Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1918-08-15
HOW THE MARINES
RECEIVED CROSSES
DESCRIPTION OF THE CEREMONY
OF THEIR DECORATION BY
THE FRENCH NATION
THEIR HERoIsM is LAUDED


Is Training Them-Uniform Physi-
cal Standards Adopted by War De-
Observation-Disclosures Tile an Essential.
(From Committee on Public Information-)
Washington Marine corps head
quarters gives the committee on pub
lie information a graphic account OF
the decoration of American marines
with the French Croix de Guerre for
heroic service in battle last May. 1t
says in part:
''Within the sound and range of the
German guns, hidden by the shelter
ing trees of q dense forest. under
heavy morning mist and a driving rain,
French veterans of Verdun, the Marine.
the Aisne and the Somme honored
their younger comrades of America by
comforting upon them the Croix de
Guerre. Thirty marines. including five
officers, were awarded this coveted
French decoration for gallant conduct,
courage and GOODNESS in action against
the enemy during the occupation of
sector by the marine brigade. OF the
total number cited in French orders
for this decoration only eleven We're
present. three having been killed in ac-
ton and sixteen were wounded and in
the field hospital.
"a number of French soldiers We're
decorated at the same time. AS is the
custom half a company from each of
the companies whose men We're hon
ored was present and drawn up so as
to form square. The presentation of
the decorations took place within this
human enclosure. The marines and
poilus. side by side, presented pic
ture symbolical of the close bond ex-
listing between America and France In
this conflict and particularly so of the
manner in which marines have worked
and fought with the French soldiers
during the period of their instructions
in an adjacent sector.
1.-THE French general who pinned
the decorations on the breasts of the
proud marines eloquently praised their
achievements in a short speech In
which he summarized their deeds of
bravery, remarking on the fine state
of discipline and efficiency of the bril-
gade, and congratulating its command
ing officer upon his excellent organi-
zation. He then pinned the little
bronze emblems on the men. and shook
each one by the hand with a personal
Uniform standards of physical ex-
aminations governing entrance into all
branches of the regular army. the ma
tional army and the National Guard
have been adopted by the war depart
ment and will be observed by the army
medical department and the local and,
medical advisory boards under the Sc
lective service regulations.
Observance of the new rules and
regulation by the local boards will
result. it is believed. in uniform ex-
aminatiOns in all parts of the country
and should prevent men physically dis
qualified for military service from be-
ing sent out to camps. The new stand
ards also will enable local physicians
to make examinations with better
understanding of the needs of the
army and will clear any misconcep-
lions and MISUNDERSTANDING that
might result in the sending to camps
of men who had been rejected.
Heretofore the physical standards
of the three armies have differed and
instances have been noted where men
who have been rejected for service by
the recruiting officers of the regular
army have been accepted for military
service by draft board physicians. I'm
der the new uniform standards this
will not be possible unless the disquali-
flying defect has been removed. The
rule for all three armies is that to
make a good soldier a man must be
able to see we'll, have comparatively
good hearing, his heart must be able
to stand the stress of physical exer-
ton. he must be Intelligent enough to
understand and execute military ma
neuvers. obey commands. protect him
self, and must be able to transport
himself by walking as the exigencies
of military life may demand
Exceptions from the new standard
rules are made in the case of men Sc
lected for special and limited service.
The experience of the past year has
enabled the medical authorities to es-
tablish these new standards of exam
nations which will relieve the local
boards Of doubt as TO decisions In I'M
usual cases. Enough such cases have
been examined to establish policy In
determining their military fitness. In
structfons are given as to what classes
of men may be accepted for limited
service. and for treatment for remedial
BILE defects.
Nearly every motion-picture theater
in the country Is enlisted in the cam
pnign of the United States employ
ment service of the department of