The Snowflake herald. [volume] (Snowflake, Ariz.) 1913-1969, 1922-05-26
BY JESSIE DELL,


Historian Quarermaster Corps United States Army)
INV THE quartermaster corps of the
United States army has fallen the
reverent task of bringing home the
soldier dead, returned for burial I'M
der the stars and stripes.
rsznSN On March 30 last, the army trans
NkLS$9N port Cambria reached New York with
FlI SAN 1929 fag-draped collins With her
w kT1 arrival, the solemn duty of the quar-
NfE 1KI termaster corps of returning the bod
XS4EH9pX les of those who fell in France,
UfGHN%-A practically completed
~ " - There are left over seas now only
80 bodies to be brought back to the
Omitted States, the last of the 4441S of those
Americans who will be buried in the homeland
About $1,000 more will sleep forever overseas. ac-
eOTding to the desires of their next of kim
At this time it is fitting to tell our people just
now America has been returning to the bosom of
their native land the mortal remains OF thousands
Of her sons who followed the flag
1 .S tha 5Sam T bS9 Do Gags are fd
This sacred duty under the direction of Major
General IL. L. Rogers, quartermaster general of
the army is performed by the graves registration
service through the cemeteral division and the
efficient, sympathetic and reverent manner in
which IL is done has been a of satisfaction
TO every one.
That may visualize the work involved
its methods and operations in preparing our SOL
der dead for the last jOurney-we will endeavor
to draw a picture which will show step by STEP
how this has been accomplished
Early morning finds the field operating units
ready for the days work and with trucks con-
tanning all materials necessary-tools implements
baskets and shipping bOXes-they start on their
way TO the sacred regions where lie our soldier
dead Each unit has its corps of highlyspecial-
ICED and technical men in mortuary affairs Gem
balmers, undertakes and technical assstants) to
perform this service. The working squads or la
borers composed chiefly of ex-service men,
Guards and watchmen attached to each unit
are also discharged American soldiers, and during
the time that the bodies under the Jurisdiction
Of operating units this guard is constantly on
duty over them A commissioned officer filling
dual capacity of commanding officer and inspector
Is in command of each unit.
Once at the graves excavating is commenced
When the bodies reached only one is al
lowed to be lifted to the surface of the ground at
time, in order that no possible chance will be
taken in confusing identities. This is a REQUIRE
ment rigidly adhered to. The outer wrapping of
the body is removed and search is made for ident
fcation tags and marks; when found they are Sc
curely fastened to the remains; the body is then
wrapped in new, clean blanket.
The Identification disk and long narrow strip
of aluminium, showing name rank and organiza-
ton, taken from the cross or star which marked
the grave, is pinned to the blanket over the chest
of the dead. Tenderly lifting and placing the BODY
in metallic cOntainer is the next STEP using
soft. fiat cushions padding to hold the BODY
steady; after this soft, clean sheet is carefully
tucked in, further insuring against the shifting
of the body during transportation
After this the metallic cOntainer is placed in
its silk-lined casket of chestnut wood or oak and
81. too, is securely fastened; across the head of
the lid is attached narrow aluminium strip show
ing the name, serial number, rank and organiza
ton OF the soldier, and the number of the grave
and cemetery from which the body was taken
The casket is then placed in the shipping box
which has been secured by the blocks of white
wood chestnut, covered with white plush to
prevent marring or scratching the casket
Name, rank and organization is then stenciled
on each end of the shipping case. A tag giving
the name and address of the consgnee is tackled
20 the side, and the whole box is enveoped with
eur flag, which remains until the body is placed
on the transport for sailing.
The sun sinking low in the West sees all bodies
which have been exhumed entirely prepared for
shipment, for this Is another requirement which
e. Fizsdly adhered to. The bodies are then placed