Civil War Humor, The German Recruiter

I goes to fight mit Sigel... Franz Sigel

Here is a little Civil War type humor. This is taken from an 1864 issue of the Miners Journal.
Somewhere in lower Manheim Township, out towards the Pine Grove area.
The reader must picture a stout, big bellied, short haired recruiting officer, with a blue cap, broad stiff front piece, a short sword, a blue uniform, a size to small, and a raw customer hailing from the “Faderland”, wearing wooden shoes and a long tailed gray coat. The officer was after some recruits for a German Regiment, and thus went for his susceptible countryman:
“Ho! Dere, Hans! Be dat you?”
“Yaw”
“Come mit me to be a sojer man?”
“Nein”
“Yaw ! Come ! It be so nice”
“Nein! I gets Shoots!”
“Nix! Py tam it is better as good. It be foon all de ville. You enlist mit me you gets nein hundred tollars bountish.”
“So?”
“Yaw. And you gets such nice clothes ash never vas! Shust look at me!”
“So?”
“Yaw,” And in ter morning ven de trum peets agin and dit is de gurnel’s gompliments to come eat some sour krout un sausage mit him, by tam!”
“So, mynheer?”
“Yaw, dat ish so. Den purty soon,bime by, der trunpeets, dat is de gurnels gompliment, to ride mit him in der carriage tosee your vrow or your Katrina. And den you rides all over de city mit him and no costs you one tam cent. And bime by de trum peets, and dat is de gurnel’s gompliments to come, and schmoke a bipe mit him! And bime by, pretty soon right away, de trum peets like de tuyfel, and dat is de gurnel’s gompliments to come and get your nein hundred tollars boutnish. I thinks, but I guess not , py tam.”
“Yaw ! So goot!”
“Yaw, And den de gurnel and de Bresident shakes hands mit you, and you cat krout mit de Bresident’s vrow and shust like one fighting rooster, py tam! And den in a little vile you say der Bresident be one nice man, and you gets anoder hundred tollars bountish, and der Bresident makes un grand general mit you, purty soon, I guess, but I tinks not! You go mit me ?”
“Yaw!”


Recruiting From Harpers Weekly

The Road to Gettysburg, The Civil War Diary of Captain Jacob W. Haas 96th P.V.I.

Captain Jacob Haas

While doing research in the Schuylkill County Historical Society I came across this copy of Captain Jacob Haas of Company G 96th P.V.I. Gettysburg period Diary. This diary was written during the Gettysburg Campaign. The diary gives a good look at the route of march taken by the 96th and 6th Corps during the Gettysburg campaign. It also gives a good look at the daily life of a company grade officer while in the field.
This diary was transcribed by James F. Haas, Jacobs Grandson.
Captain Haas was well known for his being mistaken for John Wilkes Booth. He was a Coal Mine Superintendent and a prominent resident of Northumberland County, and also lived in Schuylkill County.


June 1863
Near the North bank of the Rappahannock River, Virginia.

At the beginning of June, 1863, the Union Army was sitting along a long line on the North Bank of the Rappahannock River, in Virginia. Major General Joseph Hooker was still in command. The union Army had just undergone one of the worst defeats it ever suffered at the hands of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Lee’s Army was then sitting around the city of Fredericksburg, Va. On the south bank of the Rappahannock.
The Sixth Corps, under the command of Major General John Sedgwick was in camp at White Oak Church, Va. In the 6th Corps was one of Schuylkill County’s famous regiments, the 96th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. From June 6th till their departure from White Oak Church, Va. On June 13, 1863 the 96th saw continuous skirmishing and picket duty. On the 13th the regiment moved out with the rest of the famed 6th Corps and started on the memorable march to Gettysburg.
In command of Company G, 96th P.V.I. was Captain Jacob Haas. Company G contained men from Schuylkill, Berks and Dauphin Counties. Following are excerpts from Captain Haas’s diary during the Gettysburg, campaign.
Instead of writing the short, cut up sentences of a Haas’s diary I have taken the liberty to fill it in as thou Captain Haas was talking. Everything listed is what he wrote in his diary.

June 1, Monday,
Today is fine day, but very dusty. I worked on my ordnance returns, and rec3ieved invoices from major Lessig. I then gave him my receipts. I was also at a court martial, it has adjourned for 3 days. Today I felt unwell, and then wrote my wife.

June 2, Tuesday,
Another fine day, I drilled the company today and worked on my vouchers. I then wrote a letter to Ed, Hanna. I went over and paid my Mess Bill to Fesig for $12.54. I paid Rumberger $2.50. In the evening we had a Dress parade, later I maid out requisitions for clothing. Al is quiet; I am going to bed early.

June 3, Wednesday,
Another fine day, Mr. Schweers came to camp and brought me a letter and some tobacco, the letter was from my wife. I then wrote her a letter. I also arranged all of my papers. There are rumors of a big move today, although I just loafed around. I played some poker tonight first since being at Harrisons Landing. I had a bad pain in my side. This evening I spent a pleasant time at Schweers tent, had some lemonade. Went back home to my tent at 2 a.m. We received orders to have the men stand to arms at daybreak, looks like we are moving to prevent an attack.

June 4, Thursday,
I rose at 4 a.m. it is another fine day. I roused up the men and had them stand to arms for ½ hour. There were fears of a raid on our lines today. Nothing happened so I went back to bed again and slept to 8 a.m.. My feet are bad and sore. The sutler was open also. The First Corps moved out today, they say top White Plains. I think we will move also, maybe tomorrow. During the day it was very warm, and I cleaned my clothes of grease and pitch spots. I got a hat from Cranberry. I had meat boiled and sent to the men out on picket duty. All is quiet, it is now 2 p.m.. I understand that we are ready to move; I will regret parting with this camp. I just slept and worried the whole day through, and went to bed early. The Fifth Corps came back and pitched their tents.

June 5, Friday,
A woke to another fine day, I fixed up my pass book, received some clothing and had them issued. I also drew 600 rounds of ammunition and it issued to the men. We received orders to be ready to move on short notice; we also drew 8 days rations. I had more meat cooked and sent to the men n picket duty. There are all kinds of rumors coming in. For the benefit of my wife, I have only to say that all I owe in the world is for my hat, and no one owes me. If we go into action I will give my pocket book to Dr. Bland. I wrote a letter to my wife. At 5 p.m. I hear heavy cannonading and musketry, Today Charley Crosland came to camp. I went to bed about 10 p.m. I did not sleep well, I kept dreaming of battling.

June 6, Saturday,
Today starts out as a fine day, Packed up my belongings and got ready to move. Pickets came in at 10 ½ a.m. We loaded up our baggage. I gave Dr. Bland $44 to give to my wife in case I fall. I can hear cannonading and musketry at intervals. We started on the march at 12 ½ p.m. and marched to the Rappahannock and crossed at Bernard’s House. We stopped and rested until the evening. The 2nd Division is across, they said they lost 26 men getting across. William Miller was sent to the hospital. We had a thunder storm in the evening, we then moved back on the bluffs and went into camp for the night. I again slept badly, although I had a dream of a big dinner at Kopitches restaurant.

June 7, Sunday. I awoke at 5 a.m. to another fine day. I washed out my canteen, had breakfast and got a drink of whiskey. I felt better today, but just laid quiet all day. Our batteries where shelling during the day,. I got a letter from Tom Foster. At 7 ½ we struck tents and packed up, we moved out and crossed the river. We then filed out and laid in line of battle near Bernard House. Half of the company stayed awake until 12 midnight, then were relieved by the other half, the night was very cold. The third division dug a rifle pit along our bank.

June 8, Monday,
I rose up at 3 a.m. to another fine day. I got the men under arms, and stood to until 5 a.m.. Then I had breakfast. Seems the Rebs are thick, the rifle pit is a full mile long. I had tome to write my wife a letter. At 12 p.m., all is still quiet. There are still working parties at the rifle pit. The 95th Penna, Vols and the 121st New York arte on picket duty. I made out a report for the tri monthly returns. The siege guns on the other side shifted positions, the whole movement looks very curious to me. I t is a remarkable fact that t the closer we get to danger, the more lovely the distant hills are. At 6 P.M. I received a letter from my wife. My impression is that an assault will be made tomorrow. Our boys are still working go n the rifle pit, we pitched our tents and went to sleep. The Second Division was working on the earthworks all night.

Officers of the 96th P.V.I.

June 9, Tuesday,
We were aroused and stood to arms at 4 a.m. I then received orders to go on picket at 5 ½ a.m... I ate breakfast, packed up and moved forward to the right of the ravine and picketed the ravine from the river. I was much annoyed by sharpshooters, our pickets were firing all day, at times I felt very heavy and weary. Today the heat was intense. And there are plenty of rebs to be seen. Berdan Sharpshooters gave them hell. I was relieved at 7 p.m. by the Second New Jersey. Rebs shelled us with their heavy guns in the heights, the night was very cold, and I slept very badly.

June 9th 1863 1 p.m.
My Dear Brother.
We marched from camp on Saturday at 12 , and arrived at our old crossing place near Bernfills House at 5 p.m. camped for the night and crossed over the river on Sunday, evening and took position in line of battle and slept on our arms. The 2nd Division threw up breastworks in front of us, ½ mile to our right. Yesterday we laid quiet all day.
Last night we worked at the earthworks and this morning we were sent to the front to picket, and I can tell you now that it is very nasty. Their sharpshooters are hid in buildings on the outskirts of this town and fire at us constantly. Son of a Bitch. Shot seven of our pickets yesterday, at one post and has been shooting all morning again, but I haven’t yet learned with what success as it is to the right of me.
I am writing this laying down, for the moment they see one of us, bang three shots come, but of course we shoot too but they are hideaway to close to do with. The sun is very warm and lying in an open field, on your back, writing a letter is not much fun.
I do not know what to make of this move; it came as a surprise to me. I do not think that we will assault the heights again as the enemy are in large force in front of us. If we do assault the Heights, I heard we will be successful. I----------------- will again turn up as-------------------- , for I am anxious to get home to my dear little family.
I am almost convinced that we will never subdue the Rebels unless the Gov’t quits this dilly dallying and make a fuss over Copperheads and goes to work in earnest. Let it bring out the line and sinews; use more rope and less words. In one word, use all the powers that are vested in them and in 90 days this war will be over. Of course there would be so many men left but what of that, they can pay a pension for, F—K and the world will soon be full again. The fact is that our Generals had half the energy and ability the CSA have, a few short months would settle the CSA it is a shame that we do not soon do better. I will quit the service and goo to China to serve under the New Mandarin.
I am well and hearty, have a stiff upper lip, a tight --------.
I do not write as I have not had a passage in the last four days. I cannot see why you folks do not write to me and I am D---D if I pen another line to you until I do hear from you. I think one of our boys just got himself a sharpshooter as I can ------- -------- going amongst them. I wish you were here to see the fun, they are shooting like ------- and I would like to see you get, all over, no one hurt on our side. I must close something up. My love to you all, If I am wounded or killed got to Pottsville, get money and come for me. Good bye. A lovely skirmish is going on the right and working this way.

J,W, Haas

June 10, Wednesday
Today the 23rd New Jersey went home. There was picket firing all day at times very lively. I laid quiet all day. Went and bought some eating s from the sutler. We were then relieved by the First Division. We crossed on the North Bank of the river at 10 p.m. and lid in the road, I slept very badly.

June 11, Thursday.
Awoke to a fine day. Messrs. Little and Clayton came today with a flag. We had the presentation in the afternoon. General Bartlett received it for us, and he gave Little a “Backhander”. I laid quiet all day and into the night. We are under marching orders, and there are all kinds of rumors. I received two letters from my wife, and I in turn wrote her 2, one by mail and one to Mr. Clayton. We had lots of whiskey, and I sent home a receipt for checks.

June 12, Friday
We were aroused at 3 a.m. and ordered to go on picket at daylight. I had the men pack up and we marched pout at that time. Marched around 8 miles and went on picket at the Rappahannock. The rebs were very civil, we fished and swam in the river. We drew rations and the rebs and our men were fishing in the river all day. I washed my shirts and drawers. Later rebel shells came from the crest and fell in the road to our right. The 14th Georgia, 49th and 29th North Carolina was opposite us. One of the boys in the Fifth Maine swam across the river and traded papers; they treated him very kindly. The rebs have a fine band that played some pieces in the evening. I put out some strong posts in the evening, and the night passed without any alarms.

June 13, Saturday
We arose at 5 a.m. to another fine day. It was quiet all day. The General Officer of the Day came around and gave em hell, and ordered me to alter the posts, and told me the whole army had moved. Rain came up in the evening. The batteries on both sides shelled for awhile. At 10 p.m. Major Lessig ordered me to call in my pickets and move out in the road, we were to make no noise and rendezvous at White oak church. We then laid there about an hour. At 11 p.m. we marched across to Potomac Creek Bridge and rested a total distance of about 13 miles. During the march I fell over a stump and hurt my knee.

June 14, Sunday
We halted at 4 ½ a.m. and rested at Potomac Creek Bridge and waited for the Brigade unti 8 a.m. when we again marched about a half of mile. The day is cloudy. We rested there until 2 p.m. then moved near the RR Bridge and stayed all afternoon . I saw immense stores of public property burned. The Balloon is with us and it went up seven times during the day. Our pickets are on our right front. An immense wagon train and artillery train passed us. We marched at 8 p.m. and marched until 2 a.m. We halted at Stafford Court House and laid in the road and slept for two hours, a total distanced marched of 8 miles. This was the most tiresome march I ever made. During the night some horses ran away, a “Skidipper” ensued, I thought it was the enemy cavalry. I suffered very much from loss of sleep. A very “Hard Time”, H. Rumberger and D. Williams are absent.

June 15, Monday
I arose at 5 a.m. and marched without eating about 4 miles. It is a fine warm day. We passed our old camp in the Wilderness, the road is blocked with wagons and guns, and is very dusty. The Second Corps is also on this road. I had to mend my pants today, and made some lemonade, the sutlers are all skedaddling. Found some lice on my shirts also, I cooked some coffee and ate breakfast at 10 a.m. We crossed Acquia Creek by wading; we suffered much from fatigue and heat. We marched a little after 10 a.m. and marched all day to make 12 miles in all and arrived at Stafford. A great many of the men are sun struck, at least a 100 men in our division were taken so. I laid in the woods for one hour in a creek. I washed and then marched to Dumfries. I had another wash, supper and then slept solid. There were a great many stores abandoned.

June 16, Tuesday,
We arose at 3 a.m. to another fine day. Our march was difficult because of artillery blocking the way. We marched about 2 miles, halted and cooked coffee at 6 a.m. Sedgwick scolded us because we did not march faster. We again took up the line of march and halted at 4 p.m. and had dinner. I took a swim in the Occoquan. My feet are very sore, and I am very tired. The men straggled very much. We came in with only three muskets, marched some 12 miles. We again took up the line of march and marched 12 miles and halted at Fairfax Station at 7 p.m. Distanced marched 20 miles. I was very tired and foot sore. Oberender came and had some of the ardent. Whiskey was issued to the men. News that the Rebs are in Pennsylvania is a great sensation. I got a clean pair of socks to put on. I again slept badly.

June 17, Wednesday
We arose at 3 a.m. to a fine day. I got some coffee and laid still most of the day. We fired our guns. I got a clean shirt and drawers and threw away the dirty ones. I wrote a letter to my wife, and also received one from her. My feet are very sore. Today the men raided a sutler,. Officers were ordered to reduce baggage.





June 18, Thursday
A very fine warm day, I rose at 3 ½ a.m. got coffee and set out on the march at 4 a.m. We passed by Fairfax Court House, and took the road to Leesburg. We halted in a fine large woods until the next day. We marched a distance of 5 miles. A large train of wounded cavalry passed by us today, there was a heavy cavalry fight at Aldie some 18 miles from us. They say our side was successful. I also made requisitions for some clothing. It started to rain in the evening and rained heavily all night. I slept well.

June 19, Friday
I rose up at 5 a.m. to a cloudy morning. I got breakfast and wrote a letter to my wife. I laid quiet all day. I can hear cannonading all day. There was cavalry skirmishing all day. I think we will have a battle in a few days. We were ordered to be ready to move on a short notice. It rained all night, and I did not sleep very well. I received a letter from my wife.

June 20, Saturday
I wrote a letter to my wife. Lt. Getter, of the 46th P.V. came to see me. It rained during the day. I laid quiet again. I wrote a letter to Dr. Wetherill. A lot of Rebel prisoners are being brought in. I got $4 dollars from Dr. Bland, leaving 41 in his hands. I sl;ept badly but dreamt of home.

June 21, Sunday
A cloudy day. I had an inspection at 9 a.m. We issued clothing to the men, I drew a canteen, 1 pr. Socks , 1 pr. Drawers. I aid my mess bill to Fesig $3.43. I heard heavy cannonading all day in the direction of Leesburg. A trial of wounded came in. I read and slept all day, and went to bed at 9 p.m. and slept badly.

June 22, Monday
A fine day rose up at 6 ½. Dr. bland gave me $41 dollars. I played Vigt. Et-in and made out so –so . More prisoners came in. I put up my tent, and got my baggage.

June 23, Tuesday
A fine day. I worked like a beaver all day. Finished my back ordnance return. We were inspected by captain hall in the afternoon. I had some punch in the evening. More prisoners and wounded being brought in. We fixed the camp.

June 24, Wednesday
A fine day. I mailed out my back ordnance return to General Ripley, made out a new muster roll. I worked all day at my books and papers. Had my receipt rolls witnessed and signed. And received a letter from my dear wife. I wrote her a letter. I had a headache all day. And did not go on dress parade

June 25, Thursday
A cloudy day. I felt unwell. I made out 4 muster rolls and received pay vouchers for quarterly returns. I was also Officer of the Day. And was out to Regimental Drill. I worked hard on my accounts. We received orders to move, and packed our baggage. I paid my mess bill to Fesig $5.00 and sent a package to my wife. We had our photographs taken in a group, and got some ice cream. It rained all night. “Hooker Dream”

June 26, Friday
A cloudy day, rose up at 1 a.m., then got the men up. Cooked coffee, packed up and loaded baggage and marched at 4 a.m. via Guilford Station, Dranesville and went into camp at 1 p.m. about a half mile from Dranesville. It was raining all day, and the march was terrible and rapid, the distance marched was about 18 to 20 miles, nice country, lots of cherries. I am very tired, it rained in the evening and I did not sleep well.

June 27, Saturday
A cloudy day. We rose at 3 a.m. but did not march until 6, cause the road was blocked by teams and troops. The march was very tedious. We arrived at Edwards Ferry at 10 a.m. in Loudon County is the best in Virginia. Maryland is looking nice from this side also. And starring us in the face is Sugar Loaf Mt. I commenced a letter to my wife and then laid around until 5 ½ p.m. We crossed the Potomac on pontoon bridges consisting of 64 pontoons on the river and 11 on Goose Creek. We marched some distance and camped in a large field at 6 ½ p.m. We marched a total distance of 10 miles. The boys forgot they were out of Virginia and made a raid on the fences, they were scolded for it.

June 28, Sunday
Arose at 3 a.m. to a cloudy day. We marched at 4 ½ a.m. Passed Monocacy Church at 6 ½ . Turned on the old road to Barnesville at 10 a.m. I mailed a letter to my wife. Marched along all day until 6 p.m. We passed by Hyattstown and camped about 1 mile from there on the road to New market. We marched 20 miles today. It felt as thou we had marched 30 miles. I spent the evening with some “Old Maids”: - “My father died” etc.

June 29, Monday
A cloudy day, raining at intervals all day. We rose at 3 a.m. and marched at 4 ½ and passed through Monrovia, New Market. We crossed the B&O Railroad. Came on the turnpike 6 miles to Rydersville, turned off and passed through Mt. Airy and crossed the B&O again. Here we rested for two hours. We marched until 6 p.m. and halted until morning. We ate cherries and drank milk, and diarrhea was the result. We marched 24 miles. I made requisitions for clothing. It rained during the night. I had command of the B&G of rear guard. The men straggled very much today. Dr. Bland gave me a lift. I then went to a farm house for supper. Here we ate lots of cherries, the limestone water operated on me.

June 30, Tuesday
A cloudy day. The mail came in today. We marched at 8 a.m. and passed through Lewisburg. We then marched to Westminster a distance of 9 miles. Arrived there at 1 ½ p.m. we marched through the town a very nice place, population 2,000. We halted and rested for two hours. We resumed the march at 3 ½ p.m. and marched to the Manchester Road. Crossing the Maryland Central railroad and halted and went into camp in a large woods, marched a distance of 8 miles, the whole distance marched was 17 miles. Rained at intervals throughout the day. We are all very tired and foot sore. Three rebel prisoners are brought in. I saw Lt. carpenter and Capt. Young as we passed through town. A great many pretty girls in town. Country we marched through is splendid.

The 96th monument and Position Below Little round Top

July 1, Wednesday
Cloudy day. We mustered the men for pay. Had an inspection and equalized ammunition. All kinds of rumors prevailing. Heavy cannonading toward Gettysburg. We drew two days extra rations. I wrote my wife and brother Fred. We marched at 9. p.m. and got on the wrong road. We halted at 12 midnight and rested until the Third Division passed. I suffered from sore feet very much.

July 2, Thursday
A cloudy day, marched all night. We took the pike to Littlestown and Gettysburg. Rumor that a big battle took place at Gettysburg, and that General Reynolds had been killed. We saw a captured rebel train, and also prisoners. We came into Pennsylvania at 8:05 a.m. I am very tired and foot sore. We passed through Littlestown a very nice place, the ladies were cheering and waving their kerchiefs. This county is splendid, large crops of grain etc. in the fields. Dr. Bland gave me a pass to get in an ambulance to rest in. I did and rode to near Gettysburg. I arrived here at 4 ½ p.m. we marched a total distance of 32 miles today. The cannonading is very heavy, a great many wounded men came past us. We went into action at 6 p.m., we charged forward several times and at dark, rested behind a stone wall for the night. We had one man in the regiment wounded. We crossed a creek and all got wet feet. I passed a horrid night, the groans of the wounded filled the night air, where they laid very thick.

July 3, Friday
A cloudy day, we were aroused by the firing of the skirmishers at 3:45 a.m. The shelling was very heavy at our line all day. One man was wounded by a piece of shell in our regiment. The 95th P.V.I. had two men shot. In the evening, the Third Division made a charge and advanced our line, also the Pennsylvania Reserves charged. They took the 15th Georgia Prisoners. All in all, our success was very brilliant. I made up a detail to gather up arms lying in the field. There are immense numbers of wounded coming in. I caught a bad cold. It has been raining at intervals all day long. In the evening, a shower fell. Six of the enemy batteries shelled the heights around us awfully during the day Douden, Glass, Rumberger, Feree still absent.



July 4, Saturday
Rainy in the morning but cleared off early. I roused up the men at 2 a.m. and distributed rations. Drew 9 pairs of shoes and gave them to the men. All very quiet this morning, the carnage of the field beyond is horrible. The regulars must have suffered considerably. I took a walk over the battle field. Our loss was heavier than theirs. I wrote to my wife and had it mailed at Littlestown. Huber paid me $1.37, I paid Fessig $3.30 for my mess acct. to date. I felt unwell, seems I caught a cold. At 10 ½ a.m. we advanced to the wheat field and supported a reconnaissance made by the Second Brigade of Sykes regulars. We found the enemy in force about 1 mile in the rear of the old position. They opened up with shells on our advance. No one was hurt in our regiment. Our men gathered great quantities of arms all day from the advance picket line. We returned to our old position at the stone fence at 12. And laid there all afternoon. At 1 ½ p.m. the Regulars relieved the Pennsylvania reserves and are now in our front lines, we are in the second line. It rained heavy all afternoon. The Rebs burned down the house across the wheat field. It rained heavy all evening and night, We drew rations after dark. I slept badly I coughed very much during the night. J.C. Bear said he was sick and was sent to the rear.

July 5, Sunday
Rainy and cloudy day again, rose at 4 a.m. and moved to the rear about a half mile and halted along a road until 9 a.m. when we moved to the front. The whole Corps seemed to move and halted in the Wheat Field until 1 p.m. when we moved forward. I think the rebs have gone. The stench is horrible from the dead carcasses lying around. We moved forward by columns and in line of battle at times, skirmishing along. Major Lessig and Company A took 2 of the 47th Alabama. Found that the rebs left all their hospitals and wounded to fall into our hands. At 6 p.m. we caught up with their rear guard near Blue Ridge Gap. They opened with shell. Our batteries played on them. Saw their train winding along the Gap. We formed in line of Battle and took the extreme right of the line. We moved forward until dark, when we laid down in line of battle and slept. We were wet, tired and hungry. My cough troubled me .

July 6, Monday
Cloudy and rainy, rose at 4 a.m. and cooked coffee. Hen Romberger came to the company. We rested in some woods until 4 ½ p.m. when we marched through Fairfield toward Mountain Gap. We rested and cooked coffee in a large field on the other side of the town. Daniel Stahl rejoined the company. Our Division was last today, our regiment the last one. Very short on rations. We marched at 11 p.m. and marched all night.

July 7, Tuesday
A fine day but cloudy. We passed through Emittsburg at 3 a.m. a portion of the town was burned. Institute buildings are fine. We halted nearby until 10 a.m. We slept and cooked some coffee. It rained a little. We passed through Franklinville and Mechanics town, small villages. I mailed a letter to my wife at latter place. Ladies sang, waving flags etc. All lovely, goose hangs high. All very short of rations. Three crackers a piece. Passed by Thompson’s Furnace, left Lewistown to our left and crossed over the pass in the Catoctin Mountain. Horrible marching. It again commenced to rain and continued all night. Regiments were getting lost in the dark. Artillery jammed up and things were awfully mixed up. We marched along until 10 ½ p.m. when I camped in the woods with three of my men. Thousands of men went and laid down in the rain. I washed my feet and socks and laid down in my gum blanket to sleep. Got my ass wet. We all suffered from hunger, fatigue and exposure. We marched 25 miles.

July 8, Wednesday
A rainy day, rained heavily all morning. Our Brigade waited on top of the mountain until 9 ½ a.m. waiting for stragglers to come up. We marched down the mountain and passed through Belleville, in mud ankle deep all the way. We halted and camped 1 ½ miles from Middletown at Turner’s Gap. Drew rations for the men. We skirmished for lice and laid down to sleep, wet, tired and hungry. I did not feel well. Heavy cannonading from the other side of South Mountain. News came that Vicksburg had surrendered. Cleared off toward evening. I received a letter from my wife dated the 2nd. I reported Frank Douden and John Glass as deserters and Urich D. Feree as absent sick. Coughed most of the night. There was a cavalry fight in Turner’s Gap. We marched 6 miles today.

July 9, Thursday
Cloudy day. Roused up at 3 a.m. and marched at 5 a.m. and passed through Middletown, crossed South Mountain at Turner’s gap and passed through Boonsboro, we turned off and laid in line of battle. I can see Antietam Battlefield. I mailed a letter to my wife at Middletown. We moved about a half mile further and laid in line of battle all night. There was heavy fighting down the valley. The rebs trying to come our way. John Van Hollen came into camp, We marched 8 miles.

July 10, Friday
Nothing

July 11, Saturday
A fine warm day. We deployed groups at 3 a.m. I drew 11 pair of shoes and some rations. We advanced as skirmishers by the right flank at 5 a.m. we formed regiment at Antietam Bridge and rested at 10 a.m. I took Co. B and G across the bridge and occupied the rebel rifle pits. We sent out skirmishers. They drove the rebs back to the woods. We took one prisoner of Munford’s 2nd Virginia Cavalry. The firing was lively. I fired some three or four shots. We were relieved in the evening and moved in the right flank and rested for a few minutes. We moved into the skirmish line and supported a section of artillery. We opened fire but received no reply. Knocked Jake Nice and H Keiser down with my sword for disobedience of orders. Came back after dark and slept for the night. I lost my gum blanket.

July 12, Sunday
Foggy Morning. I paid Fesig $2.29 for my mess bill at the 10th inst. We marched at 5 ½ a.m. Passed through Funkstown, crossed the Antietam Creek and formed into line of battle within one mile of Hagerstown. Laid around, moving our lines now and then until evening, when we moved to the left. We made breastworks. At Dark, moved forward to support the 121st N.Y. pickets. Was on picket with part of the regiment. I mailed a letter at Funkstown to my wife. Heavy Skirmishing. The eleventh Corps and First Corps moved to our right, Fifth Corps to our left. I was very sick all night.

July 13, Monday
Cloudy and rainy. Aroused and moved forward to the skirmish line at 3 !/1 a.m. Heavy picket firing all day. I am very sick. Close shooting. Exchanged newspapers with the rebs. Firing Stopped. The First South Carolina is opposite us. It is raining at intervals all day. We relieved about 6 p.m. and retired behind our breast works for the night. The enemy was busy all day at their earthworks, they opened with shell on our right, one man in our regiment was wounded by a sharpshooter.














E

Schuylkill County Ambulance Drivers World War 1

Ambulance Ford Model T

A remarkable number of well known authors were ambulance drivers during World War I. Among them were Ernest Hemingway, John Dos Passos, E.E. Cummings, and Somerset Maugham. Robert Service, the writer of Yukon poetry including The Shooting of Dan McGrew, and Charles Nordhoff, co-author of Mutiny On the Bounty, drove ambulances in the Great War.
At least 23 well known literary figures drove ambulances in the First World War.

Also here in Schuylkill County we had quite a few men who went off to war to be ambulance drivers and quite a few were awarded the famed FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE military award for bravery and heroism in action. In this blog article I tried to find most of the men who served as ambulance drivers and a list of those who earned the CDeG.
Included in the blog are a couple of stories about these men from my book “Pennsylvanian Voices of the Great War.” McFarland Press.


Model T
During World War I, the Allies used thousands of Model T cars and trucks because of their low cost and ease of repair. The ambulance version's light weight made it well-suited for use on the muddy and shell-torn roads in forward combat areas. If stuck in a hole, a group of soldiers could lift one without much difficulty. By Nov. 1, 1918, 4,362 Model T ambulances had been shipped overseas.

The light wooden body was mounted on a standard Model T auto chassis. The 4-cylinder engine produced about 20 hp. There was no self-starter; the engine had to be cranked by hand. This vehicle was equipped with an early form of automatic transmission and could carry three litters or four seated patients and two more could sit with the driver. Canvas "pockets" covered the litter handles that stuck out beyond the tailgate. Many American field service and Red Cross volunteer drivers, including writers Ernest Hemingway and Bret Harte and cartoonist Walt Disney drove Model T ambulances.

"Hunka Tin," a poem written as a parody on Rudyard Kipling's "Gunga Din," appeared in the American Field Service Bulletin and was used in Ford dealers' advertising throughout the United States. The final stanza read:

Yes, Tin, Tin, Tin.
You exasperating puzzle, Hunka Tin.
I've abused you and I've flayed you,
But by Henry Ford who made you,
You are better than a Packard, Hunka Tin.
Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Schuylkill County.
1917-1918


May 28, 1917; 50 recruits were accepted for the local C.A. Snyder Ambulance Corps.

June 7, 1917.....3 units of ambulance corps were given a great send off by the people of Pottsville. They
for Allentown.

June 16, 1917.....New Philadelphia recruits under the title of Robert D. Heaton Unit ambulance corps was
Given great send off.

June 25, 1917.....A Tamaqua unit of the ambulance Corps left for Allentown.

June 26, 1917.....The Ambulance Corps at Allentown were uniformed this date.

June 30, 1917.....The Robert D. Heaton Unit Ambulance Corps sent more recruits to Allentown
encampment. It now numbers 73.

July 6, 1917.....The Bobby Jenkins Unit of Ambulance Corps members left for Allentown.

July 27, 1917.....The ambulance Corps at Allentown, of whom Schuylkill County has the honor
To be represented by her sons, discovered they had diphtheria in their camp, and
At once precautionary measures were taken to isolate the case.

August 17, 1917.. A letter from Joseph Shortall, of American Ambulance Corps in France, showed
his compatriots were in health and enjoying themselves in camp near Le Triport,
France.

February 14, 1918. Charles Hulet, U.S.A. Ambulance Service is serving n France where he was sent
December 26.

February 15, 1918. Homer H. Riegel, of Ambulance unit 519, says that they arrived in France safely.

The Ambulance corps left in December.






THE VOLUNTEER AND ARMY AMBULANCE SERVICE MEN.
From Schuylkill County
DURING WORLD WAR 1


Adaskievicz, Enoch, Shenandoah: Pvt. 308th Ambul. Co. 302dn San.Tn.
Albert Robert H. Sch. Haven. Pvt. Co. A 2nd Amb. Train.
Allenbach, Augustus, Pottsville: Corp. Amb. Co. 20, 6 San. Tr.
Aulenbach August Alfred, Pottsville: Amp. Cps. Camp Greenleaf Ga.
Bartasavage, John . J, Mahanoy City: Pvt. Amb. Co. 21 Sn. Tr.
Bensinger, Guy A. Ashland; Pvt. 1 Cl. Ambulance Sevice, Wounded in Action. Fr.
Berry Ivan L. Snyders; Pvt. 1 Cl. Ambulance Co. 17 San. Tr.
Betz John M. Tremont; Sgt. M Trk Co., “C” 1 Ambulance Train.
Billig Frank A, Tamaqua; SSU 627, Con Autos Par BCM Paris Fr.
Bixler Harold M. St. Clair; Pvt, USA Ambulance Section 19. Fr.
Bluvas, Walter, Shenandoah; Pvt. 1 Cl. Co. “ E “ 103 Ambulance Train. Fr.
Bokumewicz, Adam, Shenandoah; Pvt. 1 Cl., Ambulance Co. 15 Sec. San Train. Fr.
Boroiski Joseph; Pvt. Co. E 117 Ambulance Train. Fr.
Boyer Gouverneur H. Pottsville; Major British Army, 1917; Transferred to American
Medical Staff; 13d Field Ambulance With British and 308th eng.
With U.S. Made Captain.
Brennan Harold A, Minersville: Corp. Amb. Co. 5 AEF. Fr.
Brennan Myles L. Mahanoy Plain; Pvt. Co “F “ 103rd Amb. Train Fr.
Brobst Clarance S, Auburn; S.S. 544, U.S. Ambulance Service. Fr.
Brobst George E, Shenandoah; Pvt. Sec. 506 USA Ambulance Service. Fr.
Brosius William G. Shenandoah, 2nd Sanitary Sq. France.
Buchanon John C. Minersville; Corp. Med. Det. Ambulance Co. No. 5 France.
Bugness William, Shenahdoah; Pvt. Co. “ G “ 103rd Ambulance Train Fr.
Campbell Walter G. Tower City; Pvt. 1 Cl. U.S. Ambulance Corps, Sec. 506 Fr.
Cauley Martin Delano, Sgt. MD. 311 Ambulance Co. 303 San. Train. Fr.
Cavanaugh Daniel: Lost Creek; Pvt. 1Cl. Med. Ambulance Co. 338 Fr.
Clock Adolph; Shenahdoah, Pvt. 1 Cl. U.S. Ambulance Corp. Fr.
Collins Silas; St. Clair; Wagoner, Med. Det. Ambulance Co. 10 Fr.
Comerford James F; Mahanoy City; Sgt. Ambulance Co. 393, Fr.
Compitus, Walter Minersville; Pvt. MD. Ambulance Co. 338 Fr.
Copley Charles F, Mahanoy Cvity; Pvt 1 cl. Army Ambulance Ser., 30 MED. Dep. Wounded in Action.
Crane John White, Pottsville; SSU No. 506 Fr. Killed In Action.
Curran Jerimiah Pottsville; Pvt. 1 Cl. Med. Det. Mot. Ambulance Corps, 29 San,. Tr 5 Fr.
Curtin Charles, Shenandoah; Pvt. 1 Cl. Sec. 552 USA Ambulance Ser. Fr.
Davenport, B.G., Raven Run; Pvt. Ambulance Co. 241, 11 San. Tr. Fr.
Davis Herbert W., St. Clair; Co. “ A “ 127 Ambulance Co. Evac. Ambulance Fr.
Davis Harry, Duncott: Pvt. 1Cl. Ambulance Co. 315, 304 San. Trn. Fr.
Davis Thomas J. Tamaqua; GGV 640 Ambulance Fr. Wounded in Action.
Davis Thomas V. St. Clair; Pvt. Mtr. Ambulance Co. 29.
Davis Uriah, Gilberton; 20th Ambulance Corps. Fr.
Dean Thomas J. Ashland; Pvt. 344 Ambulance Co. 311 San. Train. Fr.
Denchy Anthony, Shenandoah; Wagoneer Co. “ G “ 103rd Ambulance Train. Fr.
Diehl George G. Minersville; Pvt. 1 Cl. Co. 5 ambulance 3 San. Train. Fr.
Dolan Bernard J, Big Mine Run, Ashland; Corp 2, 1 Div. Ambulance Co. Fr. Killed In Action..
Dormer Francis William, St. Clair; Sgt. Ambulance Service France and Italy.
Dorst Charles, Minersville; Ambulance Corps, Camp Merritt N.J.
Dorst Edwin C. Minersville; Ambulance unit 5 France Killed In Action..
Dougherty Charles E. Pottsville; Sgt. 1 cl. Ambulance Co. 637 Serv. Unit Fr. Wounded in Action.
Dumkus Joseph, Mahanoy City; Pvt. Hg. Gd. Co. 117 Ambulance Serv. Fr.
Ernst George Henry, Gordon; Pvt. Co. “ F “ 305 Ambulance train.
Evans George M. Minersville; Pvt. Ambulance Co. 5 Fr.
Faust James F. Auburn, Mechanic, U.S. Ambulance Service Sec. 650 Fr.
Feger Harry R. Sch. Haven; Sgt. 1 cl. A.Ambulance Sr. Sec. Unit 637 Fr.
Fegley Harry George, Orwigsburg; Mechanic Sec. 647 USA Ambulance Service Fr.
Fisher Howard V. Tamaqua; Pvt. 1cl. Ambulance Sec. 535 U.S. Ambulance Service Fr.
Fligge Fred. B. Hecla; Ck., Co. “ C “ 2nd Ambulance Train France.`
Foster, Ernest L, Pottsville; Snyder Ambulance unit, Allentown Pa.
Freiler Francis J, Minersville: Pvt, Ambulance Co. 5 San tr. 3rd Division. Fr.
Freiler Louis J., Ashland; Co. 5 Ambulance Company, Fort Clark Tex.
Fuller, James F. Hillside; Pvt. Motor Ambulance Co. 29-5 San. TR. Med Det. FR.
Gabralovich, Jacob, Pottsville; Corp. Med Det Cas. Co., Ambulance Fr.
Gaudino Joseph, Girardville; Wagoneer 322 Ambualnce Co. 30r San. TR. FR.
Gillespie Michael P. Girardville; Pvt. Ambulance co. 319 San. Tr. 305, Fr.
Gittleman Abraham, Pottsville; Ck Ambulance co. 519. Fr.
Goldworthy William M. Gilberton; Pvt. Co. “ G “ 103 Ambulance train. FR.
Green Anthony W. Gilberton; 25 Ambulance Corps, Fr.
Greenwald Howard K, Orwigsburg; Pvt. Ambulance Corps. Fr.
Greenan Anthony W. Gilberton; Pvt. 1cl. Ambulance Co. 25, 5 San Tr. Fr. Wounded in Action.
Grigonice Alex, Shenandoah; Pvt. Ambulance Co. 18.
Gulick Andrew, Mahanoy City; Pvt. 1cl. 2 Ambulance Co. 1 Sdn. Tr. Fr. Wounded in Action.
Haas Earl O, Port Carbon; Pvt. 1 cl. San Service, 637 USA ambulance Serv. Fr. Cited Fr. C. De G.
Harvey Paul F. Pottsville Sgt. 1167 Cas. Co. Ambulance unit 631, Fr.
Hilbert John D, Pottsville Ambulance Corps Washington.
Hoban John R. Mahanoy City; Sgt. Ambulance Co. 7 Sn. 3 Div. Fr. Wounded in Action.
Hoffman Jerome Shenandoah;Wagoneer Evac. Ambulance co. 1 Fr.
Holahan, Michael, Pottsville, Ck Sec. 629 U.S. Ambulance service, Fr. Cited.
Hulet Charles, St. Clair 1cl Clk., Unit 519 Ambulance service French Army Fr. Awarded C. De.G.
Jankowski Joseph, Shenandoah; Pvt. 1cl. Ambulance Co. 29 San. Tr. Fr., Wounded in Action.
Kaster Stephen, Minersville; Pvt. Sec 624 USA ambulance service. French Army.
Kardasemire John R. Auburn; Pvt. Sec 1 ASMS, Kelly Field Texas.
Kear H.W. Minersville; Corp USA 627 Ambulance Serv. Fr.
Kear Richard Minewrsville; Sgt. US Ambulance Serv.
Kelly Cyril, Minersville; Pvt. 5 Ambulance Co. Fr.
Lecher Walter J. Pottsville; Pvt. S.S.U. 506 Ambulance Corps Fr. Wounded.
Leidich Ray D. Tremont; Corp. 16th Ambulance Corps. Fr.
Leonard John A. Palo Alto; 2d Med Det. Co. U.S. Ambulance Service Fr.
Lewis Albert R, Pottsville Pvt. 1cl. S.G.U. 604 Ambulance Corps Fr. Awarded C.de. G.
Loeser David H. Minersville; Pvt. Sec. 630 U.S. Ambulance Corps. Fr.
Loew Harold R Tamaqua; Pvt. 1 cl. Sec. 624 Army ambulance Service. Fr.
Lord Leon, Pottsville; Sec. 638 Ambulance Corps Ck. Mo. Awarded C. De. G. Fr.
Lundy Francis, Pottsville Mec. Sec. 640 Ambulance Service Fr. Awarded C.De G.
Lupia Vincent Mahanoy City Med. Det. Ambualnce Hospital Camp Stuart.
Lutz Frank Tam,aqua; Mech Sec 574 U.S. Ambulance Service Fr.
Lynch Joseph Francis, Pottsville; Pvt. U.S. Ambulance Service Sec. 339 Fr.
Lyons Joseph A. Jolliet Mec. S.S.A. 646 U, S, Ambulance Corps. Fr.
Makonis, Peter J. Shenandoah Pvt. Ambulance Co. 7 Med Det. Fr.
McCarthy James J. Shenandoah; Corp. Med Det. Am. Co. 7, 3 Sn. Tn. Fr.
McDonald James Pottsville; Ambulance Unit Fr.
McDonald John P. Minersville, Mech. Army Ambulance Corps, Fr.
McDonald Lawerence J. Pottsville, Ck. Sec. 634 U.S.S. Fr. French Army.
McDonald Vincent, Minersville, USA Ambulance Service Fr.
McFadden Francis A. Port Carbon Pvt. 1 cl. Ambulance Co. 350, 313 San Tr. Fr.
McLaughlin Patrick, Maizeville; Wagoneer 16th Ambulance corps Med Det. Fr.
Mettam John E. St. Clair; Pvt. 1 cl. Army Ambulance Service, Sec. 617.
Millar Hugh S. Tamaqua; Corp. Sec. 645, Army Ambulance Service French army.
Miller Charles S. Donaldson Pvt. 1 cl. 243 Ambulance co. 11 Sn. Tr.

Miller Edward T. Pottsville; Pvt. Ambul;ance Sec. 506 Fr.

Miller Edward J. Pottsville; Ambulance 510 Section, Fr.

Miller Hugh Stewart, Tamaqua USA A.S.U Ambulance 645 Regt. Fr.

Minnich Henry I. Branchdale; Ambulance Corps 509 Rgt. Sec. 563 Fr. Cited.

Minnig Henry L. Branchdale Pvt. 1 Cl. Med Dept. USA Ambulance, French Army. Fr

Mitchel Benjamin, Coaldale, Bgir, Mot. Ambulance Co. 58.

Mizzer August J. Minersville; Pvt. Ambulance Co. 5 San. Tr. Fr.

Morgan Howard O. Frackville; Sgt. Ambulance Co. 318, 305 San . Tr. Fr.

Morrison John W. Auburn; Pvt. 1 cl. US Ambulance Corps, Sec. 529 Fr.

Morrison Joseph, Auburn; Ambulance Corps Fr. Died of Wounds.

O’Connor James H. Mahanoy city Pvt. 1cl. 532 Ambulance Serv. With the Italian Army.

O’Neil John J. Ashland; Pvt. 244 Ambulance co. 11 San. Tr.

Otto theodore, Hegins, Band Att. To Ambulance Unit, Camp Craine Alllentown.

Oxenford Conrad F. Pottsville; Sgt. USA Ambulance Corps Fr.

Palapas, Joseph Gilberton; Pvt. 362 Ambulance Company 316 San Tr. Fr.

Petiskey William T. Shenandoah; Ambulance Corps Harrisburg, PA.

Pfeiffer Charles Tower City, Pvt. USA Ambulance Corps, Allentown.

Phillips Frank Shenandoah; Pvt. 1cl. 15 thAmbulance Corps 2n San. Tr. Fr.

Plunkett Aloysius, Minersville: Mech. Ambualnce Corps. Med Det. Fr.

Pritchard Harrison P. Minersville; Pvt. Med. Det. 3 San.Tr. Ambulance Co. 5 Fr.

Reed Clyde I. Mahanoy city; Corp. Mot. Ambulance Co. 332. Fr.

Reifsnyder James W. Pottsville: Mch. USA Ambulance Service Sec 532 Italy, Decorated Itl. Cross FR.

Reigle Homer H. Pottsville Sgt; U.S. Army Ambulance Service, with French Army. Fr.

Rice Edward New Philadelphia; Pvt. Ambulance Co. 29 % san Tr. Fr.

Riley John D. Jr. Mahanoy city, Pvt. USA Ambulance Service Sec. 607 FR.

Rinkenberg Daniel O, Tamaqua; Sgt. 334 Ambulance Co. San Tr. 84 Division Fr.

Roeder William J. Tamaqua; Pvt. 1cl. USA Ambulance Service Sec. 645 FR.

Rumble Charles R. Orwigsburg; Pvt. USA Ambulance Service, Allentown.

Sanzick Albert, St. Clair; Pvt. Army Ambulance service Allentown, Pa.

Saylor Ralph H. Tamaqua; Wagoner Evac. Ambulance Co. No. 11, FR.

Seebach Julius Mahanoy city; Ambulance corps Fr,

Seltzer Stewart, Pottsville Ambulance Corps Allentown, Pa.

Senhauser William A. New Philadelphia; Sgt. Ambulance co. 145, 112th San. TR. Fr.

Shortall joseph P. Pottsville; USA Gen. Hospital 16 Phila. Med Corps Fr.

Shuman Daniel O, Pottsville Pvt. 1 cl. Sec 609 ambulance Corps Fr.

Smith John W. St. Clair; Sgt. 13 Ambulance Co. 1 San. Tr. Fr. Wounded in Action.

Snedden Wallace A, Seek Pvt. Mot. Ambulance Co. 58.

Soukalites Charles Glberton; Saddler 18 San Tr. Ambulance Co. 269. Inf.

Stanakis Frank Minersville; Sgt. Med. Det. Ambulance Co. 5 Logan Tex.

Truskey Jos. Tamaqua, Pvt. Sec. 609 Ambulance Serv. Fr.

Ulmer Joseph Pottsville Pvt. Sec 20 Ambulance Fr. Cited C.de G.

Umbenhauer Ernest J. Port Carbon Pvt. 142 Ambulance Co. 36 Div. Fr.

Vernolis Peter Shenandoah; Pvt. Ambulance Co. 26 Med Dept Fr.

Wachter John A. Pottsville Ck. Army Ambulance Service French Army. Fr.

Wanamaker Bernhard Mechanicsville, Pvt. Ambulance Co.
Whitmyer George L. Pottsville Sec 502 Amb. Corps Fr. Co. C 164 inf Stayed In N.Dakota Williams John
P. Shenandoah Pvt. SSU 525 Fr. Convois Autos Pa. BCM with Fr, Army Awarded C de G. Woselis Enick
W. Shenandoah Pvt. 307 Ambualnce Co. 302 San tr. Fr.
Zeigler Sylvester D. Tamaqua Mech. SSU 622 USA Ambulance service. Fr.

TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY SOLDIERS
DURING WORLD WAR 1

Boyer Gouvenour Henry,
1st Lieut, Medical Corps United States Army.
Attached to 133d Field Ambulance.
British Expeditionary Forces.

BRITISH MILITARY CROSS.
September 3, 1918, British War Office.
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the night of 28th April during an enemy attack and while they were rapidly advancing he collected and organized a party of bearers and under the heaviest shell and machine gun fire led them up to the outpost line and cleared 9 wounded men. As this post immediately afterwards fell into the hands of the enemy he undoubtedly by his prompt and gallant action saved these men from capture. For 5 days during the fighting at Voormezeele he was bearer officer and showed great bravery and endurance. It was due to his reconnaissance’s which were constantly made irrespective of shelling that constant touch was kept with the changing line and evacuations maintained.”
Residence: 219 Mahantonga St. Pottsville.


Copley Charles F. 639885.
Private first class
Section No. 601 Ambulance Service.

Italian War Service Ribbon
Residence: 402 W. Spruce St. Mahanoy City, Pa.



Crane John W. 7761
Private
Section No. 506, Ambulance Service.
( Posthumous award )

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE WITH GILT STAR.
March 5, 1919
General Headquarters French Armies of the East.
“ After having displayed an example of the greatest bravery during 5 weeks of battle, he died for France on July 16th 1918.
Residence: Pottsville. Pa.



Davies Tom J. 10156.
Private first class.
Section No. 640 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with gilt star.
March 14, 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East. “ An American driver who always performed his duty with the greatest spirit under the most difficult circumstances which his section experienced. He displayed the highest sense of duty and contempt for danger on October 3, 1918, at the attack of Montfaucon in volunteering with a litter to remove the wounded from the field of battle under a most violent bombardment, thus assuring their prompt evacuation.”
Residence: 434 East Broad St. Tamaqua, PA.



Dougherty Charles E. 10050
Sgt.
Section No. 637 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with bronze star.
December 20th, 1918.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East. “ A very zealous and devoted non-commissioned officer. He gave the measure of his valor and displayed courage and coolness on August 30th, 1918, in going out to pick up the wounded at an advanced regimental first aid station over a route in view of the enemy and notwithstanding a violent bombardment.”
Residence: 142 W. Railroad St. Pottsville, PA.



Fisher Howard V. 8204
Private.
Section No. 525 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with bronze star.
March 3, 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East. “ During the evacuation service, he displayed remarkable courage. On October 1, 1918 directed to go the assistance of the wounded in an advanced first aid station, and over violently bombarded routes, he carried out his task with absolute contempt for danger.”
Residence: 224 Pine Street Tamaqua, PA.



Golden Harry L. 7802
Private, first class.
Section No. 637 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with bronze star.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ A very courageous he displayed the greatest qualities of endurance and spirit during the entire very severe period from October 20th to November 10th 1918, He had been wounded by shell fragments previously in the attacks in the month of August at Ecouvillon. “
Residence: 315 North Center St. Pottsville, PA.



Haas Earl O. 10055.
Private.
Section No. 637 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with bronze star.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ A courageous driver of remarkable spirit. He displayed these qualities in effecting the evacuations of the wounded which were rendered very difficult by the bombardments of the enemy. Although gassed, he never the less continued to keep up his services to the end.
Residence: Rose Street, Port Carbon, PA.



Holahan Michael, 642609
Private.
Section No. 629, Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with silver star.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ A very devoted and self sacrificing driver. At Westrosebeke, Belgium, he remained at his post with the utmost contempt for danger under violent bombardment, thus facilitating the supply of the entire section.”
Residence: 114 North Center St. Pottsville, PA.



Hulet Charles 10084.
Private.
Section No. 638 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with bronze star.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ A driver of energy and great coolness who has always demonstrated his devotion to duty in going to pick up the wounded in the violently shelled dressing stations, at Mont. Kemmel in May, on the Marne in July, and during the last offensive operations of October on the Rne and Aisne.”
Residence: 339 South Nicholas St. St. Clair, PA.



Lecher Walter J. 7787
Private.
Section No. 506 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with silver star.
March 3 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ Always displaying a true soldierly disregard for danger, he was severely wounded on July 16, 1918. At Hautvillers.”
Residence: Pottsville, Pa.




Lewis Albert R. 10159.
Private first class.
Section No. 640 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX dE GUERRE
with silver star.
March 10th 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ An American driver a model of zeal and abnegation who always exerted himself to the utmost and was a constant example for his comrades. During the Reims counter offensive of July 18th, 1918, he went out on several occasions into a violently bombarded area to search for the wounded of different units attached to the division.”
Residence: 354 South Center St. Pottsville, PA.



Lord Leon R. 10091.
Cook.
Section No. 638 Ambulance Service

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with bronze star.
March 19th 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ A driver of energy and great coolness who always demonstrated his devotion to duty in going to pick up the wounded in the violently shelled dressing stations, at Mount Kemmel in May, on the Marne in July, and during the last offensive operations of October on the Arne and Aisne.”
Residence: 717 West Race Street, Pottsville. Pa.



Lundy Francis, 10160.
Private first class.
Section No. 640 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with silver star.
March 10, 1919
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ An American driver a model of zeal and abnegation who always exerted himself to the utmost and was a constant example for his comrades. During the Reims counter offensive of July 18th, 1918, he went out on several occasions into a violently bombarded area to search for the wounded of different units not attached to the division. “
Residence 527 Harrison St. Pottsville, Pa.




Morrison Joseph W. 8586.
Private first class.
Section No. 554 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE
with palm.
November 19,1918.
General Headquarters French Armies of the North and Northeast: “ During the attack to the north of Somme-Py from October 2-9, he drove his ambulance night and day and always was the first to go out to evacuate the wounded. He never sought protection when the roads over which he was driving were being bombarded and was often exposed to the fire of machine guns. He distinguished himself in immediately evacuating the wounded regardless of the danger.”
Residence: Auburn, Pa.


Nolan Raymond M, 642679.
Private first class.
Section No. 604 Ambulance Service.

ITALIAN WAR SERVICE RIBBON.
Residence: St. Clair, Pa.


Phillips Frank J. 5627
Private first class.
15th Ambulance company 2d Division.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE.
With silver star.
February 9, 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ During the period from October 4-9, 1918, at St. Etienne-a-Arnes, he displayed exceptional courage and great zeal in transporting the wounded from the front lines under a violent fire of machine guns. On several occasions he volunteered to go out under a violent bombardment to render first aid to he wounded and to effect their removal to the rear.”
1136 East Center St. Mahanoy city.




Roeder William J. 10334
Private.
Section No. 645, Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX dE GUERRE
with silver star.
March 24, 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ A volunteer in the ambulance service. On September 21, 1918, he unhesitatingly stopped his ambulance which was being shot at by the enemy in order to give assistance to the wounded man whom he brought in to the nearest first aid station.”
Residence: 325 Arlington St., Tamaqua. Pa.




Ulmer Joseph J. 9652
Private.
Section 625, Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE.
With bronze star.
May 2d ,1918.
162 Regiment French Infantry: “ On April 17, 1918, as driver of an auto mobile ambulance and in charge of the evacuation of the wounded, he displayed much coolness and devotion to in unhesitatingly crossing zones violently beaten by enemy artillery.”
Residence Pottsville. Pa.




Warner Paul L. 10068
Mechanic.
Section No. 638 Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE.
With silver star.
January 25, 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ He was always performed his duties with the most complete devotion. On several occasions during the attacks of Kemmel in May and June, 1918, at the Marne, in July and in the last offensive in Champagne, he went to the most advanced first aid stations and with the coolness and great contempt for danger brought back an ambulance that had been damaged by the bombardment.”
Residence: 100 Hunter Street, Tamaqua, Pa.














Williams John P. 8222.
Private
Section No. 525, Ambulance Service.

FRENCH CROIX dE GUERRE
with bronze star.
March 3, 1919.
General Headquarters French Armies of the East: “ An intrepid and courageous driver. He displayed great zeal in his evacuation service particularly during the operations from August 1-6 and October 1-10, 1918, keeping up the evacuation of numerous wounded with t he greatest coolness over violently bombarded routes.”
Residence: 110 South Jardin St. Shenandoah, Pa.


Model t Ambulance
We had to stay low from flying stray bullets.

June 12, 1918
George L. Whitmeyer
Sec. 502 Ambulance Corps
A.E.F.
Somewhere in France.

Yes go on, I know what you are about to say. I’m pretty long between letters, but then that cannot be helped even now I’m writing this, not knowing whether or not I can get it off, for we are not allowed to write letters send them front to front, too many spies around. However, we do send little cards saying I am well, some of which I already sent you, and guess you understood why I delayed my letters. If possible, I’ll get this censored and carry it in my pocket until I can have it sent to the rear and mailed.
To begin with, we have been on the go continuously for three solid weeks, hardly any sleep and very much driving. At the start we were all kept busy during the big drive the Marines made, then after 72 hours some of us got some sleep, but only six hours a day. This kept up for a few days, and things began to go a little better and one of our men even went across the Fritz lines and with a load of wounded. He was lost and just turned into the wrong road. Our outposts saw him but could not run out and stop him without letting Fritz know their location.
We have many machines blown up while going after wounded through these shelled towns and woods, but none killed, only a few wounded. Then the last day Dr. Boone, of St. Clair, was here at the dressing station, where he had been stationed for a few weeks, and which was always under shell fire, the place was hit and four of our ambulance men had to be dug out from under the debris, not badly hurt, but giving us less ambulance drivers, and more duty for those able to work. I lost one machine there, mashed by a big shell, another went up in flames being hit by shrapnel, one half mile to the rear, and Sunday, June 23rd , I went into a town the Hun had just been driven from and had to wait for patients. I camouflaged the Ford under the branches of a tree, crawled to a dugout and from there it was not more than 100-150 yards to the front lines. The Fritz were about 300 to 400 yards further on, and snipers were firing at every moving object., which you know can be seen pretty plainly from a tree 500 yards away unless one gets down and crawls. About dusk the Marines made an attack and we could stick our heads out see them make a run toward the Hun, and such a racket by small arms. Fourth of July was nothing like it. They gained another strip of woods, and we had to keep low from flying stray bullets. Did not hear much then until midnight when somebody from Berlin sent Fritz another basket of shells and they immediately got ready to use them. They fired about five hundred shells into this little town and literally tore what remained to pieces. Our dugout was not hit, although shrapnel flew all over the top and only a direct hit could have hurt us, but my goodness, gas was thick as smoke and there we were pinned in that hole for two hours with gas masks on. One minute we’d be praying and the next cussing the Boche. Another crowd of men who had been to the rear for food were caught and got to another dugout ( namely French wine cellars ) and it was hit, wounding five, one dying a few minutes after being given aid. I then sneaked, mostly crawled, like a snake, to my car, and poor Henry was no more. The body that remained was like a sieve, and the wheel and engine were all on the ground. Old Fritz had made a direct hit. So they sent for more cars and a truck for the remains of Henry Ford’s little wonder, but by then it was day light and the firing was too heavy to get near the place. So they had to stay there with us, without food or water during the firing, and when it became dusk the ambulance and truck came out taking the men and part of the Ford to the rear. I then slept the rest of the night and am now waiting for a call to go out to some post in another Ford.
Oh ! this is a great life. We live on a few hours sleep, lots of poor coffee, canned meat and hard tack, but, our section will soon be all used up and will have to be relieved till we strengthen up. We hope to be relieved soon and if practicable, get to Paris for the Fourth of July.
Now if you receive this little epistle you can consider yourself lucky, for until we leave this fighting zone no kind of mail is supposed to leave here, but when we get relieved for a rest I will send more news.
Good luck to all.

George Whitmeyer



I thought a shell had come through the back window of the car.

August 4, 1918
George L. Whitmeyer
Sec. 502 Ambualnce Corps.
A.E.F.
Somewhere in France.

The talk is all over this country at this time is peace. Everybody is wondering if it won’t soon come, and looking forward for this coming fall to end the Worlds greatest war. Yes we boys over here look for an end to come soon but even though we want the time to hasten when all wars shall cease and can hardly wait for that glad day to come, yet through it all, do we want peace? When the war is over and the boys are once more backs in the U.S.A., will we be satisfied if the war ends this fall or coming spring. No not the boys who have sacrificed everything to come across, and have seen the ghastly work of the Hun. Nor will the parents, wives and sweethearts of the boys who have fallen on the field of battle be satisfied.
Can the sinking of the Lusitania, the blowing up of ships and factories, the sinking of the Tuscania, the hospital ships, the bombing of the Red Cross buildings where many of the wounded were being treated. The ravages of the Huns on the Belgian people, cutting off the breast of women, the arms of small children and the old and infirm who were unable to get away from their home to be left starving, the ruination of the French villages, the terrible things like the shelling of the church on Good Friday, during the three hours between 2 and 3,000 people were kneeling and saying “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Can a thing like that be over looked?
We have them on the run now and will keep them going. Every day all along the front the boys go “over the top” ad make great progress, so much so that they keep the Ambulance companies busy. Changing quarters, It’s always move forward the boys have advanced.
Our Aviators are on the job and keep the Boche from making any headway in their observation and bombing planes. Are airplanes are getting through to Germany and doing excellent work and now the German people yell, “Why do they do such things to ruin our villages? “ Yes why do we. Well because we are playing there own game, soon we will have them way back and out will come a peace proposal and we will give them peace? Yes perhaps we will for we are fighting for civilization, not for gain. But-put yourself in our places, we leave fond parents, wives, sweethearts and friends, drill hard, work day and night, sleep in the open with clothes on, yes gas masks at the ready and gun for a bedfellow, move forward faster than supplies can be brought up and thereby get poor food, always on duty, in foreign country and must go through more hardships than people at home can ever imagine. See men fall at our sides, brought in moaning and asking for mother. Do we want peace-again I say no-Not one boy over here wants peace till we get the Hun back on their ground. Ruin their cities and have them starving and homeless, begging for mercy. Then and only then do we want peace.
Of course Germany has lost many men, but they are taught militarism from birth and have been practicing it for years. Man power is nothing to them, and if we have peace now, Germany will not be whipped, but will be getting extra breath, only to go on preparing for another war, a war on the east, they must be put down now sot that ten years from now we won’t have to take up arms again in the far east.
Every day we learn to hate more and more, but until yesterday August 3rd I always pitied the German wounded. and gave them water and food always drove slowly so no jarring would hurt them, but hereafter I will hardly be blamed if I went over the largest bounces and tried to end them before they reach the hospitals. Every wounded German is brought in properly treated and evacuated to the hospital, there given food and attention till well and placed in a prison camp, given food, clothing and a little work and plenty of recreation while our boys are sent to hospitals then back to the fight.
Well about 4:30 p.m. Saturday August 3, I made a trip to the lines and got two Americans and one Hun, the Americans I put on the bottom racks and the Hun on the top away from the boys. That Hun had a rifle bullet through his thigh and was unable to sit up, although not badly hurt I started out and while driving along the road I heard a crash of broken glass behind me and I thought a shell come through the rear of the car so I ducked and thanks to my steel helmet I got a smack on the top and when I turned the Hun had a big trench knife in his hand but had missed me when I ducked, my machine swerved into the land along the side of the woods and stopped so I quick got off the seat and looked at the Boche and the way he had broken the little window in the front of the car to get me, then at the hat which had a nice shinny streak on the top where the knife skidded. Now the ambulance drivers are part of the Red Cross organization and are not supposed to be armed and the Hun dropped the knife on the seat and said “Kamerad” I thought how much he loved me, so I opened the rear of the machine, pulled out the stretcher out and made him roll over off the road and put the stretcher back into the car, dragged the Hun into the woods him crying “Kamerad” all the time: I only stayed in the woods a few minutes then backed the car onto the road and delivered my patriots at the hospital. When I got back to the dressing station the doctor asked me if the Prussian gave me any trouble. He said the Prussians were his worst to deal with and forgot to send a guard with me. I told the doctor I had no trouble but the poor Hun had died on the way in and I dumped him in a shell hole. The doctor understood me, so gave me two extra cartridges as souvenirs to repay me for the two I lent the Hun. I passed those woods twice during the night and I honestly believe I could smell a skunk.
Yes I guess we will be glad when peace does come, but lets up hold it with a glorious victory and the Boche begging for mercy.

George L. Whitmeyer

The Color Bearers

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of a great production entitled the "Color Bearers" Written and directed by John Foley. His ancestor was from Fountain Springs. James Seitzinger was a soldier awarded the MOH during the Civil War, for gallantry under fire while serving with the 116th P.V.I.
John directed and produced a fabulous film. Read his story of the film.

Tag the Photo article to read in large scale

And most importantly don't forget to view the trailer of this great film at.
http://www.colorbearers.com/