The Oskaloosa herald., 1917-05-24
WORLD s FINEST
CO TO TRENCHES
GEN. JOHN j. PERsHING WILL
lUC 10 l Hlti
LEA DTHEMt INTO FRANCE.
BEST TRAINED in THE WORLD
President Wilson Directs That An
Expeditionary Force of Approx
mateIy a Division Of Regulars
Go To France.

Washington, May 19.-"The finest
body of troops in the world" that is
what foreign military man said
about Pershings troops in Mexico
| about four months ago.
They are the men that will make
Pershing's $4,000 men,'-the first
American troops to enter France.
They are the men that went across
the hell hike" thirty-nine miles
without water, in baking sun. and
were singing when they pitched
camp at night.
Americans all will be proud of
these men. They are the pick of
the army which followed Pershing
into Mexico after villa They are
the best trained of all the American
soldiers. or for that matter of all of
the soldiers in the world
After their first rush into Chihua-
! hua City, the little army settled down
in the sun to await orders from Per-
shing. While they were there wait
ing, Pershing gave them the best of
, training that they had ever under
igone.
For eleven months they drilled and
drilled and drilled. The war depart
ment was waking up. The lessons
, of the worlds wars were eagerly
, seized upon.
After a chase of endless warfare
! Pershing began training the men.
Modern training was practiced day
: by day, under military men who had
|, watched Kitchener whip his million
, into the trench work. New trenches
were dug and they practiced going
over the tops"
: For months they practiced across
: deserts on heights of 10, is and 20
miles. 1t was severe training. But
the fruits which have been harvested
by going over the front trenches
. has been duly earned.
! Orders Troops To France.
!. Washington, d. c., May 10. Pres
ident Wilson late last night directed
:, that an expeditionary force OF ap-
proximately a division of regular
troops, under command of Maj Gen.
John J. Pershing, proceed to France
at as early a Gate as practicable
General Pershi 8 and staff will pre-
cede the troops.
Maj. Gen. John ]. Pershing, is after
perhaps the late General Funston,
one of the idols of the army. He,
. as commander of the expeditionary
force which penetrated Mexico and
held his position there against con-
: tinual handicaps, showed the spirit of
logged determination that seems to
have characterized the successful
commanders on the European battle
fronts.
Pershing, on the death of General
Funston, was made commander of
the department OF the south, in
charge Of the border Reorganization
!. when the state guard units were re-
turned north. He has served with
distinction in the Philippines and is
one of the younger generals in whom
, the army has full confidence.
- Marines to Accompany.
Washington, May ia regiment
, of marines, about $500 men, under
the command of Colonel Charles A.
l Doyen, will accompany General Per
). shing's first American expedition OF
) $4,000 men to France.
The regiment will be composed
, principally of organizations which
{ have recently seen service in Haiti,
San Domingo and Cuba.
r This was the announcement of
the navy department today.
f They will be equipped and organ
{ they will serve.
. Flyers to Be First
New York, May 19.-America's first
I squadron of air flyers will probably
; beat General Pershing's first expedi-
S ton into France.
& The first reserve aero squadron of
. one hundred and fifty-four men, thir-
< ty-four of the pilots and the rest me-
: chanics, have been modified here
! and will be on the French front with
/ in few weeks.
q The squadron will fly French battle
! planes under the Stars and Stripes.
!. The men were training in govern
ment aero schools, ST.
No Roosevelt Holunteers.ll
Washington, ID. c.. May 19-Colo-
mel Roosevelt will not be permitted
to raise his volunteer expedition to
? carry the American flag against the
! Germans in France.
!, On signing the war army bill.
!. President Wilson issued statement
saying that acting under expert adj
vice from both sides of the water. he
would be unable TO avail himself at
the present stage of the war Of the
I authorization to organize volunteer
: divisions.
There was tai in army circles OF
a the possibility that way would be
s found to susier the former presidents
eorufoae o.F,tI, t.s.t <.ftt.t<.l