New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-05-11
WHY YD SOLDIERS
WENT ACROSS EARLY
Seymour Man, Brother Of W. /.
Shelton, Won Honor for N. Z.

How the sGth or New England di
vision became the first TO cross tn
ocean is told In an interesting article
about the late Brlgaiier Genera
George II, shelton, by Major Judsol
Hannigan, General shelton was {
brother of william l., Shelton OF Isl
Rassett street. this city, and offer
visited his brother here, He died
about year ago.
The article by Major Hannigan fol-
lows:
ut was Lt,-coi. George II. Shelton
who gained for New England tho
honor of having the s6th division
chosen as the first national guard di-
vision sent to France.
1.-THE story Of how the 26th was
chosen for first honors may appro-
priately he told at this time, when
the i04th infantry is celebrating its
first biz battle--America's first con-
spicons participation In the war
'Lt.-col. Shelton was on temporary
duty with tho general stan at Wash
ingion, He was native son OF Sey-
nIonr, Conn. and graduate of West
Point. In August, 1917, In company
with several other officers OF tho gem
cral staff, he was summoned to n
conference with the secretary of war.
Newton D. Baker The meeting was
held behind locked doors and lasted
nearly "a hours.
"Tho question under discussion was
what national guard troops should he
the first sent to France. The sccre-
tary Of war was undecided and had
nothing definite to suggest. The gen
cra star was divided in its opinion.
Col. Sieltou, from the beginning OF
the conference, pressed the cause of
New England, but the opposition to
New England's cause was strong. Tho
struggle for the honor at stake was
so intense that no one left the con-
ference room for any purpose.
New England's Champion.
MANY opinions were offered and
strongly urged, but Col. Shelton in his
Guiet, persuasive way, was the cham
rion Of New England from the time
the conference began. Slowly he won
the confidence of those about him. His
objections to the honor going to other
states were strong-hcre, because of
political considerations: there, because |
of racial difficulties: here again. be. |
cause of unusual difficulties in the |
concentration of supplies.
"All night, alone.in his position, but
he nd
answered. The secretary of war, at
first sceptical, slowly became interest
ed. The soundness of Shelton's logic |
and his complete knowledge of the
situation confronting the country was
slowly winning the favor of the final
arbiter, Mr.. Baker.
col. Shelton sensed tho secretary's
quickened interest. He saw honor fot'
New England and the realization
her patriotic ambitions close at hand
No longer bending his energies again
his brother officers OF the genera
staff he turned all his effort toward
Mr.. Baker.
At length the secretary began TO
waiver in his opposition. His obiec-
tons one by one were overcome by
Shelton's fighting powers. When the
secretary suggested lack of equipment
in opposition, the soldier guaranteed
its procurement. When Baker sug-
gested the difficulties of anal gamating
the many units of the New England
national guard. Shelton guaranteed
the prompt accomplishment of that
difficult task. Because of his record,
when shelton promised, his word was
accepted. Finally. Shelton won.
Made Chief OF staff
'rhe secretary appointed him chief
of staff OF the 26th division, with au-
thority to choose any officer of the
army for the staff of the division.
Then came the question of selecting
he division commander. Col. Shelton
suggested the man under
whom he served for many years. Maj
zen. G. r. Edwards Opposition to
his choice was promptly voiced by
Nr. Baker and a few Of the staff =
,hicers present, but Shelton was In
istent and again, after long argu- y
nent, he made his point. A telegram
vas dispatched to General Edwards,
hen on duty at Boston, in command
y lIi' wv ucpd1 "
ssume command of and organize the
9Th division preparatory to sailing
or France within very shore pc
iod'
THE conference ended and Shelton n
lrned to the task of securing and as q
the staff necessary to the u
ig work of equipping, organizing. as
and preparing division of
5000 men for immediate service
verseas. z
by telegraph and telephone it was 81
ranged with Gen. Edwards that GER
lin staff officers then on duty in Bos-
IN should be assigned to the new
vision. Others Shelton was to pro-
ire from scattered posts.
Csje of Col. Beacham
''rhe case of Col. Joseph Beacham
typical of how fast and effectively
helton worked. Col. Beacham was
! the parade ground of Fort BenIa-
lin Harrison. Indiana. when he re,
lived a Geographic instructions TO
,port to Gen. Edwards as quarter
aster of the 26th division. Beacham
all drilling his men when the wire
'ached him. Without waiting to
range his clothes, he borrowed a few
pillars from brother officers on the
,ot. ran across the parade ground.
,uphf street car into Todiananolis