New Britain herald., 1919-09-18
OF COMPANIES E: AND \ HAS BEEN ONE
 THAT CITY IS PROUD OF
Military Company and the Secheprey Chateau 1heny St. 1ihe
 Argonne Gandfahes
 Dadde

support position When the word relief came the boys were gladdened, for in their time in the Chateau Thierry sector, some very exciting moments had crept into their lives. The rest period consisting of Is days, was passed at BisSy-la-Cote, Cote Dor sector, near Chatil1on. On August 30, the boys again entrained at Latrecy for Longville, near Bar-le-Duc.
 Also in St. Mihiel Drive
 The St. Mihiel push was next, and the 102nd was destined to participate in this as in the other important scraps. The companies hiked for five nights, sleeping during the day, in the heavily thicketed woods for which France is well known. On September 12, 1918, when General Pershing's own American army was about to fling itself at the fast crumpling German army, the 102nd entered the lines to the right of the historic city of Verdun.
 In the ArgOnne.
 October 6 found the 1O2nd regiment in the Argonne Forest, that hell-hole that will live for many years in the minds of those who went through it during the great offensive that opened on the night of September 26, and terminated on the morning of Novem- Der Il, With the signing of the armi- stice. The 102d occupied what was known as Belleau Woods. Three days after taking their position in this sector, the word lover the top" was given, and in the manner that they had distinguished themselves at Chateau-Therry and the other fronts, ~l,o{- sufficient punishment to "Jerry' to leave memory that will not be for gotten for many a day. Three times on this memorable m day did the local companies go over tho top. Relief came to them on October 29. 1918. Again on November 7, the 102nd re- sumed their activities on the fast fad ing Hun hordes. The local companies were with the outfit that continued to make excellent progress in the scrap, and on November 13, after holding all their objectives, the start was made for the last trip behind the lines before starting on that ever wei come journey 2,000 miles across the Atlantic ocean, to home, friends and happiness.
 The eight kilometres march landed the 102nd in Verdun. They next moved to Mandres, Haute-Marne, where they remained until Jan uary 27 when they again moved to St. Briey- y-en- -Blin. The final move that started them on their voyage was started on March 27, for Brest Here the local boys remained until March 31, when they finally set sail for Gods country", landing in Boston, Mass, at o'clock on the afternoon of April 8.
 Arrive Back Home.
 Their first view of home was the occasion of greeting in the Boston harbor, a small boat carrying the banner of New Britain on it. The joy of the boys knew no bounds. They were surrounded by loving parents and friends, and for a few brief moments the experiences of Chemin- des- Danes, Toul, Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiel and Argonne was forgotten.
 The boys were sent at Cnce to Camp Devens, where they were released from a service that they had rendered so gloriously and faithfully to their country. For such service as rem dered by the boys of the famous "Y D. no more fitting tribute can be paid than, Well done thou good and faithful servants
 While the boys of Cos. I and F were acquitting themselves with glory, oth- CT New Britainites were also render ing to their country, excellent war work. On the land. and sea, in the air and other branches, patriotic sons of New Britain went forth to participate in the worlC war for Christianity and righteousness. Many of the local lads, who were sent from the various cantonments, found them selves after landing on the soil of France, assigned to repla cement com panes sent into action to fill up gaps, and many of the other divisions that have returned with glory after val orous work, had enrolled in their ranks boys from New Britain. It is then only fitting that the people of New Britain, should turn out and accord to these boys. a tr1b- ute that is both fitting and merited.