the web site, Find A Grave, this is the info on :
Private Sylvester S Payne DOB: 7/6/1893 Providence,Providence County,RI. Died: 11/11/1918.
from the Providence News, 9/1/1921:
The body of Private Sylvester S. Payne, son of Mr. & Mrs. William G. Payne, who was killed in action in France, is expected to arrive in this city this afternoon and will be met by Undertaker Eugene F. Carroll of 677 Cranston St. The body will be escorted to the home of Private Paynes parents on Potter Ave. where it will lie in state until Sunday afternoon, when he will be buried in St. Anns Cemetery, Cranston, with full Military Honors.
Private Payne was an active member of the Assumption parish and was one of the first yound men of that parish to die in the service of his country. He was born and brought up in the Assumption parish and was well known and well liked by everyone who knew him. Sylvester S. Payne Post, Veterans of Foreign WARs, was named in honor of the dead soldier. The funeral will be held from the home of his parents, 808 Potter Ave, followed by services at the Church of the Assumption. The Veterans of foreign Wars rite will be carried out under the direction of Commander Harold Bailey.
Photo of grave stone is also avaliable on Find A Grave.
Donna
To Julie Sharp: I have the answer to that question. Due to the laws in regard to deploying the National Guard (they were not to be used outside of the United States), so when they came back from the Mexican Border they were discharged from federal service. They were then drafted as individuals and placed back into their NG companies which were renamed to a US Army designation. At the end of the war they were again discharged from federal service.
Hi, Great web site. Doing family military history and looking for information on grandfather Frederick H. Balboni Co. B 104th regt. 52 brigade 26th div.. received clasps for Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Meuse-Argonne and Defensive sector, was in hospital during St. Mihiel due to being wounded, Received Purple Heart. Dog tag #71322.How can I get information on his unit.receive his Purple Heart and other medals
Hi Gary,
You can receive additional information by checking the Bibliography Page on this site. You can obtain service record information through the Mass. NG Archives and Museum: http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/resources/museum/default.aspx
Anyone have any information on Alexander Wood Dillard?
On p. 316 of The Pictorial History of the Twenty-Sixth Division United States Army (1920), under 102d Infantry it lists “Dillard, Capt. Alexander W.” – this section of the book was for citations. He’s also listed on p. 312, under the section for decorations recommended (Distinguished Service Cross), for 102d Infantry, but he’s not listed under the section decorations awarded. He’s not listed among those that died in the war.
Julie, So nice of you to look at Alex Dillard. It corresponds with information I have. It’s nice to hear it’s in writing! He was badly gassed in France, promoted to Major Nov 30 1918, and ordered to Tennesse to inspect troops March of 1919. He ws killed in a car crash May 1919 in Nashville. The silver star is mentioned on his military card, says it was awarded it. I have his recommendation letter from Major C.R. Edwards: ” for leading a raid in St Hilaire on Sept 18, 1918″.
The commision papers promoting him to captain while in France are signed by a George L Hicks. Would the book mention who that is? The only George L. Hicks I can locate is the British Colonel. Although I don’t know why a Bristish colonel would be signing American promotions. I’ve no luck googling in any other Geo. Hicks.
There is mention in the book “Connecticut Fights” the Story of the 102nd Infantry, by Captain W. Strickland…under the Roster of the 102nd a mention of Major A. W. Dillard of Brooklyn,NY earning Distinguished Service Cross.,Cit,(2). pg 330. There is also a mention in a foot note in this book of an order for commanders to inspect their Battalions, and it is signed Colonel H. I Bearss,& A.W. Dillard, then Captain, 102nd Inf. Adjutant. On page 261, on 9/30/1918 Captain A.W. Dilliard was recommended for a promotion.on page 269 is a report of Action-October 27/28-(Ref.) F.O. 30, Hq. 51st Brig. 10/27. In this report Dillard is mentioned, of ” our aeroplanes flying over Dillard’s Front at 11:05. Getting some heavy machine gun fire from the start” He is mentioned further in the report. Dillard is again mentioned for writting a report about some fighting in Verdun Oct. 23-29 it mentions he was commanding the 1st Battalion of the 102nd.. Dillard is mentioned several other times through out the book. You can find more info about his service with the 102nd by writting:
“State of connecticut” Military Department. 360 Broad St. Hartford, Ct 06105-3706.
You can also purchase reprints of this book on ebay.
Donna
If you go to Ancestry.com, you will find under their WWI records a copy of Alexander W Dillards service card.The card reads, he was lived in Brooklyn,NY. But was born in Bristol,VA 12/23/1891. He was appointed 2Lt, Inf. 11/30/1916. Promotions-1st Lt.–Prov. Capt. 4/15/18.,Maj.,11/30/18. Staff assignment, 37 Inf.–153 Dep…Brig to,,42 Inf,,to Inf unasgd to death.
Encampments: Ft. Leavenworth; Kansas, …France.
Wounds recieved in action: none
Served over seas: 6/14/17 – 1/5/19
Died: 5/4/1919 accident Nashville, Tenn.
Buried: Arlington National Cemetery
Silver Star is mention for award. But no mention of Distinguished Service Cross.
Donna
I haven’t found anything on George L. Hicks in the “Pictorial History of the Twenty-Sixth Division United States Army With Official Government Pictures Made by United States Signal Corps Unit Under Command of Captain Edwin H. Cooper ” by Albert E. George and Captain Edwin H. Cooper (1920), but I’m going to assume your Alex Dillard was gassed at the “German Gas Bombardment: Pargny-Filain, Chavignon (Chemin-des-Dames), March 16-17, 1918 (inclusive) 101st infantry; 102nd Infantry. Gas concentrations were laid over a large section of advance lines and battery positions; but units here noted, especially 102d Infantry, received the heaviest bombardment. Retaliation fire of great intensity by 51st Field Artillery Brigade.” (p. 23 under Affairs and Combats.)
Also go to Find-A-Grave, look under their Arlington Cemetery collection you will find Maj. Alexander Wood Dillard there on the site along with a photo of his grave marker.
Donna
Awesome!! Thank you Donna!!!
Being the family genealogist , I inherited a HUGE box of old family letters, photos, and documents. Alex Wood Dillard’s military papers were in the box. Knowing nothing of War citations, I am trying to discover what I have. Then I will forward everything to the VMI archives where Alex graduated.
Evidently the Silver Star was not created until 1932, and any WWI vet who was cited for “gallantry in action” and awarded a “Silver Star Citation” could apply for the medal.
I’m not in possession of Alex’s actual citation ( appears to look like a decorated diploma), but do have the letters from the Yankee Division Commander , Edwards, congratulating him on his “gallant conduct in action”. His military card on Ancestry.com indicates the citation was awarded.
With his untimely death, he didn’t apply for a silver star medal, nor did his immediate family. I might give it a try, although I’m just a distant cousin, and doubt I’ll be successful.
As anyone else been successful in applying for medals?
Just as agent orange exposure wasn’t recognized for years, ditto it seems for being gassed in France. Alex’s hospital records are in “the box”. My own grandfather was gassed and treated, but that doesn’t appear on his records either.
I wonder how many WWI vets silently suffered?
I appreciate this web site and all the feedback and information everyone is giving me. I had forgotten to look on Ancestry.com!
Lanie
Big Big Thank you for researching Alex. I will write Ct. for further information, and try to purchase the books mentioned. Thank you everyone for the help.
Lanie Wood
Yes, you are a relative of Major Dillards and you can apply for a replacement Silver Star…I have done research and have earned both Purple Hearts that my two Grandfathers should of earned for being wounded during WWI. I had to have medical proof that they were treated while serving in France, and I found that info. Both GRandparents are instilled at the National Purple Heart Center in Newburgh,NY. they can be found on the web site as well. William Christopher Anderson and Henry Elise Lambert.
If you have a papers stating proof of the Silver Star (which would be the card from ancestry.com) or his Honorable Discharge Papers write to:
Lt.Col. Michael Reis
Dept of the Army
US Army Resources Command
1600 Spearhead division Ave. Dept.480
Fort Knox,KY 40122-5408
Col. Reis will also let you know what other awards Major Dillard is also entitled to….
Donna
Also note….the hospital records stating he was gassed, that makes Major Dillard entitled for the Purple Heart:)!!! Send a copy of those records to Col. Reis!!! One of my Grandfathers was gassed too, and I recieved his Purple Heart:)…you are so lucky to have those papers send copies of them all to Col. Reis!!!!
Donna
Wonderful that you were able to get your families medals. It is such an encouragement to young family members to visualize the stories of their family! I finished reading one of the books you recommended–it states that Alex received a Dinguished Service Cross and 2 citatons of merit, he is mentioned all over the book.
I only have papers for one citation. I will have to collect more documents. I have written to the National Archives.
Now the problem will be that I am only a 2nd cousin, regardless of the fact that he had no descendants, but all they can do is say “NO”. When I collect all the documents, I will write the person you suggested to write. Thanks Donna
You will have a hard time getting any info from the National Archives as they had a fire in 1973 and lost most of the WWI records…where you have the paperwork that you do, get copies of them to Col. Reis, that should be good, he will let you know if you need more documentation…but they have more records then they let on, but won’t give out until you dig…that is what I had to do…if you need more paperwork, after hearing from Col. Reis, try the Regional Veterans Association of the State Major Dillard lived in, which would be New York…you are still a living relative and his only one you should do OK..it is sad he lost his life after returning home from the war..all that he went through overseas to loose his life in America. My GRandfather William Anderson served with the 102nd Infantry, Co I, 26th Yankee Division, AEF…he would have known or served under Major Dillard. Good Luck Donna
I did a bit more research on the Silver Star Medal Maj. Dillard earned. According to the info I found, the Silver Star Medal was not given out till 1932. But in WWI, they earned the Silver Star Citation, and could exchange the citation for the medal when it was available in 1932.
Maj. Dillards citation reads as follows:
By direction of the President of the United States, under the provisions of the act of congress,approved 7/9/1918(bul.no. 43,W.D.,1918) Captain(Infantry) Alexander Dillard, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Vistory Medals awarded him. Captain Dillard distunguished himself in gallantry in action while serving with the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26 Division, AEF, in action at Bois de Warville, France 7/8/1918, in personally leading his men forward through the woods.
General orders: GHQ, AEf, Citation Orders #2 (June 3, 1919)
Action date: 7/8/1918
Service: Army
Rank: Captain
REgiment: 102nd Infantry Regiment
Division: 26th Division, AEF.
Donna
Donna, I thought I was an excellent family researcher, but I have no idea where you found the above citation! It is true, your Grandfather and Alex Dillard surely knew each other, and besides the war, they survived the flu of 1917. I have to be honest, I was not going to try to retrieve the medals. I’m afraid my connection to him is too distant. Yet you have encouraged me to try. So I will write the letter and see what happens. I’m sure Lt Col Reis will want proof of who I am. Since our first shared ancestor is a GGGrandfather to him and a grandfather to me, it will mean sending a lot of genealogy! I will try. Thank you for the encouragement.
Lanie
I also have a photo of a Lt. Dunning in France with Alex, if anyone knows of him.
When I researched my mothers father, Henry Lambert, he was with the 103rd infantry then was transfered to the 103rd Machine gun Battalion. When I found his medical records for being gassed in France, it stated he was complaining of chest pains, they sent him to Bordeau for observations. Later he developed pnomonia and was back in the hospital. He was afraid he would not make it home when the rest of the soldiers were sent home in 1919. He did go home but my
Aunt said he colapsed in the home coming parade and was hospitalised at Camp Devens having brought home with him the influenza. He servived it but his lungs bothered him the rest of his life. My mom said he would always carry a hankerchief occassionally coughing and of couse spitting into it. The doctors told him to move out to the country where the air was better for his lungs.
I think you will get the medals:).
You had mentioned you wanted to give his memoriblia to the school Maj. Dillard went to. Think of this: there is a project, the Veteran History Project, sponcered by the Library of Congress, and they are collecting veterans stories and original paperwork and memouriers, if you wanted to donate it some where. Look it up. the only thing is they only accept originals no copies nor do they accept medals and a few other things.They want the stories of all veterans from all wars.
Good Luck:) Donna
Gee I would love to see a picture of him…after all this research it would be nice to see what he looked like. You could post it on his Find A Gave page at Arlington Cemetery. I had them post on his page the info I found on Ancestry.Com. Cool!!
Donna
Lanie..I do see you on Ancestry.com…If you do a page for Maj. Dillard, there is a place you click on his page to make a military page for him. You could post photos of all the papers you inherated from him. Then Icould connect to you and see his page!!!:) My 2 grandfathers have military pages on my ancestry.com site…donna
Hello, My father, Thomas A. Hamilton, of Clinton, MA, was a Private and
bugler in Company K, 101st Infantry Regiment, 51st Infantry Brigade, 26th Division during 1917-1919 in France.I would appreciate hearing from anyone whose relative may have been in the same unit.
Richard F. Hamilton
hello Richard
my grandfather was in 101st also I do not remember the company though. his name was Raymond Knipe
Steven, Do you know what branch of the 101st your grandfather was in? Infantry, Engineering, Supply, Artillery,etc? I don’t see him listed as a member of Company K where my father was a bugler/runner, and I have a roster for. Also, what town was he from in Mass.? There may be a listing somewhere of all personnel in the 101st. That would require some digging.
Richard
Hi – curious if there aren’t any write-ups on the 26th’s time on the Border. My mother’s great uncle, Frank Hurley (Co. H, 101st Inf., 26th Div), signed up to serve on the Border in 1916 and it seems he was there at some point. But I don’t know much of anything about this deployment. Thanks in Advance,
Kevin
Hi Richard my grandfather was from Westborough his last could have been spelled Knepe and I think it was G company. we did have all his cards/ booklets with his captains comments it. it did seem he was at all the major battles (maybe supply he was 16 years old at enlistment) funny thing that I remember was that he only wore black watch plaid shirts as long as I can recall.
Hi Kevin,
The 26th Division was not formed until 1917. Individual state National Guard units from New England were assigned to Mexican Border duty. You can read about the Massachusetts contingent on the page titled South on the Border. There is also an extensive collection of Sam Avery’s letters from the Mexican Border which you can read to learn more about what the Mass. troops did to protect the border in the area of El Paso, Texas.
Kevin, What town in Mass. was your mother’s great unascle from? You say he was in Co. H of the 101st Infantry, 26th Division. My father was in Co. K, 101st Infantry, 26th Div. and also served with the Mass. National Guard on the Mexican Border in the “Punitive Expedition” to hunt down Pancho Villa in 1916. It’s possible that Co. H and Co. K were in the same Battalion in France since each battalion had about four companies. Richard
Hi Richard, My mother’s great uncle was born in Ireland, but living in Roxbury MA when he enlisted. He had relatives in Cambridge MA as well.
I have been spending enormous amounts of time trying to find some sort of information, or just acknowledgement of my grandfather being a member of the 26th Yankee Division 104th Infantry. His name was William Driscoll, from Boston, MA believe final rank was a sergeant major and worked closely with General Clarence Edwards? Appreciate any help, thanks Peter Driscoll, Winthrop, MA
Peter,
Have you tried the National Guard Armory Museum in Worcester, MA.
They have military records of soldiers, guardsmen who served from 1775-1940. You should call them at 508-797-0334 or email them at museum@ng.army.mil (I haven’t tried the email yet but it’s what’s listed).
The 104th Inf. Regiment is listed in “Soldiers Mail, 26th Yankee Division”, as being made up of 2nd, 6th, 8th MA Inf. Also, Michael Shay in “Yankee Division” lists the 2nd MA Inf as part of the 52nd Brigade Headquarters group. It’s possible your grandfather as a sgt. major was part of the HQ staff in the 52nd Brigade.
Good luck, Richard
Hi Peter…I found a William Henry Driscoll on ancestry.com that was Born in Boston,Mass. Is that him? This person served during WWI. Donna
Richard, Thankyou. Ironically, I was at the Mass Historical Society 2 days ago, and someone told me about the National Guard Museum also. I didn’t know about it. Planning a day trip out there.
Donna, I appreciate the tip, I need to go onto Ancestry.com. I have known about it, just haven’t done it. My grandfather’s middle initial is J.
I had looked through the book on the 104th I have but only saw a John Driscoll…There is a Wiliian J Driscoll on Ancestry who served in WWI that was born 1898. also another william James Driscoll who served in WWII that was born 1895 either of these date correct? Do you know his death date?
Donna
Peter, The Archives section of the MA National Guard Museum is now located in Concord, MA, at 91 Everett St., Tel. No. is 978-369-4807. Their Email address is ng.ma.maarng.mbx.museum@mail.mil. Their web site is http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/resources/museum/default.aspx. I spoke with their historian and archivist, Col. Len Kondratiuk, just yesterday and he is very helpful. He is going to send me info on the organization of the 26th Division down to the Company level which should be enlightening.
looking for information regarding dr robert hamilton 103 field hospital…
Thank you Donna. I’m getting closer. I will go onto Ancestry.com.
I checked through my book on the 103rd Infantry and there is no Dr. Robert Hamilton listed in the rosters you can ceck through it by logging on to http://103rd.newspipers.com you can also write the National Guard of New Hampshire write to: The Adjutant Generals Dept. Attn: Mr. Peter Fortier 4 Pembroke Rd. concord, NH 03301-5652 Donna
Question? where was Dr. Robert Hamilton born? Main? New Hampshire? Vermont? Donna
from what i know Dr Robert A. Hamilton was with the 103 field hospital located near Nice France
he was born in Ontario Canada
left the army a Major
all i really know…thanks for checking…
on the staff of base hospital 103 near Dijon France discharged July 1918
from Smethport pen.
sorry for the confusion
Hello-
I don’t know if this helps anyone, but there is a Massachusetts Military Museum on Salisbury Street in Worcester, MA. It is operated by a Gen Leonid Kontratiuk (RET). Apparently Massachusetts kept 3×5 cards on its residents service in WW1. I contacted him and received a copy of my grandfathers card that held a ton of info we never had !! His records were destroyed in the great fire also. The card gave me the info I needed to obtain his medals and the Institute of Heraldry also looked up his records in the general orders of the division and gave me added info. They will also be keeping this card on file so his record will live on there…
This collection is no longer in Worcester. This is their contact information.
The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Researchers should call at least one day in advance.
Phone: 978-369-4807
Email: ng.ma.maarng.mbx.museum@mail.mil
Location: 91 Everett St, Concord, MA 01742
Regarding the MA National Guard Museum in Concord, MA, their web site is http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/resources/museum/default.aspx.
They will send you a card on your relative giving pertinent data such as
enlistment, organizations, engagements, discharge, etc.
You can also contact the National Personnel Records Center in
St. Louis, MO.for his Final Pay Voucher for a small fee. They are at
http://www.archives.gov/veterans.
Hope this helps. Richard
My grandfather served with the 1st VT Division, 101st Ammunition Train. His name was Frank Bement and he was from Windsor County, VT. Any confirmation or information you could provide on his unit and service would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Donna, I was scanning through the memos and realized I never answered your question; in case you are looking at this, my grandfather was Wm Driscoll born 1893, died Nov., 1963 Peter
Peter and Donna,
Have you heard of The Great War Project? Some former NPR staffers are putting together a series of radio programs on WW 1 to air around the 100 year anniversary of US involvement in the war. They are seeking seed money and personal stories, factual accounts, written records, etc. to include in their programs. To learn more, Google The Great War Project. They would be happy to include you as boosters.
Richard
Dear Allen…your grandfathers full name: Frank Amsden Bement Dog tag ID#: 205,237. He lived in Windsor, Vt and was born At Feichville,Vt. He enlisted 6/30/1917 at Ft. Ethan Allen. His original company was: Co. K 1st Vt Inf., to 8/5/1917. He was moved to Co. E, 101st Am. Tn..and remained to discharge. He served in France from 10/3/1917 to 4/23/1919. Was discharged 4/29/1919 at Camp Devens, Ayers, Mass.
The 101st Ammunition Train, 26th Yankee division consisted of 1 Major, 6 Captains, 3 First Lieutenants, 3 Second Lieutenants, and 700 enlisted men. The further information I have on the 101st Ammunition Train is very lengthy. It has its own chapter, chapter IX in the book titled
Vermont in the World War 1917-1919 it envolves 11 pages to the 101st Ammunition Train.
Check e-bay at times copies of this book do come up for auction.
Donna
yes I check out the site, I hope they make their quota. donna
I went to the National Guard Museum yesterday and left with more information than I ever could have expected. Len was very helpful. I only went to get one of my grandfathers cards, but also was able to get copies of my other grandfather and 2 great uncles who were in the navy. It’s well worth the trip if anyone is looking for detailed information
Peter
I have an old picture of the 26th division 101st Infantry. Dated April 1919.
Would it be possible to post that picture on line? My father was in the 26ht 101 Infantry company C. His name is William Wolfe. Thank you William Hart Billh87@optonline.net I live in Long Island N.Y.
Any possibility of scanning it and posting on this website?
Raymond Knipe was a runner in the Emmet Guard wounded by bayonet, and mustard gas, missing in action for 3 weeks according to local newspaper, which I have. purple heart, bronze star w/ oak leaf cluster, numerous medals, and ribbons…meuse Argonne etc. His uncle Samuel signed his papers to allow him enlistment
An American hero.
I am trying to find out any information about my great uncle and godfather, George Wilson. I believe he was born in Meriden, but he might have been born in Hartford – which is where he grew up and enlisted from. I have a CdeG and his uniform (including gas mask) but he would NEVER discuss his service. He would not even complete the form the St. sent him. His middle initial might be “A”. He died of emphysema in 1965, brought on by gas (WWI) and smoking. I’d dearly love to know more about his service.
[…] Lt. William H. Jutras was assigned to 26th Division, 103d Infantry, Company A, also known as the “Yankee Division” for its preponderance of the division’s New England […]
I joined the CT National Guard in 1959. It was the 102d Infantry of the 43d Infantry Division. I am trying to contact members of the 102/43d from post-Korea through the Vietnam era. They are eligible to join the 43d ID Veterans Association. Any ideas? Thanks!
Dick Lockert
My grandfather, Herbert T. Johnson from Iowa enlisted as a Private in the 101 Field Artillery, Battery “B” NY Yankee Division and served in France during WWI. He suffered heart problems due to the mustard gas. He did not receive a Purple Heart. Is there a chance that a Purple Heart can still be acquired?
YES!!! You must write the Regional VA office in the State he lived in. You then must request the following information: His medical records from the service, that give the details about his being “Wounded” and treated in the field when he fought in WWI. Once you have written medical proof then mail this information and send a copy of it and your request for the Purple Heart to: Dept. of the Army, Human Resourses Comm. C/O Michael A. Ries, Lt.Col. 1600 Spearhead Ave. Dept. 480, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5408.
My grandfather was gasses in WWI as well, and I recieved his Purple Heart by following these instructions
Have you tried visiting or writing the National Guard Armory in Hartford,Ct? Or you can contact Connecticut State Archives, Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford,Ct 06106. They keep Archived Military records there. Write for a list of the men who belonged to the unit. Also there is a military museum to the 102nd in Connecticut, they keep records as well. There address: 15 Southworth St. Deep River, CT 06417-2031. Connecticut Military Museum. They have a website as well. Donna
I have a picture for Peter Driscoll, of , I hope, his Grandfather. where to send it?
I don’t go onto this website as often as I used to. I would love to see the picture you have. If you can scan it my email address is dpeterjd@aol.com. Thank you very much, as I have very few pictures of my grandfather.
Thank you, Peter
K
Let me know fig you are unable to email it and I will give you my mailing address
Thank you
Peter
K
Meant to say IF you are unable to scan and email
Hello …
Have my grandfathers Roll of Honor – Gotham Press with his service dates and Unit Info. Includes list of battled. C. E. Hackbarth, 26th Div.
102nd Regiment, company J. ( I believe it’s a J ) From CT. and mustered out of Camp Devens Mass. Served from 3/15, 1916 to 4/29, 1919. I have his Purple Heart and would to know more about his unit during the war. Thanks in advance,
Jeff
Hi Jeff.. My father enlisted in Ct and mustered out at Camp Devens as well. I suggest you contact the Connecticut National Guard. I did and they were very helpful sending me a copy of whatever information they had on my father as well as a couple of medals. I had my father’s Victory Medal with clasps but not the homecoming medal I was sent. (I received two of the same in case someone else in the family wanted one.) I was thrilled to receive those medals that date back to when the men came home from the war.
Lucie
Do we have any data on Lt. Harry George Rennagel of the 101st Rgt? I believe that he was quoted on a PBS program.
William Rennagel/son
Discovered your site while searching for info on ancestor Martin Henry Dailey. Per an application for headstone he is listed as being in Co. “L”, 101st Inf., 26th Div. He lived in Detroit at the time and Camp Custer is mentioned on the form. This was a training facility established in 1917 so he must have been a replacement as I see the 101st was from Mass. Conn. area. He Enlisted 5/28/1917 and was disc, 4/24/1919. This disc. appears to be before the Reg. returned in Sep. 1919. Not sure if he made it to France but he married a French girl later on. Any additional info on Company “L” would be welcome.
I don’t know if this has been posted previously, but the State Library of Massachusetts recently posted all of the Boston Globe’s WW1 pictures – mostly 26th Yankee Division. Just found a pic of Frank J Hurley, my mother’s great-uncle.
http://archives.lib.state.ma.us/handle/2452/124230
Jeffrey Peterson, there was no company J in any American regiment in the war. Still isn’t. I can’t say why. Just an army idiosyncrasy I guess. Refer to “Connecticut Fights!” and you’ll find your ancestor. He was of Company I of Meriden. He was in fact WIA.
Regarding the Massachusetts National Guard records guys, there was an article in a Worcester newspaper a few years ago that stated that museum staff were caught tossing archival documents by the boxload into a dumpster at the armory. I’m not making this up. In fact I found them unhelpful when I went there in person and even defensive to the point of either suppression or willful ignorance. I can only hope the bad press they received changed things there.
Kevin M., thanks for the post about the Boston Globe’s WW1 pictures at the Mass. state library. I think I’ve found a picture of my grandfather. He looks so young (he died in the 1950s so I never knew him). This picture must have been taken before he left.
No problem Julie. The pictures had to have been taken before they left as my Frank J Hurley never returned. He was killed in France. Strangely, I don’t have a picture of Frank’s brother, Daniel, who was my g-grandfather on my mother’s side. So this picture is all we really have of that generation.
What I realized is that these photos are only those of the men who served in the National Guard’s Yankee Division. Great collection.
Kevin – Thank you for the information about Boston Globe pics. I found my grandfather, Howard F. Lancour.
My father, Clinton Joseph Percle, born 1890 served with the 26th Infantry Division in WWI. I think he was with the 101st.Engineer Troops. He was drafted from LA and went to Camp Beauregard for basic training. I have attached his registration card. I would like to be ale to receive any information that I could on his service and the unit he served in. I am a retired CW4, US Army Helicopter Pilot and served 2 tours in Vietnam. My son is currently serving in the AF as the Commander of the 525 F22 Fighter Squadron in AK. Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks,
Clinton J. Percle Jr.
This reply is for Clinton J. Percle Jr. Mr grandfather, Claiborne Medine Sr. also served in WWI with the 101st Engineer Troops. He was from Donaldsonville, Louisiana. I have his enlistment form, discharge form, information on his service in the WWI, a medal he received and a book on the 101st Engineer Troops efforts throughout the war that was sent to him right after the war. In the book is a listing for Clinton Percle with Company F of the 101st Engineer Troops. The book is very interesting and it seems in doing some research that Clinton Percle probably saw action at the same offenses/battles that my grandfather participated in. I would be happy to share the information with Mr. Percle if he is interested.
Thanks,
Ramon Gomez
This reply is for Clinton J. Percle Jr. Mr grandfather, Claiborne Medine Sr. also served in WWI with the 101st Engineer Troops. He was from Donaldsonville, Louisiana. I have his enlistment form, discharge form, information on his service in the WWI, a medal he received and a book on the 101st Engineer Troops efforts throughout the war that was sent to him right after the war. In the book is a listing for Clinton Percle with Company F of the 101st Engineer Troops. The book is very interesting and it seems in doing some research that Clinton Percle probably saw action at the same offenses/battles that my grandfather participated in. I would be happy to share the information with Mr. Percle if he is interested. Thanks, Ramon Gomez
Excellent mail call. My grandfather according to the grave site served in the 1st Vt Inf and from the above it appears; 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.)
But I would like to see what if any campaign medals or citations are available for one Pvt Hiram Bishop but not sure where one begins. Unfortunately, many of the family are now deceased including his sons who served in WWII.
Any assist would be appreciated in locating this information & thanks in advance.
Hi Dennis.. I would suggest that you contact the Vermont National Guard. All of the National Guard units became part of the 26th Yankee Division. My father joined in Connecticut and the Ct National Guard was very helpful.
You can contact http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/fire-1973.html – to see if they have a copy of his military record. That will list the wars he fought in. There was a fire in 1974 and some records were lost and I hope the one you need was not one of them. Fortunately I have my father’s enlistment and discharge paper he brought home, my mother kept and that was given to me.
Good luck!
You are looking for info on Hiram Bishop. Do you know his DOB and state he was born in…donna
Donna, b 1874, d 1941 and birthplace VT. & thanks Lucie. I contacted the military records but they weren’t too optimistic as many files of WW! vets were lost in that fire w/o any backup. Unfortunately, all the sons & daughters have passed. Several of them served in wwII.
Hello Dennis…I found a WWI draft card on ancestry.com for a Hiram Clyde Bishop DOB: 10/22/1875. He enlisted local board of the county of Addison, Middlebury,VT. I own a roster of all men how served in WWI from Vermont, but do not see Hirams name listed. There a plenty of other Bishops, but no Hiram….as Lucie said try the VT National Guard…..Donna
Hello, My grandfather , Harry Chambers enlisted in Des Moines, Iowa in 1917 and was assigned to Battery F First Iowa Field Artillery. They trained at Camp Dodge and the spring of 1917 and went for training at
Camp Cody, Demming, New Mexico. After that they went to France. When he was discharged at the end of the war his discharge papers show he was in Battery D , 101st Field Artillery. Any idea how he would be transferred? Was it common? Also he had a small fabric pocket folder and I don’t know its purpose. May I post a photo?
Dave Decker
Ramon. Thank you for your reply. My father was from Thibodaux, LA and I am sure that he knew your grandfather. I would be very interested in receiving any information on my father’s service. would like to see the cover of the book and any pages that has my father’s name. Thanks in advance.
CJ Percle
cj.percle@yahoo.com
Hello, my grandfather was in h company 101. From Massachusetts. I think he fought in chateau Thierry? I am having trouble finding any info in ancestry.com. I have a picture of him in uniform. He was 17. Can you direct me where to research? Walter e Power. Thank you
Kate
There was a fire back in 1970 that destroyed 90% of the Army records. Fortunately I have my fathers inlistment and discharge paper.. that said, on ancestry.com you might be able to find his draft registration card fro WWII – Other than that you can contact the address on the National Archives web site just in case your grandfather’s were among the 10% records that survived that fire:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Hi Kate – My mother’s uncle, Frank J Hurley, was in Co H, 101st. Unfortunately, he died as result of wounds received in action at Trugny Wood. Best I can tell, that was part of Chateau-Thierry, France. I contacted the Mass National Guard Archives in Worcester via email and they sent me a card with some info on Frank, as well as some history of the unit. I was also able to get a lot of info from the US Archives – as Frank was originally buried in France, but returned to States in 1921. I have posts above that may have more specifics. If you want, you can email me at kevmac90@msn.com (but be aware I am away from my PC much of this week).
Thanks wdoao91 for the response On January 31, 2015 at 1:11 am , On visiting the grave this past memorial day, I have a picture of the grave marker but don’t see a way of posting it here. It indicates; hiram c. bishop Private 1 Vt Inf. I’ll keep poking around.
I HAVE A CORRECTION. My grandfather Hugh O’Brien was a member of Battery F 102ND Field Artillery. I misread his military plaque thinking it was Battery J. I was able to read his exploits in WW 1 thanks to a book by Geo. Mozley titled, Our Miracle Battery… He’s from Elizabeth NJ and transferred in.
My great grandfather, John P. Thomson, served in the 102nd Field Artillery, Battery D during WW1. He was from New Bedford, MA. I have his dog tags. If anyone has any information about Battery D, I would really appreciate it.
I am researching my grandfathers service, here is what I have so far. DENDI, MELE
65,637, White
Kensington, Conn.
Enl NG New Britain, Conn. Mch 26,
1917. Br Castione, Andeven, Italy.
25 3/12 yrs. Co I Inf CNG (Co I
102 Inf) to disch. Pvt Icl Aug 21/18.
AEF Sept 15/17 to June 7/19. Hon
disch June 11/19.
I also have 2 pictures both showing a medal he received fighting in France. Any additional info would be helpful. May travel to France next year and would love to visit potential battle sites that my grandfather may have been at.
Could anyone help me find out where and when 2nd lieutenant Edward Gerard O’Neill was wounded in France in 1918? His military record also shows he received the Croix de Guerre. Where and for what action? He was in the 102nd infantry regiment with the 26th U.S. Division in France. His late wife, Dorothy, said he was wounded at Chateau Thierry.
There is a book titled” Connecticut fights, the story of the 102nd Regiment”, by Captain Daniel Strickland. You can purchase re prints of this book on E-bay. You relation, Edward G. ONeill is mentioned in the book and it does states he earned the CDG award. As the Croix De Guerre is an award recieved from France it does not say were he recieved it. Chateau Thierry took place during July of 1918. My Grandfather William Anderson was wounded at Chateau Thierry as well..Donna
Information for: Mele Dendi
Your information states Dendi enlisted into the Connecticut National guard in New Briatian,Ct on March 26, 1917. He was part of Company I of the 102nd Connecticut National Guard was promoted to Private !st class on August 21, 1918. He was tuned over to the regular Army (AEF) American Expoditionary forces on September 12, 1917 and remained with them till his Honorable Discharge after the War on June 11,1919. Mele was part od the “26th Yankee Division”..the first American Troops to go to France. The book “Connecticut Fights,the story of the 102nd Regiment” by Captain Daniel Strickland does list Mele Dendi in the book. You can purchase re prints of this book on e-bay. The book does tell what special award the men may have recieved, but Meles award is not listed next to his name…the Br Castione, Andeven, Italy may be his birth place or it may be an area of Italy Mele was stationed while over seas….there is a Military Musem in Connecticut decicated to the 102nd Infantry. It is located at: 30 Hood Terr. West haven,CT 06516-4106…They do have a website as well..they can help out with further info…Donna
You might want to contact the National Guard in Hartford. They might have more information. My father was in the 102nd/26th Yankee.
Thank you Donna and to the person posting this site.
the number 195473 and also the number ..475 is there a way to tell who was issued this gun /
for anthony.about E.ONEILL he was in febr.and march in training in line on the ladies way.he curved his name on the wall of the cave:froidmont farm..very proud of his origin ::trefoil us flag flag with harp and A.O.H. initials
Hello Everyone,
I think I may have stumbled across the right folks to help me out.My great grandfather was a sly old guy when he enlisted in the Marines first he lied and said he never served then later admits to it. After doing a very through time line I found this record and it must be him I sent away for his marines record and his veterans record which was NO LIE 3 lbs and over 500 pages long..if you have not yet applied for veterans records do not wait any longer
This is what I have and I am at a very confused place about this record Ive been up for 5 hours trying to figure it out and find a picture but i seem to see that i need to try the national guard Iam also looking for possible pictures of his company
Charles A Nelson
nsn white
hartford conn.
enl ng hartford conn.
july 2 1917 br hartford conn
18 8 1/2
29/ 17
mg det ct inf to discharge pvt hon sept 26 1917 scd
co k1 nnf co k 102 inf
have no clue to what the 8 and half means
i see no birthdate
and what does 29/17 mean /
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT
Thanks so much
A very confused great granddaughter
Carol Haughey
I have some info on an E O’Neill who could be Edward Gerard O’Neill. I’d like to email it to whomever is looking. Thx Kevin
I just received a copy of my wife’s Grandfather’s WW1 Diary with sketches on every page. He was an artist and some of the sketches are amazing. He was in there the last two years of the war. The first Diary is from his first year. And the second Diary is from his second year (and last year of the war). He was in the102nd E Company, Yankee Division. I would like to share some of these pages with folks but not sure where to begin.
One more thing. It would be nice if the newest emails are listed first and the oldest one behind them.
Kevin, Please send the info you have on Lt. Edward Gerard O’Neill. Thanks
Gilles Chauwin – Please let me know more about Lt. Edward Gerar O’Neill and where you got the info.
To Dee Cee…please find a publisher and get your information published..Would be great to read!! donna
I have contacted Dee Cee with an invitation to have things published here under Dee Cee’s copyright in order for all to enjoy them without delay.
Anthony – the info I have is the picture that Gilles Chauwin sent me. Its a carving that an E O’Neill made inside a cave in France in which the 26th Division was deployed. Included the 101st and 102nd and more. He sent me a carving that may be my Frank Hurley (101st, Co H) – but it just says “Hurley”. I will need an email address to send it to you. My email is kevmac90@msn.com.
Gilles sent me a number of pictures from the cave – but some were carved by German soldiers in 1914 and later French soldiers…and in 1918 US soldiers from the 26th.
Kevin
Kevin Thank you SO much. My email is anthonypitch39@gmail.com
I know that Gilles Chauwin appears somewhere in my manuscript. I just have to find it, but I definitely remember the name.
Donna I got Strickland’s book on Connecticut Fights and 2nd Lt. Edward Gerard O’Neill is mentioned as an officer of the 102nd infantry, 26th Division. That’s all. No mention of the Croix de Guerre, which he got, or more importantly, the citation, which would give the date and action.
yankee
Hi Anthony…according to info I read about the Croix De Guerre when given to US Military in WWI, it was an accepoted foreign decoration but was one of the most difficult foreign awards to verify entitlement. The Croix de Guerre when awarded was often presented with original orders only and rarely entered into permanent records. The other way to check is through foreign unit award entitlements to verify through official unit history records. Veterans must show proof of service in the unit cited at the time of action in order to be entitled to the award.Individual foreign awards can be checked through foreign goverment(France) military records. Donna
Hello and thank you for the suggestions. I am talking with my father-in-law as to how to proceed from here. Thanks again I will share a few pictures in the coming weeks.
Donna, I’m awaiting a reply from the French archives. They are short-staffed and said it may take months. I’m going to try and reach 26th division H/Q.
Hi, I am looking for any information about my grandfather – SGT. Patrick James Sullivan, Worcester, MA 26YD 101st Inf. “Emmett Guard” WWI – Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi, I would like to know if you have any information concerning Frank Jacob Szot. He was the first soldier killed from the city of chicopee. He was killed on April 12, 1918 at the Battle of Bois Brule, France. Thank you
Hello & Happy New Year!
Sadly I do not have any information on your inquiry.
My Grandfather Patrick James Sullivan was from Worcester, MA – he was a Sgt. In the 26th “Emmett Guards” – he survived WW I but was gased over there and it did shorten his life as he passed in 1939.
Good Luck in your search & God Bless
Sincerely,
John Ellsessar
Hi..if you put his name in Google, several sites come up with information about him. Here is one of them. http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/02/chicopees_szot_park_named_in_h.html
Hi, my father served with the YD, 101st Regiment U.S. Engineers, F CO. His name was Clinton Percle and he deployed to France for 2 years with the Division during WW1. He passed away in 1963 and I am looking for his over-seas-service medal/ribbon. I missed the two that were on 3bay for sale and looking to purchase one. I would like any other information that I might be able to get with his service.
CJ Percle
Hi there,
I’m also working on my family’s genealogy and on my grandfather’s abstract of military service it says:
Enlisted March 10. 1917 at Ft. Slocum, NY (he loved in Brookyn).
Organizations served with:
Co A 3rd Inf till May 28, 1917
HQ Co 26 Inf till Jan 17, 1918
Co L 26 Inf until discharge on June 9, 1919
Engagements: Soissons, Second Battle of Marne
Wounded in action, severely, July 19, 1918
Served overseas from June 12, 1917 to February 11, 1919
I don’t know how severely wounded he could have been since they didn’t send him home. Is that unusual? I have a photo of him with my grandmother in his uniform which I love. The uniform is so cool but I can;t see any insignia on it really. I read up on the history of the different Companies he was in and also about the two battles. It looks like he was wounded the second day of the Marnes battle.
I wish I knew m ore. He died in 1974 when I was in my early twenties and at that age I had never thought to really have a conversation with him about the war. He wasn’t from any of those New England States though, so I wonder how he ended up in that division. I really wish I knew more about WW1!
I don’t see how I can attach the photo.
Lesa
Oh! His name was Nils C. Erickson. He was 22 when he enlisted.
Hello Percle….please write to the Personel Records Dept. Though there was a fire in 1975 which burnt most of the WW1 records, some still exhist. You can also write the Veterans Affairs of Massachusetts for info on your relation. If you have your relations dog tag number you can purchase a replacment medal,etc from the american War Museum. Once you get your relations dog tag number it will open door for you….donna
To John Ellsessar…..I found a Patrick Sullivan on ancestry.com…his WW1 draft card. Is this you relation? He was born 12/20/1898 in County Clair, Ire. Resided in worcester,Ma. Was a Blacksmith, and worked for the Worcester Gas and Light Co.?…Donna
Hello C.J. Percle…I found a Clinton Percle who died in 1963 on ancestry.com he was from Kramer,LA dob: 6/27/1890. His draft card is listed there if this is your relation. The card states he was a swamp Laborer working for theDower Lumber company. St. James, LA….Donna
Hello Lesa….saw you grandfathers military abstract on Ancestry.com.Your grandfathers dog tag number is listed on the form: it is 54,930. With that number you can write the personal Military records and put in for replacements for any medals and awards he recieved duing WW1. though the Purple Heart was not awarded during WW1(the Wound chevron was) you can apply for his Purple Heart post-humerous. My grandfather William Anderson was wounded in the same battle as your grandfather my grandfather was with the 102nd YD. He was severely wounded the day before your grandfather was wounded.Your grandfather ended up with the YD because they used him and other men to fill in the ranks when other men were killed or wounded in battle. So they were pulled from other divisions to fill in. Go to the Military Personal records website and download the form necessary to apply for any other military records still available for your grandfather and put on the form applying for his PH medal. His records may not still exhist as many WW1 records were destroyed in a fire in 1975…good luck…Donna
Donna, thank you so much for this information!
Hello! Thanks for a great website.
I am researching my grandfather, Herman C. Freyer’s service in the 26th Engineers. Based on his Veterans Compensation Application, he served in Company B, 26th Engineers from 9 April 1918 to 13 March 1919 and participated in the Toul (?) sector from 10 June to 11 November 1918 and the St Meluel Offensive from 12-16 Sept 1918. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,
Lea Ann (Freyer) Bryant
Researching my family history and I know that my grandfather- Pvt.Ernest Charles Palmer of NY served with the Company F, 6th Ammo Train in World War 1.. Can you direct me to where I can find more information about his unit….
Thank You
Hello all,
I’ve got a purple heart recipient’s paperwork and medal that came under a friend’s care via a garage sale of all places. The owner had no idea where it came from short of the name listed in the paperwork. She couldn’t locate any leads based on the name, so I figured I would assist and look for guidance for her.
Dated Dec. 8th, 1944 from HQ of 192d General Hospital RPO 63 to a 2LT David H. Stephenson Jr. 0-1063115
Co G, 101 Inf, 26 Div
Shows wounded on the 18th of November, 1944.
Thanks for any assistance in locating this man’s family.
-Cory
Cory, is his name engraved on the back of the metal?
Cory, I believe I may have located him. He was living in Greenwhich Connecticut. Actually born in Codonegal, Ireland. His WWI papers say he is a British citizen with no dependents in the 1917 statement, so he would have been drafted. I actually have a photo of him from a 1925 passport application. He naturalized in 1918 and was traveling overseas. The application says he had a scar on his forehead.
Give me some time to locate descendants.
Lanie
Oh heck, I’ve been searching through WWI records!! This is dated 1944? Stupid me.
Thanks for the heads up, I searched for days trying to locate info, but hit a brick wall.
I contacted Colonel Kondratiuk from the Mass Guard and received my great-grandfather’s service card (YD, 102nd Field Artillery, Battery D. I would like to get more information, has anyone headed up to the Guard museum and done further research?
My father, Heber Ferrall Johnson, was in the 26th Infantry Division, 104th Infantry Regiment, Company F. He died Oct. 22, 1944 in the Moncourt Woods, Lorraine, France. His Purple Heart, and letters from overseas went missing along with the personal belongings that were sent back. My mother has been confused about much of what happened and I am trying to piece information together. Mom is 92 years old, reminiscing and wanting to know more, as do I. I have tried to reach the family of his close friend, Alvin Ray Harlow, who shipped out with him, but all the phone numbers are disconnected, and I have not heard back from the only email address I found.
If anyone could tell me personal accounts of the battle in the Moncourt Woods or any other information about my father, his Regiment, or Company, I would appreciate it. He also drove for the Red Ball express for a time.
Thank you,
Ilauna Gurr
To Ilauna Garr…You mention our father was killed in 1944. that was during WWII….Most of, if not all of the information on this site is related to World War 1 dates 1914-1919…You can write the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100 or look up there website on the computer to get your father military records from World War 2…Donna
To Ilauna Garr…Alvin Ray Garr passed away in 1988…Donna
Thank you Donna. I realized this site was for WWI information after I posted. Very new at this and doing most of my searching on an iPhone.
Ilauna
Hi Rich, just came across this site and I really appreciate the outstanding job you’ve done in accumulating so much information and resources.
My grandfather, Pvt. and Cpl. Daniel Douger, also served first with the MA National Guard and then with the 26th during WWI. He frequently wrote his parents during his service. The letters, saved by his parents and then passed back to him, were then given by my grandmother to my mother after he died. She and I had the University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library carefully remove the fragile letters out of the envelops, and I then scanned them as PDFs. My grandfather also saved various soldier artifacts (tags, badges and equipment – even his gas mask) as well as books. Though as a young man it did scar him emotionally, he was proud of his service and was a patriotic American; he even tried to (unsuccessfully, on account of his age) enlist again right after Pearl Harbor. Several years ago I put together a website – http://www.overthereinwwi.com/ – where one can read the letters, view pictures, and even download some literature that was saved.
As we approach the 100 year mark of America’s involvement in such a huge global conflict (that really began a few years earlier in the Balkins and really didn’t end until the civil wars of the early 1920s), it becomes critical to educate people today just how historically profound WW1 was, and how it still is impacting our world today.
Thank you again for your site! Cheers, Ethan
My great uncle Thomas Conroy was born on Inishturk Island, Clifden Co Galway Ireland and immigrated to America in the early 1900’s?
He lived in Brooklyn New York.
I know very little about him, but I have found his record of when he served in the Great War and this is what I have found;
9 Co 1st Prov Tng Regt 152 Dep Brig to Feb 24/18 ;
M G Co Tng Bn 26 Inf to Mch 8/18 ; Co K 18 Inf to Apr (over)
His last engagement was at Meuse-Argonne where it says that he was gassed and that he was wounded (severely) in action on October 2nd 1918.
He was honorably discharged on demobilization on Sept 25/19.
Can anyone break down the abbreviations and tell me anything about his time in the US army, when would he have sailed from America and his time in France, what would have been his role etc?
Any information on Thomas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John
Hello John, Thank You for your Great-Uncles service.
My Acronym knowledge is mostly Air Force but I think I can help translate….
A Provost Training Regiment would be Military Police training.
The next regiment is a machine gun training battalion assigned to the infantry arm of the 26th Division.
For example, MY Grandfather and Great-Uncle were both in the Engineer arm of the 26th Division.
If I had to speculate, between the MP and Machine Gun Battalion your Great-Uncle was probably a very good shot!
As far as the gassing of your Great Uncle again this is speculation but I would assume he was probably in the front line when it happened.
Besides making a horrible situation even worse the purpose of gas was to incapacitate troops mainly during an attack so it makes more sense that the gassing would happen in a frontline/ secondary trench rather than a stray gas shell fired behind the line.
I hope this is some use to you John.
Please forgive me if someone has previously posted this but I recently found out that the Massachusetts State Government website uploaded archive photos of the 26th Division to their website.
I was surprised to find a “Year Book” type photo of both my Grand Father Pvt. Melvin Campbell and My Great Uncle Pvt. Alonzo Campbell
Of the 101st Eng. CO.B
They are holding slates with their names on it ( to be honest,sort of like a “mug shot”) lol
They are both wearing their campaign hats so I assume the photos were taken before they were deployed to Europe.
( After landing in France they would more than likely wear the Service Cap or as it is irrelevantly known, the “C” Cap. 🙂
My family didn’t think there were any photos of my family members in uniform so I was very excited!
Hello John…your Uncle Toms WWI info reads.. 9th company 1st Provost Training Regiment,152 Depot Brigade which he served in till Feb 24,1918. He was then transferred to Machine gun Company Training Battalion of the 26th infantry which he served in till March 8,1918. He was transferred to Company K, 18th infantry which he served in till April…everything then depends on where he enlisted what camp he was housed in before he went over to France. Since your Uncle was from New York he would have encamped on Long Island at Camp Upton that is where the men were housed before going to France. The 152nd Depot Brigade was formed there after the Camp was built. My Grandfather though from Connecticut stayed a short time at Camp Upton upon his arrival home from the war. You can find lots of info and items for sale about Camp Upton on ebay. There is a Museum on the site of Camp Upton(though the entire site of the camp is now a research facility…Donna
To John Burke’s message dated December 28, 2016, there’s a PDF glossary for some of the military abbreviations: https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/wwi/WWI_Serviceman_Glossary.pdf
Many thanks to you all for the replies. I will check out the Massachusetts State Government and Camp Upton web sites for more information. It would be brilliant if i could locate a photograph or mug shot of him as I have never seen one. Thanks again for your help.
Hello, Could you please provide the link to the Massachusetts State Website that shows the pictures of the Men of the 26th Division?
Thank you,
Dee
Hello Dee, all I have to use is my tablet or I would copy the link, my tablet doesn’t seem to want to do that. 😦
But it is very easy to find, if you go to Google and type …..
Pvt Melvin Campbell co b
If you put in the above it will bring you to the list with everyone’s name.
It should pop right up, it’s archives.lib.state.ma
But they are having some system error right now but I would think it would be fixed soon.
Hello…Google the Massachusetts State Library 26th Yankee division…they put up photos of all the men on that site…Donna
Hello..the link to the WWI photos is: https://www.flickr/photos/mastatelibrary/sets/72157627349455982/
great photos…donna
Hello…Sorry this is the corrected link to the WWI Photos:
do not forget the slash at the end of the numbers….Donna
Hello
I’m researching for his American soldiers who have stayed at our farm in 1918. Some left of the inscriptions on a barn door:
Corp WJ GRIFFIN
SUP CO, 102nd U.S. INF
American St Louis
March 24/1918
returning from Tremes…???
BILL SWANSON
New York City
Jacquie MONDERY
SANFRANCISCO
The best of Luck
Can someone help me to find their families?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Best Regards
Henri Brodier. France
Hello…as with WJ Griffin being with the 102nd infantry(which was originally from connecticut) I found his name in my book Connecticut fights. Though he says he is an American from St. Louis. My book shows a William J. Griffin Jr.,who was a Supply Sergent.,with a supply co. it states he was from Shelton,Connecticut. HIs military records show him fighting in these areas of France,Aisne:Lorraine;St Mihiel off;Aisne Marne off;Meuse-Argone off;Ill de France. He came home April 1919. I check for William j Griffin from St Louis, and check WWI draft cards on Ancestry.com, but could not find him living there.
William Swanson, from New York,City. I found 3 William Swansons from New York City which is the right one? William Aloysius Swanson, William Arthur Swanson,or William Arthur Swanson. Information too vague.
Jacquie Mondery, from San Francisco, California.Could not find him,Jacquie maybe a nick name as he did not come up on Ancestry.com nor did his WWI records show up.
Without the mens dogtag numbers to find out who they really it is hard to locate their families…Donna
Hi Donna..my father was also in the 102nd Supply Company. I suggest you contact the armory in Hatford Connecticut. I did and was sent whatever records The had for my father including a couple of pins received when they returned home from the war..I also have a photo of the Supply Compsny before they shipped out to France. I also have a photo of the Last Review after the war that I purchased on Zazzle.
Lucie
Hi Donna,
I have my great uncles’ (dogtag?) number, where would I be able to find out more about his record and whereabouts, especially after he was gassed?
Many thanks John
Hello Donna,
Thanks a lot for this valuable information and particularly concerning
WJ GRIFFIN.
During WW2 a B-17 of the 92th BG made a forced landing near my
village. One of the crew members was called JACK SMITH GRIFFIN,
I would be amazed if he was a member of the same family.
Small correction for the 2nd name: this is BILL Swanson and not William. Maybe it is there another track!
Best regards. Henri
Hello John…what is stamped on the tags?….it will tell you the company he was with. What is his name? I can look up his WWI enlistment info on ancestry.com otherwise you will need to write to: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archive Dr.,St. Louis,MO 63138-1002. You can go to their website as there is a form you need to fill out to request his info. As there was a fire at the center back in the 1970s many WWI records we destroyed. But if your relation made it home after the war and live out his life here in the states, he will still have Veteran Records with the state he lived in. You can write the Veteran Association in the state he lived in.That is what I had to do for my Grandfather who was from New Hampshire..Donna
Hi Lucy…yes that is true…I too had a grandfather that served with the 102nd from Connecticut and I too received all his info by writing the State of Connecticut in Hartford,Ct. There is also a Military Museum dedicated to the 102nd infantry, and it is located at 30 Hood Terrace, West Haven,CT 06516-4106. They have a website as well, and they have more info too…Donna
Hello Henri…I looked up Jack Smith Griffin on ancestry.com. Found his WWII enlistment records showing he was in the Air Corp. He was born in 1920 in Texas.
As for Bill Swanson, he would have been enlisted under his correct name of William and not his nick name of “Bill”, if his true name was William. He may have had another “real” first name and he was nicknamed “Bill”. So that is how you would look him up by his “real” first name. Sorry about the others…Donna
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your help,
I don’t have any dogtags as such.
His Army Serial number was 237248 or 237(3)48?,
His name was Thomas Conroy
He died on April 14, 1952 in New York?
Would you know the address or link for the Veterans Association in New York?
I live in the UK, would I still be able to source this information?
Kind regards & many thanks
John
Hello John,
All the records are centralized , so the addresses previously mentioned by Donna are really best to use. You know unless Thomas was treated all his life for injuries sustained in the war, the records are skimpy and sadly say very little. It takes months for the request to be looked at and you have to pay for any papers located. The request for a military headstone and his naturalization papers are on Ancestry.com. He’s buried in Long Island Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York and has a memorial on Find-a-Grave website. There is no photo of the stone, but the site allows you to request one. His WWI draft card says he was 5’10” with blue eyes , red hair, and a slender build, and working as a longshoreman while living in Brooklyn, NY. Its says he is the sole support of is parents, so they must have immigrated as well or he could be sending money back to Ireland? Both the F.A.G. memorial and the headstone request list his birth as March 2 ,1886. Military number is given as 237248. He requested to be nationalized while servicing. It says he was at Camp Meigs WA DC and originally arrived in the USA Oct 1910, enlisted Oct 13, 1917. The nationalization paper was filed under the Amendatory Act of May 1918 and signed by Tom Dec 1, 1918. It says he is not married. It gives his birth date as March 2, 1888, Clifden, Ireland. The draft card says his birth year is 1886, but the “6” is kinda swerved , and I can see where it may have been mistaken for an 8 when the military was filing out the top part of the naturalization request, which I’m sure they did. Tom’s signature there matches the signature on the draft card. There is really nothing else on it. The application was witnessed by two other soldiers. His social security documents say his parents were Thomas Conroy and Margaret Wallace, but no social security number appears.
There is three volume set of books with photos of WWI warriors. Its called “Soldiers of the Great War” . I’ll take a look and see if Cpl. Thomas Conroy is there, and thank you for his service and sacrifices. Hope this gives you a bit more info than what you had?
Well John I see you have all that info as I located your family tree on ancestry. Sorry. There is a WWII draft card that looks like Tom’s. He’s 55 , gives his birth as March 2 1888 , and the informant is a Nellie Gordon of Brooklyn NY. He is listed as unemployed , home address is 101 Bowery NYC. At first I thought that was the old irish district and it may be. But if googled the address comes up as the New World Hotel in China town. Interesting. As it appears he never married, perhaps his WWI injuries were severe. Elaine
Hi John…I looked further into ancestry.com and found your relations military records there. They state Thomas Conroy(dog tag number 237,348) had lived at 28 Hicks St. Brooklyn,Ny He was inducted into the Army in Brooklyn,NY LB#25 on 10/13/1917. His place of Birth is Galway,Ireland and he was 29 7/12 years of age. He served with the 9th Company 1st Provost Training Regiment 152 depot brigade to Feb 24,1918,and was moved to Machine Gun Battalion,26 infantry to March 8/1918,then moved to Co K 18 infantry to April2/1918, and remained with this regiment to discharge. His ranks were Private,earned Corporal on August 11,1918,and returned to Private in July 1/1919. He fought at Catigny,Saizerais,Montsisier,Noyon,Aisnee Marne,St,Mihiel,Meuse-Argonne. He was severely wounded Oct 2,1918. He served overseas 1/17/1918 to 9/1/1919. Was Honorably discharged 9/25/1919. As Thomas was wounded in battle, living relations can apply for his Purple Heart. The Purple Heart did not exist during WWI,but the Wound Chevron did. In the 1930s the Purple Heart was re-established and the men could apply for it if they were wounded during the great war. I researched my 2 grandfather wounds an was awarded their Purple Heart. Though the National Archives state the fire took many WWI records there are still copies around. You are lucky his are on Ancestry.com.AS a living relation you must prove the wound to be awarded the medal. Ancestry.com also list Thomas as a relation of the Burke family. do you know them? You can look up their family tree on ancestry to see if they may have photos….Donna
Hello John…The Burke Family has all his military records from /ancestry.com listed on his page no photos. It is strange that his military records state his dog tag number at enlistment was 237,348, but his military grave marker states his dog tag number is 237,247. The grave marker also states his was a Corporal at discharge. Strange they did not include that on his military records. Donna
Hi John … Your excellent website has put me on the trail of my grandfather, Jack Sambides, who served in WWI and apparent was part of the 26th Yankee. There is some confusion, though, in that division histories I find online indicate that the 102nd Infantry Regiment came from Connecticut, where my grandfather always lived, while the unit’s history Salutation lists him as a member of the 101st Battalion, which is Massachusetts-based. The unit history, on page 157, mentions him participating in counter-mortar action against a German shelling during the German attack on Seicheprey. The 101st did have a mortar unit, but wasn’t at Seichepray, apparently. I tend to think that he was a member of the 102 and that the 101 listing in the salutation is an error. Any thoughts? Nick
Hi Elaine and Donna,
Many many thanks for the research and valuable information on my great uncle Thomas Conroy,
I haven’t been able to find where the request for a military headstone was made?
I will make a request for a photo via the find a grave web site.
As far as I know his parents never went to the U.S. they did live in Scotland for a while as two of his younger sisters were born there.(They both emigrated to America before him. One of them was Mary Gordon who did live in Brooklyn – not sure if she was known as Nellie?).
Could Thomas have lied about his age, would he have been too old to sign up when he did?
I have never seen a photo of him, so I would love to know what he looked like.
The Burke family on Ancestry.com is my family and all the information about Thomas is what I have researched with the helps of you guys and the Internet. How would I find out if Thomas had been awarded the Purple Heart?
Many thanks for all your help.
John
Hi Nick,
There was not a perfect alignment of units and state residents in the 26th. For example, Sam Avery was from MA but was assigned to the 103rd Infantry which was primarily composed of men from Maine. In fact, both the 102nd Infantry and 101st Machine Gun Battalion were primarily composed of men from CT and VT. Best Regards, Rich Landers, Editor.
Hi John…if you write the state of New York for a copy of his death certificate, it will tell you where he last lived at the time of his death, and who was the relative who signed his death certificate. It will also tell you what funeral home his funeral took place at. The funeral home usually orders the military stone for the family. You could also write or call the National Cemitary on Long Island for info, they will have more there as well. I found my relations info by writing or calling the cemitary on their death certificates…Donna
For anyone doing genealogy research on ancestry.com:: ancestry has many digital copies the funeral homes submitted for military headstones. I found my father’s about a year ago.
Hi Nick…I looked up your relations name in the book, “Connecticut Fights” The Story of the 102nd infantry, and could not find Jack Sambides listed. But, I looked into my records for Connecticut 1917-1920. I found Jack Sambides living in Ansonia,Ct. His military info reads:
Jack Samdides Dog tag number: 147,232. 42 Liberty St. Ansonia,Ct. Jack was inducted into the National Army,at LB(enlistment facility) 8, Ansonia,Ct. on 9/18/17. He was born in Turkey,and was 23 years old at time of enlistment. He was with the 151 Depot Brigade to……….(no date given); he then served with Headquarters Co 103 Field Artillery to October 3,1917. he was moved to 101st Trench Morter Battery which he remainrd in to his discharge. He remained a Private in the AEF and served from 10/8/17 to March 12,1919. He received an Honorable discharge March 15,1919….Donna
Hi Donna, Thanks for the advice you have given, I will get on the case. It’s all very interesting. Thanks again. John.
Bonjour
je suis le vice président des vétérans du 151° Régiment d’infanterie Français et je recherche des informations sur le 104° R.I. US pour la période de 1917.
C’est le 151° RI qui a formé les troupes américaines 5 US Marine et 104 RI US.
Si vous pouvez m’aider me contacter
MERCI
Gérard
Hello. I’m not sure if this site is still monitored, but I’m hung to give it a shot. I have a watch that belonged to my grandfather, and in the back is carved…. The triangle with The YD in the center… It also says Anger expedition force, Company C, 26th division and 101 field artillery. His name was Joseph Spoor Turner. Is there any way to determine I’d he was with this unit? Do you have service dates or info? I can’t find anything else about him on any sites.
Hello Tina….look up the website for the National Guard Museum, and write to them they will have the info on your grandfather. The Musem is located in concord,Massachusetts.Also check ancestry.com as they have WWI mitary records on the site…Donna
Anybody have any info on Company C, 101st infantry? My great-grandfather served in WWI and i’m looking for company rosters, photos, etc, Anything would be appreciated
kelley54, my father was in company C 101st infantry 26 Division. His name was William Wolfe. I have a picture of him and his brother who was in the same unit.I am also looking for company rosters but have been unsuccessful to date. My e-mail is billh87@optonline.net. The people at the NAT. Guard museum have been very helpful in my searches. Maybe they can help you to.
This is the translation for the post from Gerard On March 14, 2017 at 3:35.
Hello
I am the vice president of the veterans of the 151 ° French Infantry Regiment and I search for information on the 104 ° RI US for the period of 1917.
It is the 151 ° RI that formed the US 5 US Marine and 104 US RI troops.
If you can help me contact me
THANK YOU
Gerard
Reply concerning Gerard’s post: The 104th Infantry was a Mass N.G. unit, not R.I. The only R.I. unit using 104 was the 104th Ambulance Company.
Hi, I am wondering if there are any pictures from Company F of the 103rd Infantry, 26th (Yankee) Division. My uncle, Pvt. Lloyd William Davis, was one of the youngest soldiers to enlist. He enlisted at Fort Ethan Allen on May 7, 1917, in Company M when he was 14 years, 7 months old. He had three gold stripes showing 18 months of active service overseas, and an additional gold stripe on the right arm, showing that he was gassed. He was in several important battles, one of which was at Chateau Thierry. He was honorably discharged at Camp Devens on March 17, 1919. This is part of my extended family history and I have no pictures for any of them. He was my grandfather’s son from his first marriage and I have no picture of my grandfather so I thought if there were pictures of Pvt. Lloyd Davis, I could get some insight into what this side of my family looked like. His birthdate was September 24, 1902.
Hi John and Donna:
Thank you for replying to my comment! Sorry I only just saw it now. It’s thrilling to know that my grandfather’s dog tag number is out there somewhere. Do you know if there were any unit/individual photos in which he might be featured? Where I might find them?
Kind regards,
Nick
Just found your site. Wonderful information.I’m looking to verify Robert Judson Ladue in the 26th Yankee Div. I have a picture of him, in uniform,with his wife at Camp Edwards in Framingham. I also have two post cards from France with him in two different group shots. One in Campaign Hat and O.D.’s and the other in the wool tunic. He’s with a group of four in the first shot and a group of 5 in the 2nd. No names. I was told he was in the “Caissons” So I’m assuming Artillery possibly the 101st? Will be trying to find rosters, etc. I found his younger brother (Edward Henry’s Draft Registration but not my GF’s. I’ll be searching but any help provided would be appreciated!
I am looking into the death of Rene Woods of Sandown, NH. He served in the 26th Div, and was killed in action in France 7/25/1918. How can I find out which Regt/Company of the 26th he was in? He may have served in a Mass NG unit.
Looking for a WWII veteran who may have been in the 101st Infantry, 26th Division, Company I with my Uncle, Raymond J. Edwards during the push before the Battle of the Bulge. He was from Illinois. He was killed on November 26, 1944. Thanks, Betty
Hello! I know this is incredibly late and I pray that someone will see this and be able to help me. My great grandfather Theodore Clifford McCarthy Sr, fought in WW1 for the 26th Infantry Regiment. He was Irish and lived in Boston before he joined up. I have a photo of him that says he was gassed 3 times, 3 purple hearts, and also it states that he was a machine gunner. I found a photo of a Theodore C. McCarthy from 26th ID, 101st Infantry Regiment, H Company. Does this make sense and if so where can I find out more? He never told much, only that he fought in the Argonne and at Belleau Wood butt he had been apart of the 26th before WW1 even started chasing Pancho Villa. Thanks!
In acknowledgement of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I this year I am attempting to research a direct family member, Floyd Henry Shattuck, who served in that war.
In working on my family’s genealogy, I found the “Application for Headstone or Marker” submitted by his wife, Harriet Shattuck on March 11, 1961. It contains limited information on Mr. Shattuck’s military records. I see that he served in US Army, Co. B of the 101st Ammunition Train, 26th Division and was awarded the Purple Heart medal.
I would be very appreciative of any further information you may have regarding his service. For example, where he served during the war (what battle), the nature of his wounds, etc. I believe he was a victim of a poison gas attack, but I don’t know of other wounds he may have received. Any information you can provide will be most helpful in family genealogical research.
Thanking you in advance,
Paul Nichols
I’m not sure if this site is still active but I started researching one of my Great Uncles who served in WWI and was “gassed”. As a child, I recall seeing his Purple Heart on the mantel when you walked into the house in Cambridge Mass. His name was “Carl E. Nilson” and I found him listed on a ship’s manifest as a “SGT” serial# 62855, 101st MG Co.” that sailed from Brest to Boston. He wasn’t listed in the Roster in the book “History of the 101st Machine Gun Battalion” but that was dated 1917…so maybe he was a replacement. Thank you,
My mother’s great uncle was in the same unit. Company H no less. He died in France. But I was able to get good information from the MA National Guard archives in Framingham MA. I also got lucky with getting info from the national archives in St. Louis.
Was Rene’s mother Cordelia Woods? If yes, he was Co B of the 104th Infantry. Died in Aiden-Marne. My mother’s great uncle died that same week.
My father Clinton Joseph Percle served with “F” Company, 101st United States Engineers during WW1. His name is listed in the back of the book “History of The 101st United States Engineers” 1917-1918-1919 in the roster as Clinton Percle Pvt. I have been unable to get specific information as to how he ended up in the unit. He was from Louisiana and got drafted. I am not sure if he was shipped over after the unit had left MA or if he left with the unit from MA. With the St. Louis Records being destroyed, I am unable to find specific information about him. I do have the units movements during WW1 but not of his movements prior to the war. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Clinton J. Percle Jr.
I’ve acquired a 101st Ambulance Company wooden box with the “Yankee Division” insignia stenciled prominently. With help from this great site I’ve id’d the YD brand and seems this is an artifact from the 101st Unit of the 26th Division.
I have found no info here specific to ambulance company, any comments or information appreciated.
in addition if this is of interest to a collector or museum I’d have no issue with letting it go.
My WWI interest is more focused towards my Grandfather who was born in London Ontario Canada and served with the British Cavalry. I’ve barely touched this research task…
Greg
Had a question regarding my great grandfather’s service at Camp Devens. His naturalization form says his address as “Camp Devens 26th Co 7 B’n D. Brig.” This ultimately lead me to this division. I know he enlisted for citizenship but the description listed on his form doesn’t quite match anything I’ve read above. Does anyone know anything about a 7 B’n D Brigade?
Clyde Beckwith (Guilford, CT) served with Co. D – 103d machine gun. He wrote a letter (published in the local newspaper) dated 20 Jun 1918. I would like to see the transcription mentioned above “George M. “Dick” Wallace was a 2nd lieutenant in Company D of the 103rd Machine gun Battalion (52nd Brigade, 26th Division). I have his diaries; he wrote every day from Oct 9, 1917 to Dec 5 1918 and 93 pages of letters that I transcribed” My email is tomasellitracy@sbcglobal.net Thank you.
Hi,
This may be a slightly tall order. I have 5 relatives who served in WWI, three I believe in the Yankee division. 4 brothers, Michael, Jeff, George and John DiPesa (4th Marine Brigade, KIA Belleau Wood) and cousin Frank DiPesa (KIA unknown). Jeff DiPesa died soon after the war from mustard gas complications. I would like any info regarding any of them but especially my grandfather who lived to be 83 and was horribly scarred (legs, lungs, hands). None of those I knew spoke a word about the war. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Steve DiPesa
Great website. Thanks for the pictures.
Hello, my great grandfather, Winford T. Smith, served with the 26th Yankee Division in WW1. His dog tag states L Co 103 infantry. But then I found an old newspaper clipping of his with his photo that stated he fought with the 102 infantry in Seicheprey, France. Every year veterans from that battle would get together in remembrance of it! He brought back a German Lugar, but we are not sure who squirreled it away and has it. He lived and died in Norwalk, Connecticut, but may have been born in Vermont.
Hello wmolnary…I find you great great grandfather serving with the 103rd infantry CO L, dog tag #:69495…he may have been transferred to the 102nd as other soldiers were killed in the war…His name is mentioned in the keepsake booklet written about the 103rd infantry…a group photo is listed and his name appears in the roster…
Hello Steve….you can try going to Ancestry.com to look up info on your relations as they do have WWI enlistment registration cards on their site. .that is a start…other info you need to find info on them is where they lived when they enlisted/or the town and state they grew up in…
Hello Gregory….check out ebay lots of WWI items for sale there…you may want to sell it on ebay….
I am glad people are still replying to this site. Has anyone ever tried going to the NARA in St. Louis to look at morning reports for the 26th? https://www.loc.gov/vets/bib-factsheet.html