**** Under Construction **** Details being added, facts checked. The men of the Lost Battalion, the men who strove to relieve them, and related events like the "first pocket" of September 28-29th, comprise an astounding list of WWI decorated heroes. Of the 119 Congressional Medals of Honor (CMOH) for WWI they received 8: 6 of 86 Army and 2 of 4 Army Air Force. (As to the use of "Congressional" , I understand the dispute. For now it stays.) They also received at least 38 Distinguished Service Crosses (DSC), citations, and French medals like the Croix de Guerre with Palms. My information to date tells me the pigeon, Cher Ami, might have received the DSC, the Croix de Guerre with Palms, and entry into various pigeon and bird halls of fame. No area is in more dispute. I will use any pretext to list a hero, even with the flimsiest evidence, and note the source as I improve my lists. Anyone with proof of inclusion and/or exclusion is welcome to contribute, and in time these qualifications will be noted. In the end, every soldier involved in this event is a hero, so this page includes the "History of the 308th Infantry 1917-1919" list of Lost Battalion participants at the bottom. I am looking for a list of DSC recipients from the 307th at this time. For related lists of heroes: Heroes of the Lost Battalion Relief Effort |
Although cut off for 5 days from the remainder of his division, Maj. Whittlesey maintained his position, which he had reached under orders received for an advance, and held his command, consisting originally of 46 officers and men of the 308th Infantry and of Company K of the 307th Infantry, together in the face of superior numbers of the enemy during the 5 days. Maj. Whittlesey and his command were thus cut off, and no rations or other supplies reached him, in spite of determined efforts which were made by his division. On the 4th day Maj. Whittlesey received from the enemy a written proposition to surrender, which he treated with contempt, although he was at the time out of rations and had suffered a loss of about 50 percent in killed and wounded of his command and was surrounded by the enemy. (Copy of Text from CMOH) |
Commanded a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy and although wounded in the knee by shrapnel on 4 October and suffering great pain, he continued throughout the entire period to encourage his officers and men with a resistless optimism that contributed largely toward preventing panic and disorder among the troops, who were without food, cut off from communication with our lines. On 4 October during a heavy barrage, he personally directed and supervised the moving of the wounded to shelter before himself seeking shelter. On 6 October he was again wounded in the shoulder by a German grenade, but continued personally to organize and direct the defense against the German attack on the position until the attack was defeated. He continued to direct and command his troops, refusing relief, and personally led his men out of the position after assistance arrived before permitting himself to be taken to the hospital on 8 October. During this period the successful defense of the position was due largely to his efforts. (Copy of Text from CMOH) |
Capt. Holderman commanded a company of a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy. He was wounded on 4, 5, and 7 October, but throughout the entire period, suffering great pain and subjected to fire of every character, he continued personally to lead and encourage the officers and men under his command with unflinching courage and with distinguished success. On 6 October, in a wounded condition, he rushed through enemy machinegun and shell fire and carried 2 wounded men to a place of safety. (Copy of Text from CMOH) |
October 3rd, 1918 09:30 Private Henry Miller snuggled through the underbrush like a snake, flanked one of these snipers as the sniper had flanked the company and drilled him witha rifle bullet. "I got him," Miller said, turning his head, but just at that moment a machine gun got Miller in turn. (The Lost Battalion, Johnson & Pratt) |
October 7th, 1918 08:00 Captain Holderman volunteers Private Krotoshinsky to bring a message back to the lines. 18:30 Reaches the lines, volunteers to lead back to pocket.19:00 Relief led by Krotoshinsky reaches the pocket. (Paraphrased from The Lost Battalion, Johnson & Pratt) I need to find and add text of DSC. All the rest are 308th and that is where I got the text. Krotoshinsky also has his story told "History and Rhymes of Lost Battalion". See "Books" page to on-line copy of book, find his story. I will add link here soon. |
October 4th, 1918 05:30 A strong patrol under Corporal Peterson was sent to bring a message through the lines. Coming upon a German patrol, Peterson took out three Germans before leading the patrol back to the pocket. (Paraphrased from The Lost Battalion, Johnson & Pratt) |
I have contradictoy info on this - I am unsure if Cher Ami received the DSC (the 1919 movie said it was awarded to Cher Ami), but I am fairly sure of the rest of the following information. October 4th, 1918 15:00 The pocket is being bombarded by our artillery. Cher Ami, the last pigeon, is sent with a message to stop the bombardment. 16:00 Cher Ami arrives at her loft, with an eye missing, a leg missing, and her breastbone broken, delivering the message to stop the bombardment. (Paraphrased from The Lost Battalion, Johnson & Pratt) Cher Ami also received the French Croix de Guerre with Palms, and was inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931 and received a gold medal from the Organized Bodies of American Racing Pigeon Fanciers in recognition of his extraordinary service during World War I. |
Cher Ami |
List of the Lost Battalion from "History of the 308th Infantry 1917-1919" |
FIRST BATTALION HEADQUARTERS 308TH INFANTRY Rank Name Company Major Charles W. Whittlesey Sgt. Mjr. Benjamin F. Gaedeke Hqts. (K) K - Killed Cpl. Walter J. Baldwin Hqts. Pvt. James F. Larney Hqts. (W) W - Wounded Pvt. George Botelle C. (W) Pvt. Philip Cepeglia C. Pvt. Robert Manson B. Pvt. Omer Richard Hqts. Pvt. Irving L. Liner D. Pvt. Albert Harlin D. Pvt. David Tulchin C. Pvt. Theodore Tollefson Hqts. (M) M - Missing Pvt. Wm J. Powers Hqts. Pvt. Joseph Friel A. (K) COMPANY "A" 308TH INFANTRY 2d Lt. Henry J. Williamson Sgt. Herman G. Anderson Cpl. Irving Klein (W) Pvt. Alfred P. Nauheim Pvt. Grover C. Johnson Pvt. Roy E. John Pvt. Innocenzo Cella Pvt. Anthony Hiduck (W) Pvt. John Collins (W) Pvt. Nie B. Mettam Pvt. Stephen Wondowlesky Pvt. Rubin Hudlow (W) Pvt. Henry Erickson (W) Pvt. Wayne W. Martin Pvt. Bert C. McCoy (W) Pvt. Kennedy K. Kelly (K) Pvt. Roland P. Judd (K) Pvt. William Johnson (K) COMPANY "B" 308TH INFANTRY 2d. Lt. Harry M. Rogers (K) Sgt. Lawrence Osborne (K) Sgt. Samuel Marcus Sgt. Harry J. Hermsdorf Cpl. Albert Copsey Cpl. George Duffy Cpl. Martin McMahon (W) Cpl. Richard W. Mathews Pvt. Thomas Dunnigan Pvt. Francis Feeney Pvt. Sigurd V. Swanson Pvt. Joseph Macali (W) Pvt. Thomas Harris Pvt. Bart Amatetti Pvt. Clyde C. A. Hintz Pvt. Walter Hanson Pvt. John T. Flynn Pvt. James A. Keegan Pvt. Phillip Kornelly (W) Pvt. Martin O. Lokken Pvt. Frank Karpinsky (W) Pvt. William Ziegenbalg Pvt. Lawrence Pomeroy Pvt. Harry Bickmore Pvt. Walter S. Peterson (W) Pvt. Agel Geanekos Pvt. Clarence Peters Pvt. James Hearty (W) Pvt. David H. Baker (W) Pvt. Emery Bronson (W) Pvt. Henry J. Cadieux (W) Pvt. Louis Morris (W) Pvt. Bonaventura Pistoria (W) Pvt. Chas. H. Chavelle (W) Pvt. John Holt (W) Pvt. Barney Greenfield Pvt. John Reiger (W) Pvt. Orlander Sketson (M) Pvt. Raymond Hammond Pvt. Leonard Glenn Pvt. Peter Evans (W) Pvt. Stanislaus Albis (W) Pvt. Stanley O. Bradshaw Pvt. Hyman Gallob (K) Pvt. Grant S. Norton (K) Pvt. William C. Halligan (K) Pvt. Arthur A. Beske (K) Pvt. Carlton V. Knott (K) Pvt. Arthur H. Jones (K) Pvt. Jos. B. Drydal (K) Pvt. Earl F. Jepson (K) Pvt. Sylvester Hoven (K) Pvt. Wm. M. Holliday (K) Pvt. Carl Hildenbrand (K) COMPANY "C" 308TH INFANTRY Capt. Leo A. Stromee (W) 2d. Lt. Gordon L. Schenck (K) 2d. Lt. Leo W. Trainor (W) Sgt. Raymond Blackburn Sgt. John Colassacco Sgt. Lionel Bendheim (W) Sgt. William Jacob Sgt. Fred T. Main Sgt. Bert B. Morrow Cpl. Joseph K. Baldwin Cpl. Joseph Bejnarowicz Cpl. Thomas Brennen (W) Cpl. Jacob Held Cpl. Jack Tucker Pvt. Otto M. Knifsund Pvt. Stanislaw Kosikowski Pvt. Clifford R. Brown Pvt. Louis Baskin Pvt. Arthur E. Benson Pvt. Henry Cassidy (W) Pvt. Percy Charlesworth (W) Pvt. Savine Coppielo Pvt. James T. Condon Pvt. Edward T. Curley (W) Pvt. John Crosby (W) Pvt. Lee H. Downs Pvt. Joseph C. Fortunato Pvt. Charles W. Frink (W) Pvt. Joseph Giganti Pvt. Albert Morris Pvt. John Murphy Pvt. Morris Richter Pvt. Harry Semenuk Pvt. John L. Voorheis Pvt. George Keim Pvt. Joseph King Pvt. Lewis O'Brien Pvt. Frank J. Kostinen Pvt. Otto R. Hatcher Pvt. Walter J. Krantz Pvt. Archie F. Larkin Pvt. Erik Larson Pvt. Frank N. Lauder Pvt. Leo J. Jacoby Pvt. Raymond Johnson (W) Pvt. Chester Lysen Pvt. Stephen Marchelwski Pvt. Cecil Lowman Pvt. George Mayhew Pvt. Joseph L. McGowen Pvt. Robert L. Mears Pvt. Olin McFeron Pvt. William Hission Pvt. Wyatt L. Holden Pvt. Dominick Indiana Pvt. Emil Kaufman Pvt. William Monk Pvt. Fred Olson Pvt. Charles Pinkstone (W) Pvt. Stacy M. Hicks Pvt. Max Lesnick Pvt. Charles Oxman Pvt. Lester Griswold (W) Pvt. John McCabe Pvt. William W. Armstrong Pvt. Louis N. Hazen (W) Pvt. Niles F. Cunningham Pvt. Constantine Vittulli (W) Pvt. Chas. Wallenstein Pvt. Benedetto Sugro Pvt. Martin Tuite Pvt. Joseph H. Puniskis Pvt. Fred A. Mandell (W) Pvt. Lars Olson Pvt. Andrew Payne (W) Pvt. Roy L. Marion Pvt. Lucien St. Cartier (K) Pvt. John Hinchman (K) Pvt. David Gladd (K) Pvt. Eugene McGrath (K) Pvt. Samuel Feuerlicht (K) Pvt. John Damcott (K) Pvt. Joseph Castrogiovanna (K) Pvt. John Reynolds (K) Pvt. Catino Carnebucci (K) SECOND BATTALION HEADQUARTERS 308TH INFANTRY Rank Name Company Act. Major Capt. George G. McMurtry (W) Sgt. Maj. Clarence R. Rossch Hqts.Bn. Clk. Pvt. Daniel V. Tallon E (K) Pvt. James Brice E Sgt. Gerard Kirchner H (Bn Scout N.C.O.) BATTALION RUNNERS Cpl. Arthur A. Doherty (W) Pvt. Frank D. S. Fredette Pvt. John Eichorn Pvt. Peter H. White Pvt. John J. McCallion Pvt. Ralph O. Dunham Pvt. Herbert Gross Pvt. Edward Stringer Pvt. Charles J. Pugh Pvt. Carl A. Rainwater Pvt. Spiro Rayony Pvt. Harry Thorsen (W) Pvt. Clarence Patterson Pvt. Reuben H. Ahlstedt (W) Pvt. John R. Hamilton Pvt. Ammon Chupp (W) Pvt. Michael J. Lukas BATTALION SCOUTS Cpl. Bernard Gillece Pvt. Herbert Jorgenson (W) Pvt. Lester T. Sands Pvt. Alfred Rodriquez Pvt. John Delmont Pvt. Irving W. Greenwald (W) Pvt. Joseph Levine Pvt. John O'Keefe (W) Pvt. Joseph Kierman Mech. Louis M Probst Pvt. Arthur Jorgenson Pvt. Arthur Solomon Pvt. Martin Ellbogen (W) Pvt. Harrison Dayo Pvt. David Magnusson (W) Pvt. Anthony Anastasia Pvt. Walter Weiner Pvt. Farland F. Wade (W) Pvt. Arthur G. Nelson (W) Pvt. Alfred E. Summers Pvt. Henry W. Goldhorn Pvt. Alfred J. Petti Pvt. George Koebler (K) Pvt. Theodore Ingraham Pvt. William Bedrna Pvt. Michael Kelly Pvt. Percy Grossberg Pvt. Edward L. Wenzel Pvt. Harold Arnold (K) Pvt. Homer Rayson (K) Pvt. John Ruppe (K) COMPANY "E" 308TH INFANTRY 1st Lt. J. V. Leak (W,M 4Oct18) 2d. Lt. Victor A. Harrington (W,M 4Oct18) Sgt. Frederick W. Baldwin Cpl. Peter C. Judis Cpl. Ernest S. Merry (K) Pvt. Sidney Rose (W) Pvt. Joseph R. Pennington (W) Pvt. Patrick Maney (W) Pvt. George H. Chiswell (W) Pvt. Frank Habeck (W) Pvt. Arnold M. Morem (W) Pvt. Jacob Kaspirovitch (W) Pvt. Walter L. Domrose (M) Pvt. Robert M. Pardue Pvt. Harold Brennen Pvt. Raymond Flynn Pvt. Vitto Ratto Pvt. John L. Del Sasso Pvt. Joseph Vitkus Pvt. Olaf W. Swanson (K) Pvt. Henry Miller (K) COMPANY "G" 308TH INFANTRY 2d. Lt. Fred Buhler (W) 2d. Lt. Sherman W. Eager Sgt. Amos Todisco (W) Sgt. Jeremiah Healey (W) Sgt. Harry Freeman (W) Sgt. Mark C. Hagerman Cpl. James Colan (W) Cpl. Joseph Kennedy Mech. John Schmidt (W) Bugler George M. Enlander (W) Pvt. Truman P. Fairbanks (W) Pvt. Robert Gafanowitz (W) Pvt. Frank Pollinger (W) Pvt. William Holzer (W) Pvt. Ernest J. Ridlon (W) Pvt. Michael Mele (W) Pvt. Peter A. Fitzgerald (W) Pvt. William Regan Pvt. Guiseppe Santini Pvt. Jesse J. McCauley Pvt. Ludwig Blomseth Pvt. Arthur R. Lovell Pvt. Oscar Potter (W) Pvt. Arthur Erickson Pvt. Dennis A. Gallagher (W) Pvt. James E. Slingerland Pvt. Eugene Selg Pvt. John Conneally Pvt. James R. Woods Pvt. William Schultz Pvt. Frederick L. Wilber (W) Pvt. Nathaniel Miller (W) Pvt. Frederick Elliott (W) Pvt. Glenn H. Weaver (W) Pvt. Ernest Wornek (W) Pvt. Frank Delgrasso (W) Pvt. Myron D. Perrigo (W) Pvt. Oscar Wallen (W) Pvt. Antonio Trigani Pvt. Rito Mares Pvt. Gust Dahlgren (W) Pvt. Benjamin Pagliaro Pvt. Osro Deaderick Pvt. Joseph Schanz Cpl. Haakon A. Rossum (W) Pvt. Hermand Edlund Pvt. Melvin E. Clemons Pvt. Ray E. Layman Cpl. Holger Peterson (K) Pvt. William Martin (K) Pvt. William A. Begley (K) Pvt. John Boden (K) Pvt. Lauren G. Reid (K) Pvt. Paul F. Andrews (K) Pvt. James Bruton (K) Pvt. Albert A. Ross (K) Sgt. Michael Greally (K) COMPANY "H" 308TH INFANTRY 1st Lt. William J. Cullen 1st Lt. Maurice V. Griffin (W) Sgt. Patrick J. Landers Sgt. Edwin C. Brown (W) Cpl. Charles B. Cornell Cpl. Harry L. Shaffer (W) Cpl. John Bowden (W) Cpl. Olaf Nilsen Pvt. Herbert M. Drake Pvt. William C. Burns Pvt. William J. Lucy Pvt. Frank R. Estes Pvt. W. Stenger Pvt. John A. McNearney Pvt. Joseph E. Cathcart Pvt. Harry P. Damon Pvt. Arthur J. Hecker Pvt. Clyde Hepworth (W) Pvt. John Renda (W) Pvt. Henry P. Flaming Pvt. Gabe Elkin Pvt. Edward Swanson Pvt. Isidore Speigel Pvt. John Delserone (W) Pvt. Blaze Stoianoff Pvt. Melvin G. Sunby Pvt. Elmer E. Bent Pvt. Earl A. Flack Pvt. Andrew Mathews Pvt. Sydney C. Mann Pvt. Roy Cummings Pvt. Andrew J. Taasaas Pvt. Enrique Perea Pvt. Albert N. Steichen Pvt. Olaf Erdahl Pvt. Harold B. Neptune (W) Pvt. Edward Holbert Cpl. Wilbur C. Whiting Pvt. Lyle J. Edwards Pvt. Fernnau Miller Pvt. Siguard Gaupset (W) Pvt. Frank Mauro (W) Pvt. Joseph Joyce (W) Pvt. John B. Swartz (W) Pvt. Herbert B. Gibson (W) Pvt. Charles Ritter (W) Pvt. Henry H. Senter (W) Pvt. Lloyd A. Huntington (W) Pvt. James R. Strickland (W) Pvt. William E. Francis (W) Pvt. Josephus Powell (W) Pvt. Oscar Willis (W) Pvt. Joseph Chambers (W) Pvt. Angel Orlando (W) Pvt. Richard R. Coe (W) Pvt. Arthur F. Coatney (W) Pvt. Conrad Engen (W) Pvt. Albert R. Witthans (W) Pvt. Stanley Sobaszkeqicz (W) Pvt. Louis B. Caldwell Pvt. Arch Robertson Pvt. Scott R. White Pvt. Daniel M. Knauss Pvt. John A. Stanfield Pvt. James E. Lesley Pvt. Solomon E. Rhoads Pvt. Len L. Leflaer Pvt. Robert Dodd Pvt. Hugo E. Untereiner Pvt. Isadore Ostrovsky Pvt. Joseph Royall Pvt. Sidney Smith Pvt. Frank G. S. Erickson Pvt. Lowell R. Hollingshead (W) Pvt. Thomas H. Clay (W) Pvt. Cecil L. Duryea (W) Pvt. Otto Wheeler Pvt. Jack Recko Pvt. Emil A. Peterson (W) Pvt. Henry C. Buth (K) Pvt. Henry Miller (K) Pvt. Ancel E. Fassett (K) Pvt. Raymond O. Clark (K) Pvt. William J. Workman (K) Pvt. Robert J. Little (K) Pvt. Henry C. Luckett (K) Pvt. Samuel Rosenberg (K) Pvt. Thomas Cavello (K) Pvt. Jesse J. Mendenhall (K) Pvt. Richard W. Hyde (K) Pvt. George W. Nies (K) Pvt. Harold H. Thomas (K) Pvt. Leonard C. Gitchell (K) Pvt. Thomas J. Lyons (K) Pvt. Alfred E. Erickson (K) Cpl. Charles G. Tumm (K) Pvt. Lewis Zeman (K) Pvt. Hiram M. Rugg (K) Pvt. Theodore Hanson (K) Pvt. Henry Chinn (K) Pvt. Robert E. Christian (K) MEDICAL DETACHMENT WITH 1ST AND 2ND BATTALIONS 308TH INFANTRY Pvt. Irving Sirota Pvt. James M. Bragg Pvt. John Gehris COMPANY "K" 307TH INFANTRY Capt. Nelson M. Holderman (W) 1st Lt. Thomas G. Pool (W) Sgt. James Murphy Sgt. Boyd S. Hatch Sgt. Joseph P. Heuer Sgt. James A. Deahan Sgt. James Carroll Cpl. George Sims Cpl. Bert M. Green Cpl. George Gilley Cpl. Alonzo D. Blanchard Cpl. Robert F. Bradford Cpl. George F. Speich Cpl. Paul A. Schwartz Mech. Lester Underhill Pvt. Samuel A. Altiera Pvt. Charles I. Adams Pvt. Louis Berg Pvt. Charles F. Christ Pvt. Hans Christensen Pvt. John Connelly (W) Pvt. Thomas H. Gill Pvt. George Hoadley Pvt. Albert O. Kaempfer (W) Pvt. Frank J. Lyons Pvt. Robias Meyerowitz Pvt. Thomas Murray Pvt. William F. Brew (W) Pvt. Frank Stingle (W) Pvt. Salvatere Pesetti Pvt. Calegere Pope Pvt. Benj. E. Ternquist Pvt. William Kelmel Pvt. Frank Hogue Pvt. Ralph Brinkoma (W) Pvt. Benjamin Roberts (W) Pvt. Lememe Schettino Pvt. Leonard Beebe (W) Pvt. Pietre Test (W) Pvt. John Fare (W) Pvt. Joseph Spallina (W) Pvt. Edward Baker (W) Pvt. Leonard Beeson (W) Pvt. John Karaluinas (W) Pvt. Clifford Thomas (W) Pvt. Victor L. Bringham (W) Pvt. Floyd Berlev (W) Pvt. Joseph Christopher (W) Pvt. Arthur E. Fein (W) Pvt. William Knabe (W) Pvt. Isaac Lipacher (W) Pvt. Gile Ofstad (W) Pvt. Albert E. Martin (W) Pvt. Thornweld Rosby (W) Pvt. Leroy A. Stumbe Pvt. Arthur Schwanbeck (W) Pvt. Ray Treadwell Pvt. Otto Velz (W) Pvt. Guiseppe Scialdono (W) Pvt. Charles F. Adams Pvt. Abraham Kretoschinsky Pvt. Thomas J. Mannion Pvt. Joseph Prusek Pvt. Vincent Witschen Pvt. James P. Felton (W) Pvt. Alfred Hendrickson (W) Pvt. Arthur Hicks (W) Pvt. David O. Jones Pvt. Kenneth Murray Pvt. Jacob C. Phelps (W) Pvt. Carl A. Anderson Pvt. Herbert Bueskins (W) Pvt. Giovanni Bivalace (W) Pvt. James Chamberlain Pvt. Philip Christenson Pvt. Timothy Connelly Pvt. Albert A. Etenauer Pvt. Peter Gibbons Pvt. George Huff Pvt. John J. Knettel Pvt. Joseph Lehmeier Pvt. Patrick Long Pvt. Joseph Materna Pvt. Robert F. Monan Pvt. Andrew Olstren Pvt. John L. Pierson Pvt. Bert L. Bowers (W) Pvt. Isadore Willinger (M) Pvt. Gilbert Brown (M) Pvt. John Bang (K) Pvt. Michael Lekan (K) Pvt. Roscoe G. Church (K) Pvt. William P. Crouse (K) Pvt. Gus. Anderson (K) Pvt. Harvey R. Cole (K) Pvt. Charles Johnson (K) Pvt. Frank Lipasti (K) Pvt. Wilbert R. Rumsey (K) COMPANY "C" 306TH MACHINE GUN BN. 2d Lt. Alfred R. Noon (K) Cpl. Frank Rauchle Pvt. Louis N. Johnson (K) Pvt. Lee C. Harkleroad Pvt. Henry C. Cornell (W) Pvt. Leo A. Flower Pvt. Charles A. Kolbe (W) Pvt. Maurice H. Ronan Pvt. Macelroy Pvt. Iltz Pvt. Keeney Pvt. Richardson Pvt. Gustave Becker (K) COMPANY "D" 306th MACHINE GUN BN. 2d Lt. Marshall G. Peabody (K) 2d Lt. Maurice P. Revnis Sgt. George E. Hauch Sgt. Maurice E. Johnson Sgt. Julius Sackman Sgt. Edwin S. Mynard Cpl. Joseph C. Keenan Cpl. James P. O'Connell Cpl. Frank C. Rector Cpl. Arthur A. Thompson Cpl. Chauncey I. Rice Pvt. George Eggleston Pvt. Leslie C. Torpey Pvt. Joseph D. Kelly (W) Pvt. James E. Lonergan (W) Pvt. Walter T. Oliver (W) Pvt. Joseph J. Schmitz (W) Pvt. Joseph Stamboni (W) Pvt. Courtney W. Tolley Pvt. Morris Cohen (W) Pvt. Martin J. Crotly (W) Pvt. Edward A. Kennedy (W) Pvt. John H. Scanlon (W) Pvt. Bernard J. Sweeney (W) Pvt. George H. Brennan Pvt. William J. Wright Pvt. Harch Pvt. Holt Sgt. Robert J. Graham (K) Cpl. Martin Becker (K) Cpl. John F. Ryan (K) Cpl. Leo W. Marcy (K) Bugler Thomas C. O'Keefe (K) Pvt. Louis Diesil (K) Pvt. Frank C. Demmick (K) Pvt. Nathan Clarke (K) Pvt. James M. Conrad (K) Pvt. E. N. Dingledine (K) Pvt. Anthony Santillo (K) Pvt. John H. Travers (K) 305TH FIELD ARTILLERY. BATTERY D 1st Lt. Teichmoeller Pvt. Saddler Pvt. Jeffreys (M) |
This list was contributed by Eric R. Christian |
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The Lost Battalion of WWI in the Argonne Forest October 2nd thru 7th, 1918 |
This page was last updated on:
May 27, 2002
Heroes of The Lost Battalion |
Please read this qualification from the book regarding the reliability of this list: "These lists of names collected in France during March and April, 1919, are only fairly accurate, as many officers and men were still scattered about in hospitals, or had been sent to other Divisions. In several cases new Company Commanders simply asked their men which of them had been in the Pocket, and what names they remembered of men still in the hospitals. The list of killed, wounded, captured or missing is not complete." So share my misery. I know of efforts to create a definitive list, and when it is available I will direct you to it or present it. In the end there will probably never be a list that is 100% accurate. |
Congressional Medals of Honor Awarded to Lost Battalion Participants |
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WILLIAM BEGLEY (Army serial No. 1709131), private, Company G, 308th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux, France, October 3-6, 1918. When his battalion was surrounded in the Argonne Forest, October 3-7, Pvt. Begley took charge of his squad, after the corporal had been killed, and, despite the fact that he was wounded in the arm by a machine-gun bullet, encouraged his men through all the attacks Of the four days until he was killed, October 6. Next of kin: Mrs. Margaret Begley, 155 Huntington, Brooklyn, N. Y. |
William Begley |
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RAYMOND BLACKBURN, sergeant Company C, 3o8th Infantry, For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2, 1918. He volunteered and led a reconnaissance patrol, and while returning to his company commander with his information one of the patrol became detached and was in danger of being captured by the enemy. Realizing his comrade's predicament, he rushed to his aid and rescued him, killing two of the enemy and dispersing the others. |
Raymond Blackburn |
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GEORGE W. BOTELLE (Army serial No. 1682967), private, Company C, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux Mill, France, October 4, 1918. He repeatedly carried messages over ground swept by intense enemy fire. When his battalion had been surrounded and several other runners had been killed or wounded in the attempt, he volunteered to carry a message through the enemy lines to the regimental post of command, being severely wounded in the performance of this mission. Home address: Mrs. Annie Botelle, grandmother, Lakeside Conn. |
George W. Botelle |
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JAMES W. BRAGG, private, Medical Detachment, 308th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-7, 1918. He was on duty with a detachment of his regiment which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy in the Argonne Forest, France, for five days. Though he was without food throughout this period, he continued to render first aid to the wounded, exposing himself to heavy shell and machine-gun fire at the risk of his life until he was completely exhausted. |
James W. Bragg |
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CLIFFORD R. BROWN, private, Company C, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-7, 1918. During the time when his company was isolated in the Argonne Forest and cut off from communication with friendly troops Pvt. Brown, together with another soldier, volunteered to carry a message through the German lines, although he was aware that several unsuccessful attempts had been previously made by patrols, the members of which were either killed, wounded, or driven back. By his courage and determination he succeeded in delivering the message and brought relief to his battalion. |
Clifford R. Brown |
PHILIP CEPAGLIA, private, Company C, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France. October 2-8, 1918. Pvt. Cepaglia was on duty as a battalion runner during the period of six days in which his own and another battalion were surrounded by the enemy in the Argonne Forest, France, and cut off from communication with friendly troops. Although he was without food and toward the end of the period almost exhausted, this soldier carried messages to all parts of the position. Constantly under heavy fire from machine guns and trench mortars, he showed an utter disregard for his own personal safety. |
Philip "Zip" Cepaglia (not Cepeglia as it has been misspelled many times) |
WILLIAM J. CULLEN, first lieutenant, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-8, 1918. During the advance of his regiment through the Forest of Argonne, France, Lieut. Cullen led his company, under intense concentration of machine-gun fire, to the day's objective, steadying his men and directing the organization and entrenchment of his position. During the period in which part of the regiment was cut off by the. enemy, he continued to visit his posts and encourage his men under intense concentrations of trench-mortar and machine-gun fire, effectively directing the repulse of attacks on his position. On October 4-5-6 this officer, observing friendly airplanes, left his shelter and went out into a cleared space in plain view of the enemy and under intense machine-gun fire signaled the position to the airplanes. During all this critical time when his company, as well as the battalion, was entirely without food for five days, he displayed coolness, good judgment, and efficiency, furnishing an inspiring example to his men. His gallantry in action contributed materially to the holding of the left flank and the successful resistance made by his battalion. |
William J. Cullen |
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JAMES DOLAN, corporal, Company G, 3o8th Infantry. For extra-ordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux, France. October 3-7, 1918. He was very severely wounded while in charge of his automatic rifle section, which was a unit of a surrounded battalion. After receiving first aid, he resumed his post and remained in command of his section until the battalion was relieved. |
James Dolan |
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CARMINE FELITTO, corporal, Company D, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 4, 1918. When his platoon leader and a small detachment of men were surrounded by the enemy and subjected to a terrific artillery and machine-gun fire, Corpl. Felitto volunteered and brought a message from his lieutenant to the company commander, bravely making his way through the enemy's lines, despite the fact that he had seen other men killed while making the attempt. He brought the first message from the detachment, which had been cut off from the company for 18 hours. |
Carmine Felitto |
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JOSEPH FRIEL, private, Company A, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-5, 1918. He Was on duty as a battalion runner during the period of six days in which his own and another battalion were surrounded by the enemy in the Argonne Forest, France, and cut off from communication with friendly troops. Although he was without food and, toward the end of the period, almost exhausted, this soldier carried messages to all parts of the position. Constantly under heavy fire from machine guns and trench mortars, he showed an utter disregard for his own personal safety. On the night of October 5, 1918, he was sent to carry a message through the enemy Hnes..-.1 to regimental headquarters. Several other attempts had been made, as this soldier knew, which had resulted in the death or capture of the runners. He made the attempt, but was killed in the performance of his mission by 1, the enemy fire. |
Joseph Friel |
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JACK D. GEHRIS, private, first class, Medical Detachment, 308th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2 and 5, 1918. Under a heavy enemy barrage he went to the rescue of two severely wounded men and carried them to a place offering scant shelter, where they were forced to remain until aid arrived the next mom-; ing. On October 5, 1918, when a shell struck his first-aid station, killing two and wounding five others, he, although wounded, administered first aid to his comrades before receiving medical attention for himself. |
Jack D. Gehris |
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JEREMIAH HEALEY, sergeant, Company G, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux, France, October 3-7, 1918. Although wounded on the third day of the battle in the Argonne Forest, Sergt. Healey continually exposed himself to machine-gun and artillery fire while aiding and cheering his men. He also volunteered his services in an attempt to break through the enemy lines and bring aid to his organization. |
Jeremiah Healey |
IRVING KLEIN, corporal, Company A, 3o8th Infantry. For repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, September 29, 1918, and Charlevaux, France, October 3-7, 1918. On September 29, after locating the position of three enemy machine guns, he succeeded in silencing one, took up a position against the other two under intense shell fire, and sent back information to his company commander which made it possible to clean out the entire nest. On October 3, although wounded seriously, he continued to assist his men in repulsing the attack of an enemy patrol. |
Irving Klein |
Abraham Krotoshinsky |
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STANISLAW KOSIKOWSKI, private, Company C, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-7, 19x8. During the time when his company was isolated in the Argonne Forest and cut off from communication with friendly troops, Pvt. Kosikow-ski, together with another soldier, volunteered to carry a message through the German lines, although he was aware that several unsuccessful attempts had been previously made by patrols, the members of which were either killed, wounded, or driven back. By his courage and determination he succeeded in delivering the message and brought relief to his batttalion. |
Stanislaw Kosikowski |
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IRVING LOUIS LINER, private, Company D, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-7, 1918. He was a battalion runner, when his battalion was surrounded by the enemy in the forest of Argonne and cut off from communication with friendly troops. He carried messages with great cheerfulness under conditions of stress and under heavy machine-gun and shell fire, at a time when he was exhausted by exposure and hunger, being without food for five days. |
Irving Louis Liner |
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HENRY MILLER, private, Company E, 3o8th Infantry. I For ex-traordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 3, 1918. When his company had been cut off from communication and exposed to intense shell and machine-gun fire, Private Miller observed and attacked an enemy sniper, silencing further fire from that source. While attempting to return he was killed by machine-gun fire. |
Henry Miller |
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MURPHY, JAMES J., Corporal, 1 706 791, Company K, 307th Infantry in the Argonne Forest, France, 4 October 1918. Rushed seventy-five yards through heavy shell and machinegun fire and returned with a severely wounded comrade. I am not sure this is a complete copy, being from the 307th and other texts are from the 308th.. |
James J. Murphy |
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HOLGAR PETERSON (Army serial No. 1709 115), corporal, Company G, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux, France, October 3-7, 1918. While leading a scouting party, Corpl. Peterson encountered an enemy patrol and displayed exceptional courage and leadership in killing the officer and two soldiers who composed it. He repeatedly volunteered for dangerous patrol work with great bravery and aggressiveness until he was killed. Home address: Mrs. Catherine Peterson (wife), 26 West Thirty-eighth Street, New York, N. Y. |
Holgar Peterson |
Distinguised Service Crosses Awarded to Lost Battalion Participants |
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FRANK POLLINGER, private, Company G, 3o8th Infantry. For ex-traordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux, France, October 3-7, 19 18. During the period of four days, when his battalion was surrounded by the enemy and after his squad leader had been wounded, Pvt. Pollinger took command of the squad, although he himself was suffering from a wound received four days previous. His indomitable courage and perseverance upheld the spirit and morale of his men under such trying circumstancest and he continued to direct their movements until forced out of action by a second wound. |
Frank J. Pollinger |
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HARRY ROGERS, second lieutenant, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordin-ary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-6, 1918. He was in command of a detachment comprising part of two battalions which were cut off and surrounded by the enemy in the Argonne Forest, France. Dur-ing the days of the isolation from frien dly troops, he was on the exposed flank without food. Although under a heavy concentration of fire from enemy machine guns and snipers, by his personal example of calmness he kept his men in order and helped repel counterattacks. This intrepid officer was killed in action October 6, 1918. |
Harry Rogers |
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HAAKON ROSSUM, corporal, Company G, 308th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Charlevaux, France, October 3-7 , 1918. During the five days that his battalion was cut off and surrounded by the enemy and throughout these five days of hunger, suffering, and enemy attacks Corpl. Rossum, commanded an advanced outpost in a position exposed to each hostile onslaught. He was subjected constantly to fire from snipers, machine guns, trench mortars, and hand grenades. By his high courage, personal example, and inspiring leadership he defeated all attempts of the enemy to force his post back, and by so doing aided materially in the defense of his section of the line. |
Haakon A. Rossum |
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JOSEPH SAUER, corporal, Company F, 3o8th Infantry. For extra-ordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2, 1918. He volunteered in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun fire to deliver a messagtto a platoon sergeant who was leading an attack on enemy machine-gun nests. He was wounded in one leg just as he started and was wounded in the other leg before reaching the sergeant, but did, by calling aloud, deliver the message verbally and accurately. |
Joseph C. Sauer |
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GORDON L. SCHENCK, second lieutenant, Company C, 3o8th In-fantry, 77th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action in the Argonne Forest, near Binarville, France, October 3 to 7, 1918. While his battalion was surrounded by the enemy, Lieut. Schenck, by his heroic conduct, while repulsing frequent enemy attacks, inspired his command. Fearlessly exposing himself to fire, he seized his rifle and ran to the top of a bank in front of his company's position where he was able to throw hand grenades at the enemy, until killed by an enemy shell. Emergency address: Mrs. Charles N. Schenck, mother, 113 Cambridge Place, Brooklyn, N. Y. Address at appointment: 37 Wall Street, New York, N. Y. |
Gordon L. Schenck |
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IRVING SIROTA, private, first class, Medical Department, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France,, October 2-7, 1918. He was on duty with a detachment of his regiment which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy in the forest of Argonne. During this period he was without food but he continued to assist and give first aid to the wounded, exposing himself to heavy shell and machine-gun fire at the risk of his life, until he was completely exhausted. |
Irving Sirota |
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SIDNEY SMITH, private, Company H, 3o8th Infantry. For extra-ordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2-8, 1918. When his company had been cut off from communication he, though seriously wounded, refused to seek shelter. He participated in several attacks with courage and aggressiveness, using his rifle very effectively and encouraging his comrades. When relief came he walked back to the dressing station, so that medical attention could first be given to the more seriously wounded. |
Sidney Smith |
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ALBERT E. SUMMERS (Army serial No. 1679686), private, Company H, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action in the Argonne Forest, France, October 6, 1918. In the face of direct machine-gun fire be left cover and went out 100 yards to rescue a wounded soldier. Dragging the wounded man back to his funk hole, he gave him first aid, and then again exposing himself to enemy fire obtained water for him. He showed utter disregard for personal danger in aiding other wounded men in addition to performing his duties as scout. Home address: James Summers, father, Bristol, Bedminster, England. |
Albert E. Summers |
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CHARLES W. TURNER, first lieutenant, 3o8th Infantry. For ex-traordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 6, 1918. Surrounded by enemy machine guns and snipers and under heavy shell fire, he refused to surrender, but held his position with extraordinary heroism and total disregard for his own life until he and all his detachment were killed. |
Charles W. Turner |
**** Under Construction **** Details being added, facts checked. The men of the Lost Battalion, the men who strove to relieve them, and related events like the "first pocket" of September 28-29th, comprise an astounding list of WWI decorated heroes. Of the 119 Congressional Medals of Honor (CMOH) for WWI they received 8: 6 of 86 Army and 2 of 4 Army Air Force. (As to the use of "Congressional" , I understand the dispute. For now it stays.) They also received at least 38 Distinguished Service Crosses (DSC), citations, and French medals like the Croix de Guerre with Palms. My information to date tells me the pigeon, Cher Ami, might have received the DSC, the Croix de Guerre with Palms, and entry into various pigeon and bird halls of fame. No area is in more dispute. I will use any pretext to list a hero, even with the flimsiest evidence, and note the source as I improve my lists. Anyone with proof of inclusion and/or exclusion is welcome to contribute, and in time these qualifications will be noted. In the end, every soldier involved in this event is a hero, so this page includes the "History of the 308th Infantry 1917-1919" list of Lost Battalion participants at the bottom. I am looking for a list of DSC recipients from the 307th at this time. For related lists of heroes: Heroes of the Lost Battalion Relief Effort |
From left to right, Captain McMurtry, Major Whittlesey and Lt. Cullen in 1919 "Lost Battalion" movie starring a mix of the soldiers and Hollywood actors. See my Movies page for more. |
