The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-10-27
U.S., in
BAT Tie
-
AMERICANS ARE
IN A FIRST LINE
FRENCH TRENCH
Red Haired Gunner Fired First
Shot at a. m.
During Duel Germans Replied
Shot for Shot.
WITH VETERAN FRENCH FORCE
Both Infantry and Artillery of
u. S. Have ''MOved In"
Occupy Trenches in Night With
out Enemy Knowing it.
CLOSE TO FOES BATTLE LINE
-,Sar-rioS Couldn't Help Whis-
- Ting But Ordered to Stop.
Realize in for a ''Straff When
BOches Find 1t Out.
Both Infantry and Artillery of
L. S. Have "MOved In."
Occupy Trenches in Night With
out Enemy Knowing it.
CLOSE TO FOES BATTLE LINE
-, -,Sar-r-ios Couldn't Help Whis-
- Ting But Ordered to Stop.
Realize in for a "Straff" When
BOches Find 1t Out.

With the American Army in France,
oct. 27.-(By the Associated Press)
American troops are in the first line
trenches on the French front. The
artillery fired the first shot OF the war
at o'clock on the morning Of a
recent day at a German working
Inrty There has been intermittent
artillery fighting since.
FOtIuwins is the first official stS-e-
ment issued from the American head
quarters:
IN continuation of their training as
nucleus for instruction later n con-
tingent of some battalions of our first
contingents, in association with vet
eran French battalions, are in the
first line trenches of a quiet sector
on the French front. They are sup
PORTED by some batteries of our artil-
Iery. in association with veteran
French batteries.
The sector remains normal Our
men have adapted themselves to ac-
tual trench conditions in the most
satisfactory manner"
Move in During Rain.
Helmeted infantry marched in with
out the knowledge of the enemy on
NAAN oeilAAC llSAlls lIlIOuSA ram ana
mud. The French soldiers in the
trenches welcomed them enthusias-
tically.
The nearest enemy trench is Sc veraI
hundred yards away. The sector is
one of the quietest on the front. 1t
has not been taken over, being under
the control of troops under the di-
rection of the French.
The Americans have shelled Ger
man positions and troops, the enemy
sending shell for shell. The case of
the first shell fired will be sent to
PRESIDENT Wilson. The case is now
IN the possession of General Sfbert
The shot was fired by a red-haired
gunner as his comrades in the ranks
and the assem- )led officers cheered
Later luncheon in the field was at
tended by the Americans and French
artillery men in celebration of the
flrst American contact with the
enemy
French 75's Used by United States.
The gun used in firing the first shell
was one of the famous French
15's. on the second day the French
shelled a German battery position
which was located by sound nd the
enemy replied vigorously. proiectiles
railing close to tn Americans who
Joined IN the artillery duel All the
troops Will be relieved after a certain
period by others. Thus the American
eXperditonary forces are getting the
benefit of actual war conditions.
Standing in a little. almost desert
ed sheli-wrecked village, well within
hostile gun range. and a few l5ilome+.
ers from the trenches, the Associate
Press correspondent watched tbe
troops marching up in a driving rafr
over roads covered with sticky mud
The artillery had been firing all daI
and as a result the impression wa
given that there was considerable
lCnnIlnmeh an l,aga lwnl