Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-18
PHILADELPHIANS
CITED AS HEROES
307th Trench Mortar Bat
terry, a City Unit, Hon.
Ored i'm Entirety
PRIVATE is REWARDED
Fred E. Billinan, Medical De-
partment, Gets Service Cross
for Bravery

Another Philadelphian has been
awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
and number of other local soldiers
have been cited for conspicuous bravery
st the front.
Private Fred f. Bil,man, Medical De-
North Eleventh street. was awarded
the medal for doing first-aid work di-
rectly under the fire of enemy machine
guns. The 307th Trench Mortar Bat
terry, made up entirely of Philadelphans,
has been cited, and Joseph r. Angelo,
of Camden has won similar honor
Corporal c. L. Greinger tells CT the
citation of the trench mortar battery
in a letter TO friends here
Fired Barrage Under Bombardment
1nclosed with the letter is a copy of
a citation commencing the battery for
firing a barrage from the most ex-
treme front lire salient of the entire
zone of the First Army. less than 500
meters from the enemy's machine guns,
and under a most terrific bombardment
from dominating positions of his bat
terles controlled by enemy airplanes."
The citation continues:
The perfect self-possession of ON
GERS and men during this bombardment,
as well as the orderly withdrawal. under
severe fire, of guns and personnel from
the trenches, after the completion of the
barrage. was highly creditable."
nntnhar To-
writes, the battery had 1856 men on its
rolls from Pennsylvania Of these.
seventy-two were from Philadelphia. At
present there are ninety-three men from
Pennsylvania and thirty-seVen Of them
are from Philadelphia. The larger num-
ber from Philadelphia are serving as
noncommissioned officers. privates, first
class, or in special capacities.
The battery sailed overseas on May
IS. 1918. and saw service on the
Chateau-Thierry, Toul and Argonne
fronts.
Bravery in action a few days
before the armstice was signed won
citation for bravery and the Dis.
tlngushed Service Cross for Joseph T.
Angelo, of Camden. who saved the life
OF his commanding officer within forty
yards of spoutng German machine guns
Award Made by General ROckenbacIt
In awarding the decoration to Private
Angelo on behalf of the commander
in chief of the American army. who was
unable TO make the award in person
Brigadier General Rockenbach, COM
manding the first brigade, said
The commander-in-chie In tele-
gram Of this date expresses his regret
at his inability to be present and pre-
sent yOur decoration and directs II n.
done by the chief of the tank corps.
When Napoleon acclaimed mar
brave and placed on his breast the media
of heroic conduct. the man was hero
the envy and inspiration of all hi.
comrades.
To-day a voice greater than Napoleon.
speaks to US. From 5000 miles away the
mighy organ CT 100000, 900 people peals
forth its strains CT victory carrying
ITS thrilling music TO our very souls, il
pronouncing you conspicuous amont
brave men for extraordinary heroism II
action.
'"ro the end of time your name /.
written in gold on the pages of ouI
nations history. You have attained
Immortality.
''Conquerors OF death--who have faced
the grim reaper and been not afraid
keep the faith, Be brave, intelligent
cool and diligent in peace as you hav,
been in war Remember that thousand
have died without the glory of your re
ward Thousands have shaved to plac
and support you before the enemy
Thousands who have not had your op
portunity, long for il, and are inspire,
to emulate your action.
For the chief, / thanl
you and congratulate you"