The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-08-06
Evening Chat

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The Official Rglle,'n for Thur,d"r.
August / carries a most interestiHs
story Of the decoration Of thirty Z.
s. Marines Ly Frcach Ve'7rar7 ~
Verdun, Of the Marne, end az the Ais9o
With thu CrOix de Ggc.e tCs05s {
War for gallant con'-c; courage an
eoolnoss II acton agd.l't the e1-mt
during the occupation Of a sector by
the marine brigade. AAcng the th!rt}
D. 3. Marines cited for bravery thee
q the name OF Thomas ". UnGe.
wood OF Falrvlew, son OF Mrs. Cal"
Underwood Of that town.
uoItoU u popnoA sU& pooAIspun
but coufage1usly rcm,ined at his
combat post, continuing TO fire and
displaying heroic courage, and with
tie assistance OF his comrades fin
ally forced the greatly Outnumbered
enemy 10 retire with heavy losses.
Of the thirty men who we're award
a with decorations, but eleven Of
them were able 10 attend the cere-
monies. Some were dead and Others
we're 80 severely wounded that the"
vet remained IN the hospital. TIL
FepoFt does not indicate whether or
not Underwood was among the six
teen who we're not able 10 attend the
ceremonies because Of serious in!uT
ies.
The decorations were awarded IN
olmost ell cases for courageous acton
during an attack on the marines BY
a strong detachment Of specially
trained assault troops. known as the
famous 'Hindenberg Circus" II was
TIE first large raid which the Germans
attempted on q part OF cur sector, and
4 was nipDed IN the bud and complete
IL frustrated. due to the fact that the
marines WerS very much awake and
On the Job. The boche launched the
raid upon q small portion Of the sec
tor which had iust been turned ovci
b. one company to another during the
process Of q battalion relief.
instances Of Individual Courage.
In addition Ia the splendid manner
N which this company repealed the
attack % the enemy. superior in num-
Der, there we're many instances OF In
diVidual courage and bravery on the
part Of noncommissloned officers and
men. both In the handto-hand combat
lor possession Of the trenches and in
holding important posts in the face
% TIE enemy. The marines Tepellcn
ne attack successfully and forced the
enemy % retreat hurrledly. leaving
behind . toll Of killed and wounded,
both OFFICERS ard men.
TIE French general who pinned the
decorations on the breasts Of the
proud marines eloQuently praised
Ih6if achievement in a short speech
n which 10 summarized their deeds
of bravery. Iemarking on the fine
state OF discipline and efficiency OF
ne brigade, and cOngratulating its
organization. He then pinned the 1T
commanding officer upon his excellent
10 hFonIe omblems on the men. and
shook each one by the hand with a
personal word Of congratulatiOn.
The ceremonies over, the officers
look their position on the side Of the
road winding through the forest, and
ne companies. first the French and
then tie American, marched by in
review % the lively tune Of the
Mafche Lorraine" The French, in
column % two. led by q brOnzed, wiry
veteran mounted on q horse. his SAber
faised % the position Of salute, the
Wind Tapping back his mud-smeared
oyefcoat, while the blinking rays Of
ne morning sun ondeaVored TO pene.
II1lo The pOArly mist, reminded one
~ q painting By DetaIlle."