The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-10
NO MORE NORTH OR
 SOUTH AMONG BOYS
 IN GREAT CONFLICT.
Men of 27th and 30th Divi- sions Love and Honor Each Other and Are
 Proud of Association

Montfort, France, February 2f. Special Correspondence) - Reference to the Twenty-seventh and Thirtieth divisions as sister divisions" was made in commendatory letter ad- dressed recently to Major Gen. John F. ORyan. commander of the former unit, by Lieut.. Gen. John Monash Of the Australian forces. In that letter New Yorks Own" and the division comprising Tennessee, North and South Carolina troops were praised for their gallant service with the British and Australians. and were lauded for their terrific fight in crushing and captur- ing the Hindenburg line.
 That military genius, who in the four and a half years in which the war was in progress from an humble private to the rank he now holds, paid high tribute to Major Gen. O'Ryan. The officers and enlisted men of both units which comprised the Second army corps were commended for their dash and bravery in battle.
 General Monash happily pointed to the good fellowship that grew up be- tween the "diggers" and the Twenty seventh and Thirtieth division men out of intimate association in the field and in battle. He further ob served an increasing affection between New Yorks division and that from the southland Expressions of that feel ing between the northern and south ern troops have frequently been mada by officers and men from either unit.
 There is no division in the allied forces with which we of the Twenty seventh would rather fight than with the Thirtieth." high official of the Empire state division told a staff of ficer of the Thirtieth division at an of ficers, get together session in Le Mans few dayssago.
 sir. the feeling is mutual, let me assure you" was the reply of the southern commander.
 And that attitude obtains down to the humblest doughboys as is evil denced by scenes and statements one observes and hears wherever men from the two units meet. Le Mans, the con- tral city in the authorization area in which Major Gen. O'Ryan's command and the Thirtieth division are awaiting orders to embark for the states, is flooded with men from both divisions Arm in arm they saunter through the streets. The comeraderie between them Is beautiful.
 Those boys from the north and south who have grown to admire one another for their energy and courage and high-mindedness will never forget the night of September 29, 1918
 It was on that night that they lined up--the north abreast the southland waited for the zero hour. The New York boys looked to Major General ORyan and their comrades from the south to Major General Reed. And when the zero hour came and the whitening barrage fell from the guns of the British and Australian artii- lery which was backing them up, they went over ogether-Tennesseea North and South Carolinians and New Workers It was an awful night. Five times, before the enemy's line had been attacked without success. The Twenty-seventh and Thirtieth di- visions were determined not to stop until they had accomplished what other troops had failed to accomplish. On they went at an awful cost of life, and they triumphed
 These boys who fought so gallantly in France had formed an acquaintance