Tag Archives: 77th Division

Travel Tips: Noyers-Pont-Maugis French and German Cemeteries, the “Race to Sedan” and more History

March 29, 2019 by Randy
No comments
Few American battlefield visitors drive as far north as Sedan, because it is approximately one hour (55km / 35 mi) north of Romagne-sous-Montfaucon.  However, for those with the time, it is worth the drive because Sedan and vicinity is steeped in military history.  On 2 Sept. 1870 Prussian troops captured Emperor Napoleon III and a large number of his troops there during the Franco-Prussian War.  (Thereafter, Imperial Germany celebrated Sedan Day annually as a major holiday.)  In August 1914, the Imperial German troops of the Continue reading →

News & Events: Lost Battalion and I Corps Battlefield Tour, 4-7 October, 2018

April 15, 2018 by Randy
No comments
  Space is still available for the Lost Battalion and I Corps Battlefield Tour, 4-7 October, that was announced in early March.  Readers should not pass up the opportunity to participate! Why?  First, Robert Laplander, author of “Finding the Lost Battalion…” will be leading the LB and 77th Division portions of this tour.  He is arguably one of the most knowledgeable people on the episode of the Lost Battalion; and he does not make it to Europe often.  This is a chance to spend quality Continue reading →

Lost Battalion and I Corps Battlefield Tour, 4-7 Ocotober, 2018

March 10, 2018 by Randy
One comment
    Tour guide Randal Gaulke is proud to announce that he is teaming up with long-time Lost Battalion researcher Robert Laplander to offer a tour of the Lost Battalion and I Corps areas of the Meuse-Argonne from 4-7 October, 2018. The tour will be similar in structure to the Small-Group Battlefield Walk Series being run by Randal Gaulke and Markus Klauer.  However, the entire four days will be concentrated on the Lost Battalion (one full day), other 77th Division sites and other I Corps Continue reading →

Then and Now: Grandpre and Vicinity (77th and 78th Divisions, AEF), Part 2

November 2, 2017 by Randy
7 comments
The tour of the Grandpré battlefield continues…     Caption:  Military Cemetery near Grandpré.  Griffin Group Photo AM372.  Taken 17 January, 1919. Note:  The “now” photo includes a much larger piece of today’s road than seen in the “then” photo. Location:  Along the D946 east of Grandpré.  The road that follows the power lines north is the D6.     Caption:  The Griffin Group Photo is mislabeled.  This is Grèves Ferme, not Belle Joyeuse Ferme.  (Belle Joyeuse Ferme sits on a hilltop much closer to Continue reading →

Then and Now: Grandpre and Vicinity (77th and 78th Divisions, AEF), Part 1

November 1, 2017 by Randy
9 comments
Situated just south of the Kriemhilde Stellung (aka Hindenburg Line), the French village of Grandpré has fascinated this New Jersey-based Webmaster for some time.  Doughboys of the 77th Division gained a foothold in the southern portion of the town on 15-16 October, 1918; but it was the doughboys of the 78th Division that struggled to take the rest of the town and the “citadel” in late October. The town has some wonderful architecture that sets it apart from many of the rural towns in the Continue reading →

Books and Movies: Finding the Lost Battalion, U.S. WW1 Centennial Edition

November 1, 2017 by Randy
No comments
  When publishing the feature article, “The Lonesome Death of Marvin Stainton” on this website, the Webmaster opened with these lines:  “Few authors have researched participants of the Great War so well and have written so eloquently about their experiences as [author] Mr. Nelson.  The Webmaster wishes that the lives of each individual soldier on both sides of this terrible conflict could be so well documented.”  Robert J. Laplander and his book, “Finding the Lost Battalion:  Beyond the rumors, myths and legends of America’s famous Continue reading →

Then and Now: St. Juvin–77th Division River Crossing and German Infrastructure

September 2, 2017 by Randy
One comment
Introduction:  In this selection of Griffin Group then and now one has the opportunity to see areas that were hell for the 77th Division when attacking St. Juvin as well as the German rear-area infrastructure that existed in the Meuse-Argonne. One of the most vivid accounts of the capture of St. Juvin can be found on pages 342-6 of Ed Lengel’s book, “To Conquer Hell:  The Meuse-Argonne, 1918.”  He describes:  “The 306th’s First Battalion left Marcq at 8:30 A.M., but instead of Marching east as Continue reading →

We Forget Today: Private John J. Monson of the Lost Battalion

February 19, 2017 by Randy
One comment
  We forget today just what an impact World War I had on the lives of its participants and their families.  Last Fall author Kevin Fitzpatrick sent the webmaster two blog posts from his upcoming book:  “World War I New York:  A Guide to the City’s Enduring Ties to the Great War.”  However, the webmaster has been delinquent in publishing them.  With the book set to release in late March, 2017, here is one of the two stories:   When the City Rallied for John J. Continue reading →

Ninety-Eight Years Ago Today: Crosses from 28 Sept. to 2 October

October 2, 2016 by Randy
2 comments
Introduction:  From 26 Sept. to 11 November the webmaster had hoped to post a daily blog entry of activities during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.  However, the realities of work (including business trips), family, and hobby (including tour marketing and two nights of French lessons a week) is making this quite a challenge.  Therefore, the webmaster is scaling back his goals.  However, several individuals have written pieces for the webmaster AND THESE WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THEIR TARGET DATES.  Also, in the spirit of remembrance, the webmaster Continue reading →

Reader’s Question: Seeking Information About my Grandfather in Co. H, 306th Inf.

May 14, 2016 by Randy
2 comments
Reader Tim Gobin recently left a comment:  “Looking for Information about my grandfather, William J. Holbert, who was in Co. H. 306th Infantry and at the Meuse-Argonne offensive.  On his discharge papers it says he got, “victory medal with clasps” and we had thought he also was awarded a citation for “service above and beyond the call of duty.”  Any help would be greatly appreciated.   Webmaster’s Reply:  Tim, I looked in the divisional history, “History of the 77th Division:  August 25, 1917 – November Continue reading →