The Goldfield news and weekly tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 1919-12-20

ton.
The report details at length with
the cutting out of the st. Mihiel sa-
lient and other operations Of the
summer of 1918.
General Pershing's insistance on
open warfare training for American
troops came TO a test in the Meuse-
Argonne campaign, where our
armies cut through a sector which
Germany had held since Septem-
Der, 1914, and where scarcely any
change had occurred until our forces
drove the Germans back. In this
attack a gain of Is kilometers was
equal to an advance Of IS kilome-
tiers on any other front, General
Pershing said. This region was the
pivot for German operations In
northern France, and the effect of
the American drive was to cut the
hinges of a giant gate formed by
the German lines, which was being
pushed back by the British and
French armies further up. 1t was
at the conclusion of the this attack
that the Germans Asked for peace
in time to save their armies from
complete destruction.
In discussing these operations the
report revealed that once more con-
flicting opinion had arisen over the
amalgamation of our troops, the
original plan calling for u fur
nishing divisions to the French
which would have left the Ameri-
can forces with froas eight to ten
divisions.
"The plan suggested for the Am
erican participation in these opera
lions was not acceptable to me be-
cause it would require the immedi-
ate separation of the recently
formed American First army into
several groups, mainly to assist
Frenche armies" General Pershing
! said.
He pointed out that we had al
ready made great preparations for
our individual participation in the
offensives.. The plan was finally
changed to permit the American
idea being executed. Our armies
had up to this time been scattered
from the Swiss border to the Chan
mel. In commenting OF the plan
General Pershing said:
"In my opinion no other allied
troops had the morale or the offens-
i've spirit to overcome successfully
the difficulties to be met in the
Meuse-Argonne," and he empha-
sized the need of our being allowed
full play as an American force.
In closing General Pershing paid
this compliment to the men and
women of America:
"In this brief summary of the
achievements of the American ex-
peditionary forces it would be inn
possible to cite in detail the splendid
ability, loyalty and efficiency that
characterized the service of both
combatant and non-cambatant lndi-
viduals and organizations. The most
striking quality of both officers and
men was the resourceful energy and
common sense employed. under all
circumstances, in handling their
problems.
"The highest praise is due to
commanders of armies, corps and
divisions, and other subordinate
leaders, who labored loyalty and
ably toward the accomplishment of
our task, suppressing personal opin-
ions and ambitions in the pursuit of
the common aim; and to their STATS
who developed, with battle expert
ence. into splendid teams without
superiors in any army.
1.-THE American civilians in Europe
both in official and private life, were
decidedly patriotic and loyal, and
invariably lent encouragement and
helpfulness to the armies abroad.
"The various societies especially
their women, including those of the
theatrical profession, and our army
nurses, played a most important
part in Frightening the lives of our
troops and in giving aid and COM
fort to our sick and wounded.
1.-THE navy. in European waters,
under command of Admiral Sims, at
all times cordially aided the army.
To our sister service we owe the
safe arrival of our armies and their
supplies. 1t is most gratifying to
record that there has Eve been
such perfect understanding betweei
these two branches of the service.
"Our armies were conscious of this
support and cooperation of ali
! branches of the government. Be-