The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1918-10-10

that the Hun troops opposing US
might be identifed-that is, that we
might find out what divisions he had
there. Edgar, being an officer in
whom great confidence was placed,
was chosen to lead the patrol. He
realized it was dangerous mission,
but being himself, he went ahead
bravely with never murmur. The
task was to cross the river, which is
about 40 yards across, gain the bank
and take some hostile patrol prisoners
or capture one of the enemy posts
which we knew were stationed along
the bank at close intervals.
There were to be three boat loads
Of men. l don't know just how many
in all-probably about 20 to 25. Ed
gar's boat was the first across. A
landing was made and under his d.
rection the men pushed up the six-foot
bank into the edge of the wheat field
that bordered the river at this point
1t was inevitable that some slight
noise would be made by boat load Of
men rowing river in the dead of
night with every sound hushed but the
chirp of the criCkets and the night
fluttering Of birds. According to the
sergeant who accompanied Edgar,
their boat was scarcely more than
landed and they on the bank before a
German sentry perhaps 80 or 40 yards
further up the bank shot up white
flare. At the time it seems doubtful
that the first boat load had been seen,
but the second boatload was just start
ing and it may have been this that
was heard. Edgar, realizing at once
that all hope of surprise was past,
called to his men, "come on, men,
that's what we're after" (You see,
the flare enabled them to locate just
where the German post was.) With
Edgar leading, the men spread out
and advanced toward the enemy fir
ing as they went. His idea evidently
was not only to get his prisoner, but
as we'll to occupy them so that they
would not be able to fire on the other
two boats and thus prevent his rein
forcements from getting across.
According to the sergeant, it seems
that every German post along the
river must have opened up on them.
1t was hail of lead that any man
might we'll have shrunk from, there
in the dark, with only the flashing of
rifles and pistols to guide them. But
he still pushed forward, bravely en-
deavoring to fulfill his mission and
get his prisoner.
Several of his men were killed by
this time, and realizing that being SO
nearly alone, he could not hope to
60 forward, ordered the men back
fN ,.i1y ~
save themselves. AS the sergeant
told me, every man had felt that he
was going to his own death, but they
would have followed Lieutenant
Fisher anywhere. So now, they stuck
like the heroes they were till they re-
ceived his order; then made for the
river.
During all this time the enemy fire
had been so heavy that the rest of the
patrol had been unable to get across
in their boats. Perhaps it is just as
we'll, sinces they, too, would simply
have been lost. The sergeant says he
heard several splashes as he himself
dove into the water. That is all he
knew The last he saw of Lieut.:
| Fisher was while he was still facing
the enemy, fighting to the last.
You have the knowledge that Lieut..
Fisher died as only man can die,
revealing to the very last that ire
mendous bravery and disregard for
himself which all of US knew he pos
sessed. Had he lived he would be-
yond question have received some dec
GRAFTON for his courageous act.
Edgar had made place for himself
in the hearts of the officers and men
of the regiment that cannot be entire
ly filled. He is mourned not only as
another efficient officer lost, but as
a personal friend who has joined the
number of those "gone vest. He
was splendid in life. He was glorious
in the way he gave it for his country.
With the deepest sympathy for you
and the others of his home circle, I
am,
Sincerely yours,
ROBINSON MURRAY,
1st Lieut.. 38th Inf. A. f. F.