Infantry
Stories from the men at the front lines:
Earl Charles Kleiner, AEF, Ripley County
“Had orders to ‘go over the top’ on the morning if November 11, 1918 to take the city of Adenaard, Belgium which was held by the Germans. The order was held up on November 10 and the troops halted until the evening of November 11, when they moved into Adenaard and stayed until November 18th.
“On November 11, the refugees began coming through the lines in the forenoon. They were extremely destitute, being very inefficiently clothed. Most of them found their homes destroyed. They had no funds, so a bread and soup kitchen was opened for them in the Hotel de Ville. For shelter these refugees were quartered in cellars and other parts of large, empty buildings such as stores and warehouses.
“The soldiers cleaned up the city while occupying it; hauled refuse such as brick and plaster from the streets. Moved church property from place of storage in the convent, back to the churches not destroyed. All bridges across the Scheldt were mined and these mines thrown as soon as the American entered the city and had to be rebuilt.” 
334th Infantry Flag
Indiana War Memorial Collection
Florence Leo Fischer, Co. F, 334 th Inf., 84 th Div., Ripley County , Indiana
Spent 21 days under fire in the trenches at Verdun.
Walter Morrison, Infantry, AEF, Ripley County, Indiana
“Hiked to Germany November 11 – December 3, 1918 via Luxembourg into Coblenz Area, at Cochon from Dec. to April 10, 1919. Moved up to the Rhine until July 1, 1919. Returned by train through Belgium to Brest, France.
“The 4th Division was known as the ‘Lost Division’ due to lack of newspaper exploitation. This lack is explained by the fact that this was a miscellaneous division, belonging to no particular section of the United States in organization.
“The insignia is four ivy leaves in a circle, its meaning ‘The ivy clings to its friends, is poison to its enemies.”
Fred Beverly Vawter, Infantry, Italian Medal of Valor, Clark County, Indiana
Awarded for exploit at Tagliamento River 11/3/1918. “Also spent some time in the Commons , Austria & Cattaro Dalmatia. ( Mandres, France, a quaint rural village in the High Department of the Marne near Chaumont.”
National Rifle Competition Medal
Indiana War Memorial Collections
Raymond O. Miller, Capt., 56th Infantry, 28th Div., Wells County, Indiana
He is a distinguished rifle & pistol marksman, winning the national championship: Infantry rifle team, 1920; pistol team, 1925 ; captain, pistol team, 1927,1928; coach, rifle team 1928. Gassed: Vosges Battles : St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne. Silver Star, Citation Certificate-Gallantry in Action
Leora McKinley Weare, Infantry, 30 th Div., KIA St. Quintin, Ripley County , Indiana
“Hiked to Belgium from Eperlocques, July 4, 1918. Reached Watteau, Belgium on July 4. Went to Lyons and relieved the British soldiers in the trenches between Ypres and Kimmel Hill. Held the trenches for 17 days, going in on the July 15 and coming out August 2, 1918. Rested at Watteau, 4 days. Returned to the trenches for 20 days more. On August 3st, captured Voormezeele with several prisoners and guns.
Left Belgium on September 5, 1918. Went in box cars to Roelle-court, France. Was attached to the Second British Army and trained until September 17th. Moved South to Trencourt, Sept., 22, and took over first line trenches from the Australians on Sept 23rd and 24th. Held this position until September 29th.
On September 29 th, 1918 the 30 th American Division, 27 th American Division and 46 th British Division on the right, the 30 th in the center, assaulted the Hindenburg Line which at the point of the assault curved in front of St. Quintin and was considered by the Germans to be unbreakable. The 60 th Brigade, the 119 th and the 120 th Infantry, supported the 117 th and 118 th Infantries, American troops, 30 th Division, attacked at 5:50 AM and captured with the tunnel system, the German troops holding the city of Bellecourt with five adjacent smaller towns and two entire German Divisions were defeated. 147 officers and 1,434 soldiers were taken prisoners.
Co. M went into the fight with 218 men, came out with 49. Fifty-two were killed, 17 wounded. Ora Weare was killed by a high explosive shell. He was hit in the back and suffered a double fracture of the leg.
The dead were buried on October 2, about 200 yards of the wall of St. Quintin, 3 Ripley County boys, side by side as they fell.
A Boche concrete gunpit used by its captors. Many of these strongholds were constructed so massively that the enemy could not destroy them even when they retired.
America's War for Humanity
Charles Allan Schofner, Sergeant, Vanderburg County, Indiana
Co. K, 335 th Infantry, 84th Div.
Co. K, 28 th Infantry, 1st Div.
Co. B, 3rd Army Composite Regiment
While with Co. B., 3rd Army Composite Regiment, Paraded in Paris July 4 and 14th and on several occasions at the Pershing Stadium, Paris France. Also paraded in London, England this parade July 19; New York, September 10 and in Washington, September 17, 1919.
34th Infantry Patch, IWM collection
Russell Manship, Co. M, 126th Infantry, 34th Div., Goldstar, Hamilton County
Died Oct. 18, 1918, from wounds received in action while fighting in the Argonne Sector.
Clyde Charles Peters, Infantry, AEF, Ripley County , Indiana
“34th & 64th Infantry were the 14th Brigade and were trained in France until October 1, 1918 when pronounced ready for action and sent to the Puvenelle Sector. Here they were under fire from German snipers and machine guns, artillery barrages and also airplane bombardment. The order to advance came on November 9th. The regiment was formed to advance in three waves. The first wave advanced to the objective assigned them, the second wave advanced through this line to the next objective and the third wave on through the third objective. Thus it was a continual drive until November 11 when the Armistice stopped the advance. Only 84 men were left of the 250 of the month before in Company K. 34th Infantry.”
Chester W. Ballard, Quartermaster Corps, Hamilton County
Private Chester W. Ballard served with the Butchery Co. #307 in France on the USS McClellan, a troop ship which had been converted into a refrigerator ship, where fresh meat for the army could be stored and frozen before going to the battle front. Butchery Co. #307 consisted of 57 selected men, 1 officer, 20 noncommissioned officers and 36 Privates nearly all of which were in some way experienced in storing, freezing and shipping meats.
In France this company weighted, checked and kept accurate accounts, in tons, of all meats handled by the Company. The butchers were often detailed to cut spoiled portions of meat from the unspoiled parts.
All meat shipped in France had to be frozen before it started on his way to the front, because ice was unavailable and many times tons of meat were shipped in coal cars and trucks with the meat packed in hay.
Every order of meat sent out by Butchery Co. 307 was sent in charge of an armed guard who was given two dollars per day extra, for each day of the journey required and could
Davis J. H. Wagner, Infantry, Ripley County , Indiana
“Was on patrol at one time, with an officer and three more men. We were sent out for information. When trying to get through two wire entanglements, that were uncut, we had to crawl along in front of it, as we could not get through. We had not gone far when the Germans spotted us and threw five grenades among the patrol, one of them hitting the Lieutenant on the leg, tearing it off, and one piece hitting myself on the head. The other fellows ran and I stayed with the Lieutenant and carried him in. It was for this action I was cited. (Specific citation not listed, but reference made to DSC file).
"How hand grenades are thrown at the enemy in the trenches. American soldiers soon became expert at this superlative kind of baseball."US Official photo
Grenades were specialized. There were gas and incendiary and they were used both offensively and defensively. The offensive grenade was designed to be used in the open to limit the grenadier’s danger of being hurt by shell fragments. The defensive grenade was designed to project fragments up to 100 yards from the explosion point. The concern for safety lead to the development of a more sophisticated, time delayed and weatherproofed model. The safer grenade was introduced in 1918 but soon recalled for further refinements. It took a full five minutes for the grenadier to arm, far too long for use in the heat of battle and often was sent into the enemy lines without the arming sequence completed. The enemy would arm them and send them back.
William Norris Ocheltree. Infantry, Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana
Assignment to mess officer and Belgian Camp necessitated the organization of 22 kitchens, large enough to feed 1000 men at each kitchen. Being thrown into a responsible position and upon his own resources to a certain extent, the writer had to develop the organization in such a way as to be ready to feed 22,000 men on a few hours notice. This was accomplished only by the selection of a highly efficient corps of noncommissioned officers, upon whom the real work devolved and unto whom the credit of success achieved is due. In fact, it was writer's experience that the success of the American army was due to the intelligence and diligence of its NCO's.
Clinton Meister, Infantry, AEF, Ripley County , Indiana
“Drove to front at night with food and ammunition. Were shelled by enemy almost every trip. Out of 156 men in the company, however, lost only two, one gassed, one with influenza. During the day was located five or six miles from the firing lines aimed to keep out of range of shells. Airplane located them from time to time and signaled the artillery. Drove through field detours as all roads were constantly shelled and dangerous. Also badly torn up by the shelling, holes depending in size, upon the size of shells used by the enemy. In one retreat the Germans left two horses and a mule in a stable at Brancourt which were taken over by the Americans.”
"Where a French Regiment was Annihilated. In the forest of Mesnel, near Peronne, a regiment of French infantry was surprised by the Germans and completely annihilated. A gruesome spectacle was presented in the forest the next day, as this photograph, with its rows of dead, bears mute witness."
America's War for Humanity
Floyd Dillon Holmes, Co, D, 125th Inf., KIA, Grant County, Indiana
Corporal Holmes’ body was buried by his comrades on the battlefield and near the spot he was killed. Several months later it was removed to the American Cemetery at Seringes-et-Nesle, Aisne, near Fere-en-Tardenois, France. His grave is #144, Plot #3, Section R.
The commanding officer, Co. D., 125th Infantry, in a letter to a relative of Corporal Holmes, stated that he died in the Field of Honor and while engaging in the performance of his military duties, also the commanding officer and the members of this company, extend you and the members of Corporal Holmes family, their deepest sympathy and constantly bear in mind the remembrance of one of their most loved and respected non-commissioned officers.
Later, relatives of Corporal Holmes also received a letter from General John J. Pershing, commander-in-chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, in which he expressed his sympathy and stated that “Corporal Holmes died bravely in the line of duty on the Field of honor.”
"Men of the 132nd US Infantry, 33rd Division, in a front line trench looking toward the valley of the Meuse, where it is estimated 70,000 men lie buried."
US Official photo
Amos George Wesler, Musician, Ripley County
“The 112th Infantry Band won a contest with three other infantry bands of the 28 th Division in the first week of March, 1919 and was sent to Monte Carlo for two weeks as compensation. Started from LeMans, April 3, 1919. Stopped at Tours on April 4. Lost the band instruments here through their having been put into a small boxcar and the musician’s car put on another train. Stopped at Lyon April 6, stopped at Marseilles, April 7. Reached Monte Carlo, April 8. Attended the performance of Tosca at the Casino at Monte Carlo. Started on April 8 on an automobile trip into Italy. On April 9 received a message to return to LeMans as the regiment had received sailing orders. Reached LeMans again April 12th.
“On March 28, 29 and 30 an Athletic Military Band contest was held at LeMans. The 112 th won this contest, a gold medal to be worn by the bandleader. Seven other divisions took part in this contest. The 35 th and 77th were two of the contesting divisions.”
Murray Bennett Frazee, 1st Lt., Infantry, Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Entered service Aug. 27, 1917. Attended Officers’ Training School at Ft. Sheridan, Ill. Commissioned 2nd lieutenant Nov. 27. 1917. Sent to France. Unassigned. Jan. 3. 1918. Attended officers’ school at Langres and officers’ bayonet school at St. Pol. Attached to British 55 th Division along LaBasse Canal. Transferred to 30 th Division, but operated with British under General Haig until after signing of the armistice. This division took over part of line in Belgium in front of Ypres until September. 1918. Moved to St. Quentin area. And attacked and broke Hindenberg line, capturing towns of Bellicourt and Nauroy. Was under almost constant fire from Sept. 26 to Oct. 20, 1918. Was moved to LeMans in November, 1918. being for first time with American Army. In October. 19 18. promoted to 1st Lt., acting as Aid de Camp to General Tyson at 59 th Brigade Headquarters. Born at Frankfort, Ind., May 5, 1891, son of Thomas D. and Alethea C. Frazee. Wife is Caroline Mathews Frazee. Graduate of Frankfort high school and attended Purdue University. Home is Lafayette, Indiana.
William Edward Gilland, KIA, Ripley County , Indiana
“The 30th (Old Hickory) Division entered the trenches the latter part of June, 1918. The division, with the British and commanded by Sir Douglas Haig. One half of the division was reported killed at Bellicourt September 29 - October 10, 1918. William Gilland was killed near Busigny, Nord France.
“His Grandfather Gilland enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War and gave his life at Atlanta Georgia.”
1st Battalion, 1st Div., 16th Infantry, arriving on the field with their colors. Peasants working nearby.
Photo courtesy of Indiana War Memorial
William Blount Harsh, Infantry, Decatur County , Indiana
“After entering in the service I was put in the 84th Division, Co. A, 333rd Infantry and was sent overseas with this division. After training about two months this 84th Division was busted up and used as replacements in the 85th Division about the first of October the 6 th, 1918 and from that date on I was with the 85th Division, Co. E,. 138th Infantry. Up to January 3rd, I took the mumps and was sent to the Base Hospital 91, Ward C, Commercy, France and on my return my old Company was filled up and I was put in G Co., 138th Infantry, 35th Div.
Far as seeing any battles, I did not, but I was up in the front line trenches and done my part holding the lines. My first time in the trenches was October 14th, 1918 in the Verdun Sector. We were heading for a big drive at Metz when the Armistice was signed so we were turned back, and little by little, we got on our homeward journey.
Yours respectfully,
William Blount Harsh
James Blane Bicknell, Pvt., Supply Co., 152 nd Infantry, Hamilton County, Indiana
Goldstar “He was transferred to Co. H., 152 Infantry on November 9 to Camp Shelby. On May 6, 1918 was transferred to Supply Co., 152 Infantry and a few days later was sent to the hospital in Camp Shelby for treatment.
Was transferred later to Co. 125 th Infantry, 156th Regiment, and later was operated on for a tubercular kidney. Remained in the hospital at Camp Shelby up until the summer of 1919 then was removed to Fort Benjamin Harrison but only remain there five or six weeks. Then was sent to Fort Sheridan, Illinois and was operated on there a second time.
He died July 10, 1920 while he was home on a furlough, still belonging to Co. H, 125th Infantry, 156th Regiment, Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Ward 49.
114th Infantry, 29th Division, advancing in combat formation in France.
Photo courtesy of Indiana War Memorial
Hugo August Prell, KIA, Meuse-Argonne, Ripley County , Indiana
“Government memorial stone is placed in M. E. Cemetery at Batesville, Ind. The body was not returned but lies in France with a comrade who died instantly with him as they crouched in the same shell-hole.”
Donald F. Roberts, Infantry, Marion County, Indiana
Enlisted February 4, 1918 and Indianapolis, Indiana. Join the railroad service for Uncle Sam, left Camp grant, February 5, 1918 were we were assigned to the 13th Engineers, leaving March fourth for Camp Merit, New Jersey. Sale from Hoboken, March 13 on the good ship J. H. Malory a Banana boat, arrived at Bordeaux, France March 26.
The boys were wild with joy at sight of land and as we sailed up the Geroude River, the vineyards on both sides made a beautiful scene. Trained a few weeks and entered service May 5 at Fleury-sir-air and on June 7 we were sent on a supply train, to Clarmont in the Argonne forest, four miles from the trenches, where we served during the drive there.
September 8 he was struck with shrapnel while serving as a cook in the absence of the regular cook, receiving a slight wound in the forehead. On January 24, 1919 he lost his right foot while in service, and from that time on was in hospital till arriving home May 25 on the good hospital ship Mercy.
Christian Marlowe Herbig, KIA, Marion County, Indiana
Spent 30 days at Camp Taylor, 10 days at Camp Mills, New Jersey. Killed in service, August 9, 1918, “Somewhere in France”, presumably Château-Thierry Campaign.
Chris Marlowe Herbig, aged 24 years, was inducted into service, March 27, 1918, having previously been exempted on account of being sole support of his mother, Mary Herbig, who died March 6, 1918, her demise placing him subject to draft call. He spent 30 days at Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky and 10 days, at Camp Mills, New York, then en route to France. Arrived in France, early in May, being a Private in Co. E., 47th Infantry. Little is known of his whereabouts during this time, up to the notification of his death.
134th Infantry Scouts
Playing cards in moment of leisure
Photo courtesy of Indiana War Memorial
David Hannibal Hughes, AEF, Ripley County , Indiana
“David Hannibal Hughes’ grandfather served three years and eight months in the Civil War. He was David A. Tucker and volunteered at the age of seventeen.
“Incidents of David H. Hughes training and service: while at Camp Sherman camp out 3 weeks in artillery range at Stony Creek.
‘Sent on special training, Scout Duty, Intelligence Section, 3 weeks in Southern France.
“Marched to Germany, Nov. 14 - Dec. 1, 1918, crossed Alsace-Lorraine and Luxemburg en route.
“Stationed at various places near Coblenz, Germany with Headquarters divisional at Mentabor. Served about I month in a mounted troop at Mentabor, trained for patrol work. Served as bodyguard for Gen. McLaughlin and Brig. General Parker. “Left Germany, Aug. 20, 1919, entrained for Brest. Returned via Belgium passing Urungle Cologne on the Rhine and Flanders Field.”
89th Div. Shoulder patch, WW1
Indiana War Memorial Collections
Sgt Victor Carleton Lee, Co. H, 355 th Inf, 89th Div, KIA, Orange County, Indiana
Distinguished Service Cross: Sergeant Lee, was one of six to succeed in crossing the river Meuse on a voluntary reconnaissance mission in enemy territory, despite heavy artillery, hand grenade & machine gun fire, & immediately thereafter made the supreme sacrifice.
WW1 Marksman Badge
Indiana War Memorial Collection
Sergeant Harry Lynn Kutchbacke, Marion County, Indiana
358th Infantry, 90th Div., April 28, 1918, attached to Co. H., 349th Infantry, 88th Div. Transferred to Camp Travis, San Antonio Texas, May 18, 1918 to Co. A, 358th Infantry, 90th Div., or Cocked Hat Division, so called because of distinctive raising of head to salute. The only Div. to characterize on this, but it was special orders of Major General Allan.
His shooting on the rifle range at Camp Bullis, Texas, the week of May 27 to June 3, make a marksmanship record and entitling him admission to Sniper School. On June 8, one day previous to departure of 90th Div. for overseas, rejected on overseas examination and transferred to Co. 36, 9th Battalion, 165th Depot Brigade at Camp Travers, Texas. Here he was assigned to help drill the recruits and later with personnel of the Company. He assigned the recruits to the various detail work.
During the flu epidemic, he assisted with the clerical work. Promoted to Corporal September 31, 1918, promoted to Sergeant October 10, 1918, discharged with excellent character by Captain Otto E. Penz, Co. 36, 9th Battalion, 165th Depot Brigade on December 5, 1918.
The 80th Division Hdquarters in their French billets, Beauval, France.
National Archives photo, courtesy of IWM
William A. Schneider, 30th Div., Ripley County , Indiana
“30th Division arrived in France May 24 th, 1918; Canal Sector, South of Ypres (brigaded with British, July 16 to August 17, 1918. Canal Sector, South of Ypres (Under one command) August 17 to September 4, 1918. Gouy Nauroy Sector, September 23, to October 2, (battle operations), Le Chateau Sector, October 16, to 20th, (battle operations). Prisoners captured: 98 officers, 3,750 men. Guns captured: 81 pieces artillery, 426 machine guns. Total advance on front lines, 29 ½ kilometers.”
Donald F. Roberts, Infantry, Marion County, Indiana
Enlisted February 4, 1918 and Indianapolis, Indiana. Join the railroad service for Uncle Sam, left Camp grant, February 5, 1918 were we were assigned to the 13th Engineers, leaving March fourth for Camp Merit, New Jersey. Sale from Hoboken, March 13 on the good ship J. H. Malory a Banana boat, arrived at Bordeaux, France March 26.
The boys were wild with joy at sight of land and as we sailed up the Geroude River, the vineyards on both sides made a beautiful scene. Trained a few weeks and entered service May 5 at Fleury-sir-air and on June 7 we were sent on a supply train, to Clarmont in the Argonne forest, four miles from the trenches, where we served during the drive there. September 8 he was struck with shrapnel while serving as a cook in the absence of the regular cook, receiving a slight wound in the forehead. On January 24, 1919 he lost his right foot while in service, and from that time on was in hospital till arriving home May 25 on the good hospital ship Mercy.
"American automatic rifle team making it hot for the Huns. Note protective barricade of ammunition boxes and sandbags."
America's War for Humanities
Bert Kindelsparkes, Co. A, 30th (Old Hickory) Div., AEF, Ripley County, Indiana
Burned by gasoline explosion. Hospitalized in Beaumont, France: lower limbs burnt.
“This soldier’s memory seems to be affected so that his record is somewhat vague and uncertain. It doesn't’t seem that he could have been assigned to the 30th Division. He was surely assigned to the 84th Division.”
"Wounded man making his way painfully back to the rear, with grim determination to keep going and all the grit of the typical American soldier."
US Signal Corps Photo, America's War for Humanities
Robert E. Ostler, Corporal, Infantry, Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Entered service Sept. 22, 1917. Stationed at Camp Taylor, Ky., and Camp Shelby, Miss. Sailed for France June, 1918. Saw active service. In his third battle his right arm was hurt so badly that amputation was necessary. Was later returned to the United States, and sent to a hospital at Ft. Snelling, Minn. Born near Dayton, Ind., Sept. 21.1890, son of William Alonza and Sarah M. Ostler. Home is Lafayette, Ind.
Golden Grant Hull, AEF, Ripley County , Indiana
“Marched from Jametz, France, through Belgium and Luxemburg to Coblenz, Germany, reaching there on December 13, 1918. Left Easter Sunday, April 20, 1919.
“Transport Huron was formerly a German Ship. The Kaiser had made two trips around the world in it.”
George Knight McCain, Sgt., Co. L, 3rd Cavalry, Howard County, Indiana
Served 20 months in France, stationed at Burbonne les Baines and Romorantum. Previous service on the Mexican border with Co. L, 2nd Indiana Infantry.
2nd Infantry Flag
Indiana War Memorial Collection