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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 1st Pocket of September 28-29, 1918 |
**** Under Construction**** Details being added, facts checked. I was amazed when first learning the story of the Lost Battalion that many of these same men were trapped in the "1st Pocket" for two days between September 28th and September 29th, 1918. This was part of the reason why Major Whittlesey was so concerned about pushing ahead through the dense underbrush of the Argonne on the morning of October 2nd, 1918. Below are listed the CMOH, DSC and citations received by the men both trapped in the first pocket and attempting to releive the first pocket. Another reason for including this event is the confusion of certain sources between the first pocket and the Lost Battalion pocket. The 1919 "Lost Battalion" movie shows DSC winners, several of which were actually from the first pocket. Also, as I stated on the main Heores page, I will use any excuse to list a hero, and this is a fine excuse. |
Congressional Medal of Honor Awarded to 1st Pocket Relief Participant |
No Picture Available |
When communication from the forward regimental post of command to the battalion leading the advance had been interrupted temporarily by the infiltration of small parties of the enemy armed with machineguns, Lt. Col. Smith personally led a party of 2 other officers and 10 soldiers, and went forward to reestablish runner posts and carry ammunition to the front line. The guide became confused and the party strayed to the left flank beyond the outposts of supporting troops, suddenly coming under fire from a group of enemy machineguns only 50 yards away. Shouting to the other members of his party to take cover this officer, in disregard of his danger, drew his pistol and opened fire on the German guncrew. About this time he fell, severely wounded in the side, but regaining his footing, he continued to fire on the enemy until most of the men in his party were out of danger. Refusing first-aid treatment he then made his way in plain view of the enemy to a handgrenade dump and returned under continued heavy machinegun fire for the purpose of making another attack on the enemy emplacements. As he was attempting to ascertain the exact location of the nearest nest, he again fell, mortally wounded. |
September 28th, 1918 after 12:00 Lieutenant McKeogh led a strong patrol from the trapped battalion back through the lines, was wounded while battling the Germans, and started the relief back towards the trapped battalion. (Paraphrased from The Lost Battalion, Johnson & Pratt) |
Distinguished Service Crosses Awarded to 1st Pocket Participant |
HERMAN J. BERGASSE, first sergeant, Company A, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, September 28, 1918. Assuming command of the command after his commanding officer had become a casualty, Sergt. Bergrasse led a formidable attack on an enemy machine-gun emplacement, silencing two guns in the nest and permitting the further advance of his battalion. I am a bit confused as where to place this entry. He is included in the 1919 movie, and the rest that did not receive their DSC for the Lost Battalion did so for the First Pocket. I will figure this out eventually. |
Herman J. Bergasse |
JACK HERSCHKOWITZ, private, Company C, 3o8th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, September 29, 1918. In order to obtain ammunition and rations, Private Herschkowitz, with another soldier, accompanied an officer in an effort to reestablish communication between battalion and regimental headquarters. They were attacked by a small party of Germans, but drove them off, killing one. When night came they crawled unknowingly into the center of a German camp, where they lay for three hours undetected. Finally discovered, they made a dash to escape. In order to protect the officer, Private Herschkowitz deliberately drew the enemy fire to himself, allowing the officer to escape. Private Herschkowitz succeeded in getting through and delivering his message the next morning. |
Jack Herschkowitz |
ARTHUR F. McKEOGH, first lieutenant, 3o8th Infantry, 77th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, September 29, 1918. In order to obtain ammunition and rations, Lieut. McKeogh, accompanied by two enlisted men, attempted to reestablish communication between battalion and regimental headquarters. When night came they crawled unknowingly into the center of a German camp, where they lay over three hours undetected. Finally discovered, they made a dash to escape, and Lieut. McKeogh, in order to protect his men, deliberately drew the enemy fire upon himself. He succeeded, however, in getting through the enemy lines, delivered his message, and effected the reestablishment of communication. Residence at appointment: 62 East Ninety-third Street, New York, N. Y. |
Arthur F. McKeogh |
JOHN J. MONSON, private, Company A, 3o8th Infantry. For ex-traordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, September 29, z918. In order to obtain ammunition and rations, Private Monson, with another soldier, accompanied an officer in an effort to reestablish communication between battalion and regimental headquarters. They were attacked by a small party of Germans, but drove them off, killing one. When night came, they crawled unknowingly into the center of a German camp, where they lay for three hours, undetected. Finally discovered, they made a dash to escape. In order to protect the officer, Private Monson deliberately drew the enemy fire to himself, allowing the officer to escape. Private Monson succeeded in getting through and delivering his message the next morning. |
John J. Monson |
