New-York tribune., 1918-04-30
Massachusetts, Soldiers Get
War Crosses for Brav-
cry in Battle
1O4th Regiment Is
Decorated as Unit
Troops Bore Brunt of Ger
man Attack Upon Apre-
mont Forest
1nr The Associates, rn.s,

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN
FRANCE. April 2S.-The French army
to-day paid an historic tribute TO the
United States, when l22 soldier sons
OF Massachusetts, We're decorated with
the war cross for bravery displayed
In recent fighting. The ceremony,
which was held on picturesque field
short distance from the front line
trenches, was one Of the most impress
sive IN which American soldiers have
participated since their entry into the
war,
One hundred and seventeen men
from the l04th (Massachusetts) Rogi-
ment, who bore the brunt Of the Ger
man attack in the Apremont Forest on
April II, received medals, as did Ave
men of another regiment, who had par
ticipated In earlier fighting around
scissors, Here and there in the limo
of heroes were spaces representing
Americans who were killed or wounded
seriously.
It had been raining in the forenoon,
but the sun broke through the grayish
clouds when the loAth Regiment. which
also was decorated as unit, passed in
review before American and French
generals.
Within Sound of German Guns
Bands played "The Star~Spangleti
Banner" and "The Marseillsise," while
the American and French flags waved
proudly and denantly within sound of
the roar Of German guns.
The French general, in comforting
the decorations, said Of the regiment:
Mt showed the greatest audacity and
fine spirit of sacrifice. Subjected to
very violent bombardments and at
tackled by largo German forces, it
succeeded in checking the dangerous
advance, and took, at the point of the
bayonet, in a most vigorous way, pris-
oners and some demolished trenches
from which it had fallen back at the
first assault"
The few civilian spectators who wit
messed the ceremony included several
French women, residents of villages
near the front. They cheered as the
young Americans, wearing full equip
ment and helmets. marched by. Some
Americans attached to other units,
were greatly moved when the band
played the national anthem.
The General commanding the Amer
lean forces shook hands with and spoke
words of encouragement to each of
the men decorated, saying it was the
proudest moment Of his life to be the
commander of men who had done such
great honor to the country.
Deeds of Valor
Some of the heroic deeds for which
the Americans were decorated with the
Cross of War are translated from the
French citation as follows:
Chaplin John B. des Wales, "With
extraordinary heroism and exceptional
devotedness to duty under uninter.
rupted fire and at the constant risk OF
his life he did not cease to tender aid
to the wounded and he encouraged tc
renewed efforts the men who were
weakened in hard fighting"
Chaplain Walton S. Banker: "At the
time of the attack, particularly note
worthy was the devotedness and spirit
Of sacrifice with which he attended the
sick and wounded and bestowed the
last rite to the dead. Facing the
enemy from April 2 to April IA, par
ticularly on April 10, II and 13, he
remained in the front line trenches
encouraging the men during the
clash"
Private Joseph ]. Cannon: "With ex-
ceptional courage and devotedness, on
April l2, volunteering to accompany q
comrade to an advanced post during
the attack, he held the enemy in check
with machine gun and prevented the
advance until his comrade, Corporal
Russell A. Hoyt, was killed and himself
seriously wounded"
Sergeant John B. Bourgeois: "With
calmness, judgment and bravery. on
April II he held his post after the
commander had been killed, and re-
pulsed the enemy by organizing and