The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1920-11-06

Lieut.. J. q. Steinel, son Of John
Steinel OF Milwaukee, was In charge
Of the American soldiers who routed
the Russian troops that attacked the
Americans with their armored train
some weeks ago. AS a result he has
been recommended for the distinguish |
ed service medal by his commanding
officer.
Lieut.. Steinel, who now is on his
way home, writes as follows about
the clash:
"a few days before we were at
tackled by the Russians in their ar
mored car we had received orders to
move to Vladivostok and thence to
the Philippines. Being in box cars,
this was not difficult, so we loaded
up our belongings, filed up with wood
to keep warm.
"The Russians had armored trains
and we expected trouble with them
some time or other. Under the ex-
cuse that they are looking for arms
they rob, pillage and kill wherever
they please.
Train Heavily Armed.
This we would not permit In the
American sector, and gave them sew
eral ultimatums to get out. They had
their trains equipped with machine
guns, grenades, rifles, one Founders
and S-inch guns, and all engines were
protected with concrete reinforcement
and loopholes to shoot from.
They had passed us several times.
but never made a move. But one night
we were informed by our interpreter
that the Russians in the neighborhoodI
expected trouble. We increased the
guard at the long bridge, also around
the cars in which we live. AT midnight
an armored train came into the sta
ton opposite us. They began loading
up with wood. I Immediately ordered
my men to get up, but kept them in
the cars. went to the station to see
II anything unusual had occurred, but
| everything appeared quiet. I ordered
my men to retire, but we doubled our
| guard. The other officer and myself
had just begun to retire when the SER
geant came in and reported that he
] thought the Russians meant business.
In about two minutes, with most Of
our 80 men still asleep, the Russians
opened fire On us with machine guns,
| rifles and grenades.
"Our men were ordered out at once
and they got under the cars and re-
turned the fire. It seemed hopeless
against an armored train. Our SER
geant was killed In a few minutes
/ Hxyf10 hd off tod 10 Al,
engine, but before he was knocked of
he threw hand grenade at the train,
which helped to force the Russians to
surrender. One of our corporals had
/ both legs blown of The Russian ar
mored train stopped about fifty yards
from our cars and for a few moments
they gave US everything they had. But
we kept after them in skirmish line
fashion and soon they told as they
were ready to surrender.
Plan to Burn Village.
"They admitted that they had been
drinking and that they intended first
to kill of all the Americans and then
burn the village, as they claimed that
stock Of arms and munitions were In
this place.
'"They had a crew Of seven officers
and seventy men, while we had two Of
ficers and thirty-five men. All we had
were three automatic rifles, grenades
and rifles, while they had eight ma
chine guns, rifles for every man, one
FOUNDER, three-inch gun and gren-
AIDES.
''The big prize, besides the train.
was the general who was In command
Of all their armored trains, and their
captain.
'It was quite an exciting experiences
for 45 minutes and something I VIII
never forget. All of our men have
been recommended for distinguished
service medals for their gallant attack
against the armored train"