HISTORY
of
THE 306th INFANTRY
By
Colonel Julius Ochs Adler
1935
Awards to the Members of the 306th Infantry
AWARDS TO MEMBERS OF
THE 306TH INFANTRY
MEDAL OF HONOR
FIRST LIEUTENANT DWITE H. SCHAFFNER
Company K. Near St. Hubert's Pavilion, Boureuilles,
France, September 28, 1918.
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy near St. Hubert's Pavilion,
Boureuilles, France, September 28, 1918. In com-mand of
Company K, 306th Infantry, he led his men in an attack on
St. Hubert's Pavilion through terrific enemy machine-gun,
rifle and artillery fire and drove the enemy from a
strongly held intrenched position, after hand-to-hand
fighting. His bravery and contempt for danger inspired
his men, enabling them to hold fast in the face of three
determined enemy counterattacks. His company's position
exposed to enemy fire from both flanks, he made three
efforts to locate an enemy machine-gun which had caused
heavy casualties in his company. On his third
reconnaissance he discovered the gun position and
personally silenced the gun, killing or wounding the crew
thereof. The third counterattack made by the enemy was
initiated by the appearance of a small detachment
advancing well in advance of .the enemy attacking wave,
calling as they advanced, "Kamerad." When
almost within reach of the American front line the enemy
attacking wave behind them appeared, attacking vigorously
with pistols, rifles, and hand grenades, causing heavy
casualties in the American platoon holding the advanced
position. Lieutenant Schaffner mounted the parapet of the
trench and used his pistol and grenades with great
gallantry and effect, killing a number of enemy soldiers,
finally reaching the enemy officer, a captain, shooting
and mortally wounding the latter with his pistol, and
dragging the captured officer back to the company's
trench, securing from him valuable information as to the
enemy's strength and position. The information so secured
enabled Lieutenant Schaffner to maintain for five hours
the advanced position of his company despite the fact
that it was surrounded on three sides by strong enemy
forces. The undaunted bravery, gallant soldierly conduct,
and leadership displayed by Lieutenant Schaffner
undoubtedly saved the survivors of the company from death
or capture. Residence at appointment: Falls Creek, Pa.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
COLONEL GEORGE VIDMER
Near Zube, France, September 27, 1918, and St. Juvin,
France,
October 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Zube, France,
September 27, 1918, and St. Juvin, France, October 14,
1918. By his personal presence, example, and
determination he repulsed strong counterattacks and drove
the enemy from important positions north of Zube. On
October 14 he personally directed the attack of his unit
and carried it forward to a successful conclusion under
heavy machine-gun, rifle and artillery fire. Address:
Care of The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D.
C. Entered Military Academy from Alabama.
MAJOR JULIUS OCHS, ADLER
At St. Juvin, France, October 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Juvin, France,
October 14, 1918. Accompanied by another officer, Major
Adler was supervising the work of clearing the enemy from
St. Juvin when they suddenly came upon a party of the
enemy numbering 150 Firing on the enemy with his pistol,
Major Adler ran toward the party, calling on them to
surrender. His bravery and good marksmanship resulted in
the capture of 50 Germans, and the remainder fled.
Residence at appointment: New York Times, New York, N. Y.
MAJOR ARCHIBALD G. THACHER
At St. Juvin, France, October 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action against St. Juvin,
France,
October 14, 1918. While commanding the 2nd Battalion in a
flank march across the Aire River, Major Thacher, acting
with the greatest gallantry and with utter disregard for
his own safety, personally made a reconnaissance in the
face of heavy hostile machine-gun and shell fire, well in
advance of his battalion, thereby saving his command from
heavy losses. It was due to his thorough reconnaissance
that his subsequent successful attack on this strong
hostile position was consummated. Residence at
appointment: 49 East 51st Street, New York, N. Y.
CAPTAIN ROBERT COSTA DE BEAUREGARD
23rd Infantry Regiment, Territorials, French Army,
attached to
3o6th Infantry, 77th Division, United States Army. At St.
Juvin,
France, October 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Juvin, France,
October 14, 1918. When communication with the forward
observation post was broken and no runners were
available, Captain de. Beauregard voluntarily carried a
message to the observation post through intense shell
fire, displaying great bravery and coolness, and
succeeded in reestablishing communication with the
regimental post of command. Next of kin: Comtesse Robert
Costa de Beauregard, 6 rue La Tremoille, Paris, France.
CAPTAIN BRADFORD ELLSWORTH
Near La Besace, France, November 5, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near La Besace,
France,
November 5, 1918. He displayed great courage by leading a
mounted reconnaissance patrol a kilometer in advance of
our lines, developed the enemy's line by drawing fire
from his machine-guns, and remained under this heavy
machine-gun fire until the emplacements had been located.
Residence at appointment: Yale Club, New York, N. Y.
CAPTAIN ROBERT P. PATTERSON
Near Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches,
France, August 14, 1918. Captain Patterson, accompanied
by two non-commissioned officers, made a daring daylight
reconnaissance into the enemy lines. He surprised an
enemy outpost of superior numbers and personally
destroyed the outpost. Later he again had an encounter
with another outpost, during which several of the enemy
were killed or wounded and one member of his patrol
wounded. The enemy advanced their outposts, and Captain
Patterson covered the retreat of his patrol, during which
he dropped into a depression and feigned being killed in
order to escape capture. Here he lay until he was able to
escape to his lines under cover of darkness. Residence at
appointment: Glens Falls, N. Y.
CAPTAIN HERMAN EDWARD STADIE
At Ferme-des-Dames, west of Fismes, France, August 20,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at Ferme-des-Dames,
west of Fismes, France, August 20, 1918. While the
vicinity of the regimental command post where he was
stationed was under heavy bombardment, Captain Stadie,
without thought of personal danger, voluntarily ran
outside through shrapnel and high- explosive shells, and
rescued a wounded runner. Address: Care of The Adjutant
General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Residence at
appointment: 2564 Creston Avenue, New York, N. Y.
FIRST LIEUTENANT THOMAS J. DUNNE, Chaplain
During the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
For extraordinary heroism in action during the
Meuse--Argonne offensive. While a crossroads was being
heavily shelled by enemy artillery and after several men
had been killed and others wounded, Chaplain Dunne,
utterly disregarding his own safety, went to their
assistance and ministered to them. He constantly exposed
himself to the heaviest fire in order to assist the
wounded men of his regiment, at all times displaying
heroic conduct and superb devotion to his duty. His
splendid and consistent bravery and contempt for his own
safety was a continuing inspiration to every man of his
regiment and served to build up a fine sense of duty and
soldierly obligation in the organization. Residence at
appointment: 405 West 125th Street, New York, N. Y.
FIRST LIEUTENANT MICHAEL JOSEPH HAYES*
At Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918, and St. Juvin,
France, October 14, 1918.
For repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action at
Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918, and St. Juvin, France, October 14,
1918. On August 14 Lieutenant Hayes led a patrol of five men in broad
daylight and without any cover attempting to rescue his company
commander, who had fallen wounded near a German machine-gun nest.
Failing to find the wounded officer, he crawled to within twenty yards
of the post, attacked it with great dash and gallantry, inflicting a
number of casualties in spite of heavy fire from enemy machine-guns and
hand grenades. On October 14 this officer led his platoon forward into
the attack with energy and courage, in the face of heavy artillery and
machine-gun fire. In the face of direct fire from enemy machine-guns
upon his platoon, disregarding his own personal safety, he went forward
to reconnoiter and to find cover for his men from which to continue the
attack. In the performance of this
courageous enterprise he was killed by machine-gun fire.
Residence at appointment: 9214 Empire Avenue, Cleveland,
Ohio.
FIRST LIEUTENANT THEODORE S. KENYON
In the Forest of Argonne, France, September 27, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Forest of
Argonne, France, September 27, 1918. He displayed
exceptional qualities of leadership and gallantry in
action while leading his company against a counterattack
of the enemy in superior numbers. Later, although three
times wounded, he remained with his command. Residence at
appointment: 321 West 82nd Street, New York, N. Y.
FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES O'BRIEN
Near Le Cendriere Woods, near the Aisne Canal, France,
September 6, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in Le Cendriere
Woods, near the Aisne Canal, September 6, 1918.
Lieutenant O'Brien
Posthumous award. led his platoon forward toward Le
Cendriere Woods under heavy shell fire. When wounded in
the left leg, one of his men urged him to stop and have
the wound dressed. He answered, "Never mind that;
they can't stop us!" and led his platoon through the
woods to the bank of the Aisne Canal, where, while
placing his men in position, he was struck again and
killed. His dauntless courage presented an inspiring
example to the men of his platoon. Residence at
appointment: 44 N. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
FIRST LIEUTENANT PHILIP K. ROBINSON
Near Mont Notre Dame, France, September 10, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Mont Notre Dame,
France, September 10, 1918. The 3rd Battalion, 3o6th
Infantry, having relieved another regiment in a position
in front of Mont Notre Dame, it was reported that wounded
members of the organization relieved were in the
Bois-de-Cendriere in front of the position occupied by
the 3rd Battalion. Lieutenant Robinson, together with a
non-commissioned officer and a private of his battalion,
volunteered to search the wood and proceeded on his
hazardous mission crossing an open field, a distance of
six hundred yards, under direct observation of the enemy
and under a concentration of heavy machine-gun and
artillery fire. Finding several wounded men, he assisted
them to return to their own lines, undoubtedly saving
their lives. The extraordinary heroism and soldierly
devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Robinson greatly
inspired the men of his battalion. Residence at
appointment: 802 Mason Street, Green Bay, Wis.
FIRST LIEUTENANT PAUL KRUSA ROTH
Near St. Thibaut, Bazoches, France, September 10, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Thibaut,
Bazoches, France, September 10, 1918. Constantly exposed
to a terrific concentration of enemy machine-gun and
shell fire, without regard to his own safety, he
voluntarily and unassisted rescued five badly wounded men
of his regiment, carrying each man upon his back for a
distance of one hundred and fifty yards, at all times
under observation of the enemy occupying the town of
Bazoches. His heroic conduct served as an impressive
example to every man of his regiment. Residence at
appointment: 421 Seventh Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
SECOND LIEUTENANT CHARLES S. DENNISON
In the Forest of Argonne, France, September 27, 1918-
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Forest of
Argonne, France, September 27, 1918. He was in command of
a patrol sent out in the afternoon to locate a
machine-gun nest. In the course of this operation he
received a severe wound, but after reporting the location
of the machine-gun nest at company head-quarters he
immediately returned to the vicinity of the machine-gun
nest and spent the greater part of the night searching
for a member of his patrol who was missing. Although he
was suffering severe pain from his wounds, he refused to
go to the first-aid station before the missing soldier
was found. Residence at appointment: 2288 Elm Street,
Denver, Colo.
FIRST SERGEANT HERMAN M. SELL
Company A. In Le Cendriere Woods, near Vauxcere, France,
September 6, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in Le Cendriere
Woods, near Vauxcere, between the Vesle and the Aisne,
France, September 6, 1918. Sergeant Sell volunteered to
deliver a message of great importance to his battalion
commander after six runners who had been sent with the
same message failed to return. He voluntarily crossed six
hundred yards of open field swept by shell and
machine-gun fire, reached his destination, accomplished
his mission, and returned to his company with information
of vital importance. Residence at enlistment: Jackson
Avenue, Seaford, N. Y.
SERGEANT GEORGE W. BEATTY
Medical Detachment. At St. Juvin, France, October 15,
1918-
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Juvin, France,
October 15, 1918. He went forward to dress the wounds of
an officer who could not be brought in because of the
exceedingly heavy machine-gun fire, his bravery being
instrumental in saving the officer's life. Throughout the
entire day this soldier worked tirelessly at the dressing
station under heavy shell fire until he was completely
exhausted, showing a persistent devotion to duty.
Residence at enlistment: 1462 S. Sherman Street, Denver,
Colo.
SERGEANT PATRICK FREEMAN
Company B. In the Forest of Argonne, France, September
27,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Forest of
Argonne, France, September 27, 1918. He displayed
exceptional courage and bravery while leading his platoon
against enemy machine-gun and trench-mortar positions and
putting them out of action. Although wounded, this
soldier remained on duty with his platoon, killing and
capturing several of the enemy and finally occupying part
of the hostile trench. Residence at enlistment: 458 East
140th Street, New York, N. Y.
SERGEANT GALBRAITH WARI) *
Company M. Near Mont Notre Dame, France, September io,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Mont Notre Dame, France,
September 10, 1918. Voluntarily accompanying an officer and enlisted man of his battalion in a search of
the Bois-de- Cendriere for the survivors of a battalion
which had been relieved from its position in the line, he
crossed an open field under terrific enemy fire a
distance of six hundred yards under constant observation
of the enemy, sought and found several survivors, and led
them back to his own lines. Sergeant Ward was severely
wounded in the performance of this hazardous deed and
died of pneumonia shortly after. Residence at
enlistment:1018 Madison Avenue, New York, N. Y.
CORPORAL PATRICK J. CARROLL
Company F. Near Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches,
France, August 14, 1918. Corporal Carroll led a patrol of
five men to the rescue of his company commander, who was
lying concealed within twenty yards of an enemy
machine-gun nest. He advanced through the intense
machine-gun fire to the enemy's position and, although
wounded in nine places, returned to his lines with
important information. Residence at enlistment: 158 East
102nd Street, New York, N. Y.
CORPORAL PETER FINUCANE
Company F. Near Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches,
France, August 14, 1918. He voluntarily exposed himself
to intense enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, crawling
forward, in company with four other men of his company,
in search of their wounded company commander, who had
fallen a short distance in front of his company's
position. After a fruitless search for the wounded
officer the patrol engaged the nearest enemy post and in
a fight with hand grenades destroyed it. Corporal
Finucane then assisted a wounded comrade to return to his
own lines. The heroic conduct of Corporal Finucane
greatly encouraged the men of his company, inciting them
to heroic endeavor. Residence at enlistment: 43o East
137th Street, New York, N. Y.
CORPORAL HENRY B. MACPHERSON
Company C. Near St. Juvin, France, October 16, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvin,
France, October 16, 1918. He volunteered repeatedly
during the attack on St. Juvin to carry messages through
a severe enemy barrage. Throughout the action this
soldier showed entire disregard for personal danger and a
devotion to duty far beyond the scope of his position,
accomplishing several important missions with success.
Residence at enlistment: 431 Rockland Street, Abington,
Mass.
CORPORAL ROBERT A. STRAUB
Company F. At Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at Bazoches, France,
August 14, 1918. Voluntarily joining a daylight patrol
seeking information as to the strength and positions of
the enemy which was attacked about one hundred yards
beyond its own lines by an enemy hostile post of seven
men. The enemy was immediately attacked from the rear,
several of the men killed and the survivors scattered. A
moment later another enemy post was attacked and in
hand-to-hand fighting Corporal Straub killed one of the
enemy and was himself badly wounded. Although unable to
walk and under heavy fire from nearby enemy posts,
Corporal Straub dragged himself to his lines and gave
valuable information as to the disposition of the enemy
forces. Residence at enlistment: 6 Hamilton Terrace, New
York, N. Y.
CORPORAL AARON YAMIN
Company B. In the Forest of Argonne, France, September
27,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Forest of
Argonne, France, September 27, 1918. He displayed
exceptional bravery by volunteering to cut a strip of
enemy barbed-wire to make an opening for his company,
which was at that time under heavy fire from artillery
and machine-guns. In performing this mission this
soldier received wounds from which he afterwards died.
Residence at enlistment: 322 East 101st Street, New York,
N. Y.
CORPORAL VINCENT P. ZIELINSKI
Company B. At St. Juvin, France, October 15, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Juvin, France,
October 15, 1918. He volunteered and carried a message of
vital importance in connection with the capture of St.
Juvin through an intense artillery barrage, displaying
courage and per-sistent devotion to duty. Residence at
enlistment: 112 Gorski Street, Buffalo, N. Y.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THOMAS ARSENAULT
Company G. Near Bazoches, France, August 27, 1918-
For extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches,
France, August 27, 1918. With an utter disregard for his
personal safety, Private Arsenault rescued a wounded
officer and carried him across an area swept by a
withering machine-gun fire to a dressing station,
preventing the capture of a wounded man by the enemy.
Residence at enlistment: Newcomb, N. Y.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN DUFFY
Company F. At Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at Bazoches, France,
August 14, 1918. Voluntarily joining a daylight patrol
seeking information as to the strength and positions of
the enemy, which was attacked about one hundred yards
beyond its own lines by an enemy hostile post of seven
men. The enemy was immediately attacked from the rear,
several of the men killed and the survivors scattered. A
moment later another enemy post was attacked and in
hand-to-hand fighting, Private Duffy killed one of the
enemy and was himself badly wounded. Although unable to
walk and under heavy fire from nearby enemy posts,
Private Duffy dragged himself to his own lines and gave
valuable information as to the disposition of the enemy
forces. Residence at enlistment: 722 Bergen Street,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RICHARD Foy
Company F. Near Bazoches, France, August 14, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches,
France, August 14, 1918. He voluntarily exposed himself
to intense machine-gun and artillery fire crawling
forward in company with four other men of his company, in
search of their wounded company commander who had fallen
a short distance in front of his company's position.
After a fruitless search for the wounded officer, the
patrol engaged the nearest enemy post, and in a fight
with hand grenades destroyed it. Private Foy then
assisted a wounded comrade to return to his own line. The
heroic conduct of Private Foy greatly encouraged the men
of his company, inciting them to heroic endeavor.
Residence at enlistment: 495 St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn,
N. Y.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CARL I. JOHNSON
Company B. In the Forest of Argonne, France, September
27,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in the- Forest of
Argonne, France, September 27, 1918. He displayed
exceptional bravery in volunteering to cut the enemy's
wire and thereby make it possible for his company to
advance upon the enemy. In performing this invaluable
service he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire from
enemy machine-guns and was severely wounded. Residence at
enlistment: 460 Fifty-fourth Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS EDWARD F. SCHMITT*
Company L. Near Mont Notre Dame, France, September 10,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Mont Notre Dame,
France, September 10, 1918. Voluntarily accompanying an
officer and non-commissioned officer of his battalion in
a search of the Bois-de- Cendriere for the survivors of a battalion
which had been relieved from its position in the line, he crossed an
open field under terrific enemy fire, a distance of six hundred yards,
under constant observation of the enemy, sought and found several
survivors and led them back to his own lines. The heroic and soldierly
conduct of Private Schmitt and his devotion to his comrades greatly
inspired the men of his battalion. Private Schmitt was later killed in
action while gallantly fighting with his battalion in the Argonne
Forest. Residence at enlistment: 22 Rex Place,
Buffalo, N. Y.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JAMES SULLIVAN
Company H. At St. Juvin, France, October 15, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism, in action at St. Juvin,
France, October 15, 1918. This soldier fearlessly entered
a dugout in which he knew there were Germans singing, and
single-handed captured 20 prisoners. Residence at
enlistment: 333 East 41st Street, New York, N. Y.
PRIVATE JOSEPH FRANCE BROWN
Company K. Near the Forest of Argonne, France, September
27,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near the Forest of Argonne, France,
September 27, 1918. During an attack on the trenches held by his
company, Private Brown found an automatic rifle which had been abandoned by a wounded
soldier. Though he was unfamiliar with the operation of
the weapon, Private Brown opened fire on the enemy with
it, killing two of them, and thereby making possible the
escape of three of his comrades who had been captured by
the enemy. The remainder of the hostile force was driven
off. Residence at enlistment: Hogansburg, N. Y.
PRIVATE WILLIAM C. EVANS
Sanitary Detachment. Near Bazoches, France, August 27-28,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches,
France, August 27-28, 1918. This soldier showed
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty by attending
to wounded without rest or relief, under heavy shell
fire, until he fell unconscious from exhaustion. He
remained at work for two days and a half under
circumstances which called for the greatest determination
and courage. Residence at enlistment: Plainsville, Pa.
PRIVATE SING KEE
Company G. At Mont Notre Dame, France, August 14-15,
1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at Mont Notre Dame,
west of Fismes, France, August 14-15, 1918. Although
seriously gassed during shelling by high explosive and
gas shells, he refused to be evacuated and continued,
practically single-handed, by his own initiative, to
operate the regimental message center relay station at
Mont Notre Dame. Throughout this critical period he
showed extraordinary heroism, high courage, and
persistent devotion to duty and totally disregarded all
personal danger. By his determination he materially aided
his regimental commander in communicating with the front
line. Residence at enlistment: 61 Bayard Street, New
York, N. Y.
PRIVATE GROVER C. SULLIVAN
Company L. At La Besace, France, November 5, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at La Besace, France,
November 5, 1918. He displayed rare bravery and devotion
to duty by remaining on duty after being seriously
wounded during a heavy artillery bombardment and giving
first-aid treatment to five severely wounded comrades.
Residence at enlistment: Elm Street, Norwood, N. Y.
PRIVATE JOSEPH VERCRUYSSE
Company H. At St. Juvin, France, October 15, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Juvin, France,
October 15, 1918. He volunteered and carried a message to
supporting troops through an intense artillery barrage,
displaying courage and persistent devotion to duty. This
message was of vital importance in connection with the
capture of St. Juvin. Residence at enlistment: 1723
Forty-first Street, Oakland, Cal.
WILLIAM SHEFRIN *
Cook, Company C. In the Ravin de l'Homme Mort, near Vaux-
cere, France, September 5, 1918.
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Ravin de
I'Homme Mort, near Vauxcere, between the Vesle and Aisne
Rivers, France, September 5, 1918. After both of his feet
had been blown off by a bursting shell Cook Shefrin, although mortally
wounded, coolly directed the work of rescuing and caring for other
wounded men of the kitchen detachment who had been wounded when his
transport was struck. Residence at enlistment: 210 Seventeenth Street,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL
COLONEL GEORGE VIDMER
For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services.
As commander of the 3o6th Infantry, he demonstrated
marked ability as a military leader. His sound judgment
and tireless energy were largely responsible for the
successes which his regiment gained in its operations
against the enemy. Address: Care of The Adjutant General
of the Army, Washington, D. C. Entered Military Academy
from Alabama.