New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-26
US. Soldiers Race Through Mud
For Honor Of Firing First Shot
Crew Drags Big Gun by Hand to Beat Rivals; oh'cef
Who Gave Order Tells Story of This
Historic Act
By Henri Bazin

-, for afterward each man took the
trick. We used all our shells with a
given range after the first one, and
then we had to phone Quit for lack
OF ammunition. You see, we could not
bring up more and the gun besides.
They Don't Mind the Rain
ave are sure glad TO be here, every
man. The weather is nothing. II rains
everywhese. here or at home. We wish
it were ours TO stay instead of going
back after while to give way to
others"
"Did you give any special order for
that first SHELF" | asked.
"No, sir; nothing but like that you
have just heard. II was just as any
other discharge and did not count for
more beyond the honor of being first"
"Cease firing" came the voice from
the phone.
"Cease firing" commanded the lieu
tenant
Right, sir" came from the unseen
crew under the camoufiage.
AS We shook hands beofre going on,
we asked the lieutenant if We could see
the gunner. At a request, he came
forth, a simple, clear-cut, red-headed
soldier Of Irish extraction, who blushed
in modest pleasure. With that of his
officer, | repeat | wish | could tell his
name. But it is not for this time-for
a later date when il is destined to be
associated, not with the mere pulling
of a 75's lanyard, but the thing signifi-
cant and exemplifed in the pulling.
We walked on mile and a half
through mud and water TO Major IS
IN
the only dry spot of the afternoon, we
welcomed and were welcomed by re-
cent friends of the training camps back
of the lines, as well as older French in
terpreters. After greetings, we went on,
now with French lieutenant added to
our little company. In conversation
with him | found again how very small
the world is; for he knew my fathers
country, and some of his friends in the
army of France were mine.
The rain had increased. 1t was COM
ing down literally in torrents, the wind
had slightly risen, and the gray day
was dying. We made the additional
mile in silence save for heavy breath
ing, for the ground was full rolling and
here. there and everywhere were little
lakes and pools of muddy water. at
times due to natural grades, at others
TO she'll crater.
Ankle Deep in Water
And then we reached ae first COM
municator. 1t was ankle deep in wa
ter, with here and there a stepping
stone, here and there a glimpse OF
flooded Slated walk.
Standing in it, crowded against the
interlaced barked twig Innings, were
soldiers of the United States army, the
man from home, in his khaki and his
helmet and his slicker. and with his
rife. He and his fellows were the
very first | have ever seen on active
service for the United States, and !
looked in new perspective. recognizing
in a sort of establishment the same
faces | had seen all these past weeks
throwing grenades at imaginary enc
mics, stabbing sand-stutfed bags de-
picting imaginary Boches. 1t came as a
shock, although ! had been expecting II,
picturing il. II struck home. neverthe
less, and despite mental Decentralization,
that here, before me, in the pelting,
driving rain, amid the gray dying day
light, were boys from over the sea, near
the front line; that little beyond.
their fellows were in the front line. and
that each and all were there with their
breasts and faces confronting these
hated enemies of my fathers France.
At last, saw and sensed that for
which | had dreamed and hoped during