South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-09-07

The first division constituted the
first American troops sent 20 France.
under the command Of Mai. Cen
william L sibert. II began 10 arrive
in June OF 1917 and all OF the ele-
rnents were transported during the
summer. After landing the division
was rsorganized and finally consist
ed OF the following troops.
First infantry brigade. composed
OF the 10th infantry and the 18th
infantry.
Second infantry brigade. composed
OF the 2sth infantry and the 28th
infantry.
First. second and third machine
gun battalions.
~ First field artillery brigade COM
posed OF the Nth field artillery.
sixth field artillery. seventh field ar
tHfery. first trench mortar battery.
afet ammunition train and first mo-
: bile ordnance repair shop first en-
gineers. first engineer train, first
supply train: first sanitary train.
consisting o. the 2nd, 3rd. 18th and
18th ambulance companies and the
End. ard, 18th and 10 field hospitals.
first division headquarters troop.
military police company No. 1, sec
ond field signal battalion, machine
shop truck units No 301 and NO. 2.
mobile surgical unit No. 2, sales
commissary unit No. 800, bakery
unit No. 30S. laundry unit No. 314.
clothing and bathing unit No. 319,
pack train No 10,
The infantry OF the division was
trained with the 69th French divi-
sion. while the artillery instruction
was conducted at Valdahen. To Gen.
Monroe, who commanded the 69th
French division. and to his officers
and soldiers. and 10 Col. MaitrO.
with his able assistants from the
French field artillery, who conduct
ed the training at VaIdahen. are due
the progress and the foundation for
tie future brilliant career Of the
first division. In fact the first divi-
sion became the model for the sue
ceed!ng American divisions. and in
structors were sent from II 10 assist
in training the officers and soldiers
at the various camps OF instruction
and firing centers.
Upon the completion OF the train
mervillier sector in Lorraine be-
tween oct q and Nov. 20, 1917.
Battalions Of infantry and artillery
were grouped with corresponding
units OF the 18th French division for
instruction in the methods OF &C
cupying and holding a sector. It so
happened that the infantry was
raided by the enemy the first night
or their entry in,o the sector and
before they had time 70 orient them
selves IN the trenches During this
raid. the division sustained its first
casualties. The result was 10 inten-
sifv the hatred OF the enemy and TO
increase the vigilance Of the troops.
During the occupation, the total loss
Is Of the division amounted TO two
enlisted men killed. one officer and
A. enlisted men wounded and II en-
listed men prisoners.
Upon leaving the Sommervillier
sector. the division was assembled
in the Gondrecourt area, where a
vigorous course OF training was con-
unued through the unusually cold
winter until the middle Of January,
1918. on Jan. I 8, the division re-
lieved the first Moroccan division IN
the AnsauviIle sector, north OF TOul
The sector covered a front OF Z -
kuometers extending from the
Etang de Romieres, which afterward
became well known 10 the American
troops At this time. the division was
commanded by Mai. Gen. Robert L.
Billiard. with Lieut. Col. (afterward
b-igadier generan Campbell King
as chief or staff The first infantry
brigade was commanded by Brig
Gen. George r. Duncan. the second
infantry brigade by Brig Gen. Beau
mont y. Buck and the first field ar
tiIIery brigade by Brig Gen. Charles
p Summerall.
In order to accustOm the troops
to the conditions Of the sector be
fore placing the entire responsibility
upon the division, the command Of
the sector was exercised by Gen
Monroe OF the seth French division
which was on the right. until Feb
5. when II passed 10 Gen. Billiard
The division was under the 32nd
French army corps, in the first
French army. Gen. Debeny. who
commanded the army. and Gen
Passage. who commanded the corps
well 9S the CnleIS or arUluerN OF
the army and the corps, made fire.
quent visits TO the division and gave
valuable advice and instruction upon
all subjects pertaining 20 the de-
Tense Of the sector and the safety OF
the troops To them and 20 Gen
Monroe the division is deeply i'm
debted for much OF the success that
attended its tour OF duty. AT the
same time, the entire personnel dis
played the keenest interest and de
sire 10 develop a high standard of
efficiency Efforts were especially de
rected toward establishing close
liaisOn and hearty cooperation be-
tween the infantry and the artillery
and the foundation was here laid for
hat unity Of action and the good
feeling that characterized the divi-
sion in its subsequent career.
On March l. the enemy made q
raid. with 10 men. against the Bots
de Romieres. The third battalion OF
the 18th infantry which Occupiei