Tag Archives: 26th Division

Then and Now: Montfaucon d’Argonne 1918-19 Versus Today

October 29, 2018 by Randy
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    Few sites on the Meuse-Argonne American battlefield are as heavily visited as Montfaucon d’Argonne; and yet it remains difficult to “see” the town as it looked at the end of the war.  Moving from a destroyed village to a preserved memorial park that can be visited safely by thousands annually requires considerable clean-up and sanitization.  Thus, one sees the Memorial, the (enhanced) church ruins and a scattering of observation pillboxes, along with some good signage; but one does not see the ruined town Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Yankee Division Commemoration, 29 July, Braye-en-Laonnois

July 15, 2018 by Randy
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  The Yankee Division graffiti in the quarries underneath the Chemin des Dames is well-documented.  This is a chance for visitors to view those quarries and to commemorate the Yankee Division in the Aisne Sector and on the Chemin des Dames! The event will take place on Sunday, 29 July at 15h00.  Location is the Yankee Division Monument at the Carrieres de Froidmont (Quarries of Froidmont) in Braye-en-Laonnois.  It will take place in the presence of General Leonid Kondratiuk, National Commander of the Yankee Division Continue reading →

We Forget Today: The Story of Cpl. Goerge Gaudette, KIA 10 November, 1918

January 22, 2018 by Randy
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  We forget today just what an impact World War I had on the lives of its participants and their families.  Long-time Yankee Division reenactor and researcher Alan Michael Crane recently forwarded this group of photos centered around Corporal Goerge Gaudette, Co. E, 102nd Inf. Regt., 26th Division, who was KIA on 10 November 1918.  He was awarded the DSC posthumously.  The photos also show his mother receiving the DSC from YD General Clarence Edwards as well as his mother making a Gold Star Pilgrimage Continue reading →

Then and Now: Bois de Consenvoye and Richene Hill–Part 2

July 20, 2017 by Randy
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Webmaster’s Note:  This is part to of the “Then and Now” blogpost focusing on Griffin Group photos in the Bois de Consenvoye and on Richêne Hill.  Readers are encourage to view Part 1, which appeared yesterday.  For reader’s convenience, the ABMC Summary of Operations map has been repeated below.         Caption:  Griffin Group Photo A.M. 162.  American Dead.  325.2 – 280.4.  8 January, 1919. Location:  Looking at the above map, the “then” photo was taken along the tree line just East of Continue reading →

Then and Now: Bois de Consenvoye and Richene Hill–Part 1

July 19, 2017 by Randy
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Webmaster’s notes:  This two-part then and now report will focus on Griffin Group photos in the Bois de Consenvoye and on Richêne Hill–excluding Molleville Ferme.  More details on the Griffin Group photos can be found in this 30 April, 2017 post:  http://meuseargonnerg.wpengine.com/?p=2179.     Readers are also reminded that the offensive East of the Meuse was begun on 8 October, almost two weeks after the main offensive, in order to “neutralize” the enemy artillery that was shelling AEF positions West of the Meuse River.  The Continue reading →

Then and Now: Samogneux

May 25, 2017 by Randy
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    Caption:  Samogneux is on the D964 at the edge of the Verdun battlefield East of the Meuse.  In 1918, any of the American divisions (33rd, 29th and 79th) fighting East of the Meuse would have passed through it.  Unfortunately, trees block the view of the canal and river in the now photo.  However, the horizon matches up well.   The now photo is taken from in front of the statue in the town cemetery.  The cemetery is on a slight hill, which mirrors Continue reading →

We Forget Today: A Daughter’s Love for her Father, Jean Barnes-Butts and Russell Kingsley Barnes

May 21, 2016 by Randy
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  We forget today just what an impact World War I had on the lives of its participants and their families.   1917-18 and Post-War On August 1, 1917 Russell K. Barnes became a PFC in the 101st Field Artillery Regt., 26th Division, AEF.  On March 4, 1918 he was promoted to Corporal and on May 18, 2018 he became the Regimental Sgt. Major.  On Sept. 8, 1918 he was commissioned a Lt. and was re-assigned to the 1st Division, AEF.  Lt. Barnes would survive Continue reading →