The Pensacola journal., 1920-03-07
ENGINEERS HAD
TOUGH DUTIES
SEVENTH REGIMENT PERFORM
p WHAT PERSHING CALLED
The GREATEST FEAT OF THE
WAR.

The seventh engineer regiment has
oeen allocated to the state Of Florida
by the war department. 1t is desired
byrthe recruiting service in the pres
ent statewide campaign to fill this
organization with Floridians to the au-
thorized strength.
This unit, a part of the noted fifth
division was organized at the begin
ming OF the late war and after a short
but intensive period of training in the
United States sailed for France and
arrived there during the month OF
April. 1918.
This regiment saw its first real ac-
ton in the St. Die sector, in Lorraine.
france. The members of this COM
mand We're of inestimable value to
the infantry forces by undermining
and blowing out of existence the en-
tire barbed wire obstruction OF the
enemy, leaving an opening through
which the infantry made raids
throughout the Boche sector. This
particular part of the country is in
mountainous region and it necessi-
tated the building of defenses OF a diff
ficult nature, which was accomplished
in a very creditable manner.
During the latter part of August.
1918, this organization was ordered to
the St. Mihie1 sector to take part in the
all-American offensive. During the
drive on Metz, the seventh engineers
particularly distinguished themselves
in maintaining lines of communications
and constantly repairing reads that
We're torn by the incessant fire of the
enemy. Under heavy Bochej artillery
fire the members of this regiment toll
ed untiringly.
Early in October the organization
where their unceasing efforts were
crowned with distinguished glory. On
the night of November 4, 1918, orders
were received from the. division COM
mander to effect a crossing of the
Meuse river at Dun Sur Meuse, which
necessitated the building of pontoons
and pontoon bridges. This was done
under the heaviest artillery and ma
chine gun fire For two consecutive
days and nights, these means of water
transportation were blown from un-
der the men, and with the bravery
and persistence that only the Amer
lean soldier can boast of the members
Of this unit continued TO rebuild the
bridges in the face of death itself.
The regiment suffered heavy casual
ties but succeeded in accomplishing
their duty. This crossing of the Meusa
river at this particular point, was aft
erward expressed by General Pershing
as the greatest feat of the world war
Many of the members of this command
were cited for distinguished conduct in
action, and many others are now wear
ing distinguished service crosses
which is the second highest honor that
can be conveyed by the United States
congress.
After the armistice was signed the
seventh engineers became part of the
army of occupation and while serv-
ing in this capacity, built structures
in which recreation was furnished the
American soldiers. In fact, the en-
gineers were of great Importance after
actual hostilities had ceased.
1t is desired to place before the
younger men wishing to enlist in this
organization, the splendid opportuni
ties afforded through its educational
and vocational lines. A system of
schools has been established in Camp
Gordon, Georgia, where a man may
take up any of lit different courses
pertaining to trades used extensively
throughout the country. One enlist
ment period with this organization
viii fit a young man for a useful occu-
patton in the future civil life.