South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-06-05
U. S. PRESENTS
MEDAL OF HONOR
TO FRENCH CITY
Impressive Ceremonies Mark
Kerrick's Delivery of Con
gressional Award.

Continued from page one1
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corps concentrated around Verdun.
also had Il railroads at their dis
posla and more than 5000 pieces OF
artillery Of all canbres. The French
with a river in their rear. had one
railroad. which was under enemy
Ere By sacrificing men and ma
terlsl on a lavish scale, the Ger
mans counted upon rapidly over
coming AL obstacles. smashing the
defenders resistance under a de-
luge OF 17-inch sheels. and taking
the city within a few days
Their failure % fOresee the
tenacious French resistance was
proved a year after the battle be
gan. when 70 was learned that the
Germans had employed 50 divisions
In Il months against the city.
which still remained tn the hands
OF its defenders. Beginning in
August, 1916. Germany in cOnse-
quence Of the French-British Of
fensive m the Somme. gradually
abandoned the campaign around
Verdun. In which venture she had
sacrificed the pick of her troops
The city was finally and definitely
cleared on both banks OF the Meuse
in November. 1916.
Building his speech upor tnls
magnificent defense, Ambassador
Herrick said that "Vsrdua and Va
Tor are forever ore AMI insepa-a-
ole" Here blazed the spirit OF
France" ne continued "The valor
was the valor OF Frame Cen. Pc
tain had spoken for France. They
shall not pass
Tribute From L. -
And 50 this medal. which I give
20 this illustrious city, haliowed by
sacrifices and courage OF all France,
Is tribute from the whole United
states 10 all France.
IF the United States had seen
this same French sacrif 90 and cour-
age devoted 20 a selfisr unworthy
cause" he added. this tribute
would not be offered 10 day 1t was
because the horrors Of .his fight and
glory OF this victory meant safety
and liberty for France. Il IS because
France fought here. nJt as the ag-
Ersssor. but as the champion Of
peace and righteousness that We Of
the United States feel, and take JOY
IN expressing. our uns.inted admira-
ton"
Yet. he said. no one who had read
Verdun's epic story could withhold
admiration for the tremendous pow
er OF the German attack. and for
the logged perinacity and courage
OF the German soldier.
But no medal Will ever be struck
by the United States IN commemora-
tion Of German valOr at Verdun,"
he declated, because Of our deep
and abiding conviction that the Ger
man valor and sacrifice were poi
soBsd by tho purpose to which they
were Devoted
Referring 20 the comradship in
arms sealed IN the blood Of our
bravest and best" Ambassador Her
rick said that Il would not evapo-
rate in the heat OF the first casual
disagreement.
Affection Prevails.
1T Is no unsubstantial, epheme-
rial relationship. as IL rests upon
fundamental ties which have last
ed more than q century. The ties
OF sentiment viii rise and they will
fail. but the underlying affection
will remain and It will prevail"
The French premier and the
American am bassadOr were greeted
with enthusiasm when they arrived
a. the Verdun station at noon.
Thousands Of citizens Of Verdun and
other towns and villages. from all
corners OF the Meuse depart ment
the Argonne and Nancy lined the
principal horoughfares as the pre-
niier and ambassador crossed the
city 20 the city hall 10 attend the
luncheon given by the municipality
in their honor. Mayor Robin. who
was too III TO meet VI. POincare at
the depot, was carried TO the ban.
quet hall 20 preside over the lunch
con with NJ. Poincare at his right
and Mr.. Herrick at his left
Crowds filled the city hall square
while the luncheon was in progress.
and cheered for America wath such
warmth and insist ence that the am
bassador was forced 90 appear or
the balcony and salute the specta
tors
Premier Poincare accepted tn,
medal In behalf OF the French gov
eminent making an impassioneC
speech In which ne spoke Of wha
bad been done by the American
soldiers 20 help gain the victory. II,
also defended Frances position OF
the PREPARATIONS and army issues.
kindly permit the French prim,
minister 10 recall the fact that HI
is a captain OF Verdun and 20 sa,
that nothing could make me fee
prouder OF that title than the dis
tinCtion bestowed upon this world
famed stronghold Of Lorraine 70
day" he declared Never have tn
president and the congress Of tn
United States Of America conferre,
such an honor on any other cit
and OF all the decorations received
by Verdun none viii ever consu
tute a more honored feature of he
memorial bearings than the media
you have Just presented % her"