The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1919-04-11

had been stabilized. and on July 1s
1918, took glorious part in the first
phase of the great allied offensive.
From there you went to st. Mihiel
and finally to the Meuse- Argonne
operations, one of the greatest often
sives of the war, where you valiant
ly uphold your past traditions"
The general went on to say that
without the great American army
the allies would never be debating
the peace that they are today, name
ly an allied peace. After nearly -four
years of hard fighting. they were be-
coming discouraged. It was only the
reviving influence of our army that
gave them new hope for their cause,
and the fighting ability of the finest
soldiers in the, world that finally
achieved for them the victory that is
being celebrated today.
Continuing he said, You have a
right to be proud, your record has
been one OF unqualified success and
victory. When you go home, and are
able to say YOU were member OF
the First Division, nothing further
need be said. The honor you have
won. you must uphold in civil life
with as much distinction as you have
in battle. In your home communities
your advice will be sought on local
and national affairs. and you must
now see to ii that the faith of the
nation in your citizenship will not be
misplaced.
When begin speaking of the
First Division. there is no limit to
my praise and appreciation. ray-
self picked the regiments of this
division, and il has been TO my great
regret that ] have never been able
to command them in the field.
Finally | want you to uphold the
fine record of morality you have
shown in the past, and go home IT,
your fire side as clean as when you
left them. If you do, it will be a
double victory and honor to yol.r
name"
For all YOU have done. in the
name of the Expeditionary Forces
and of the American people, thank
you. thank. thank YOU"
Headquarters First division
American Evolutionary Forces. Oc-
tober 10. 1918. Germany's Tribute TO
the First Division Today captur-
cd colonel of the German army ar:
rived at our division cage. He was
cold. hungry and broken in spirit.
After four years of severe fighting
and constant service in his army, he
was taken prisoner bv the troops of
the victorious First division.
"The following is the substance of
his remarks: Yesterday | received
orders to hold the ground at all
costs. The American barrage adj
vanced toward nv position and the
work of your artillery was marvellous.
The barrage was so dense that it was
impossible for us, to move, out of our
dugout. Following this barrage
closely were the. troops of the First
division. saw them forge ahead and
knew that all was lost. All night
remained in my dug -out. hoping
vainly that some thing would happen
that would permit nae to rejoin my
army This mornihg your troops
found me and here am. after four
years of fighting a prisener
Yesterday ! knew that the First
division was opposite u.s. and l knew
that we would have to put up the
hardest fight Of the war; The First
division is wonderful and the German
arlny knows it,s We did mot believe
that within five, years the Americans
would develope, a division such as the
First division. The work of it's in
fantry and artillery is worthy of the
best armies in 1.-THE worId.i'
The above tribute to the First di-
vision comes from one of Germanv's
seasoned field officers. 1t is with
great pleasure that we learn that even
our enemies recognize The courage,
valor and efficiency of our troops.
The work done by the First division
during the past few days will go
down in history as one of those
memorable events which will live in
the hearts of the American people
for generations to come.
Every member Of this command
well deserves the enthusiastic con-
gratulations rom. and the high
respect in which it is held by our
comrades in arms by the entire
American nation.
By command of Major General
Summerall: Thomas r. Gowen-
! lock, Captain, Infantry, u. S. A. A.
c. of s.. CO.
The following : is the statement of
German officers tribute to the
eighteenth division:
| The above We're sent to Mrs. Leo
kiffe, mother of Corporal Kiffe.
Eli Shaver writes, the following
, letter to his mother, Mrs. William
Shaver:
Garmony Eabr,or,, Ok 1910 Door