Sinking of the USS President Lincoln-- Part 7: USS Warrington and Smith Rescued the Survivors

The U-90 remained around the stricken Americans for two hours, then left and then returned again.

The USS Warrington (DD-30) found them, then the destroyer USS Smith (DD-17) came to assist..

Losses were 3 officers and 23 men.

They returned to Brest, France on June 1.  Along the way another submarine was spotted by the Smith and 22 depth charges were dropped but nothing was hit.  Isaacs (Izak) later reported that it had been the U-90 and that they had narrowly escaped.

When they arrived at Brest, the President Lincoln's sister ship, the USS President Grant was there and it sailed a few days later.

--Cooter

World War I Chronology, June 1918-- Part 5: Doughboys to Italy

JUNE 28, 1918

The first contingent of U.S. troops arrives in Italy.

Doughboys are sent to bolster Italian morale on the Austro-Hungarian Front.

Units eventually committed here were the 332nd Infantry Regiment, 331st Field Hospital, American Ambulance Service and Army/Navy aviators.

--Cooter

The Sinking of the USS President Lincoln-- Part 6: Lt. Edouard Izak Medal of Honor Winner

Continued from June 21.

The U-90 surfaced and came among the survivors looking for officers and particularly the commanding officer.  They took G.A. Anderson but returned him.  Most of the officers had removed their insignia and many of the men said that the captain had gone down with the ship.

The Germans were able to identify one officer, Lt. E.V.M. Isaacs, USN, and they took him.  Edouard Isaac later received the Medal of Honor.  He escaped from a German prison camp and got back to Allied lines and reported what he had learned about German submarine operations during the time he was on the U-90.

He died in 1990, the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from World War I.

(His actual name was Edouard Izak.  He changed the name after the war to this.)

--Cooter

War Slackers and Choice of Army or Jail in DeKalb County (Illinois) in 1918

From the May 23, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"The DeKalb County jail at Sycamore is unoccupied, Sheriff Jame Scott devotes his time investigating complaints which are being made against alleged war slackers.

"He loses money because the Bastille is empty, as he is allowed so much per day for feeding prisoners.  Youths when arrested are allowed their choice of joining the army or going to jail."

Guess They're Choosing War--Cooter

Did Lincoln Meet Jefferson Davis in DeKalb County (Illinois) in 1832?-- Part 2

To be mustered out, Lincoln (who had re-enlisted for a total of 51 days) and his men marched to Ottawa and in so doing crossed the southern part of DeKalb County.

They camped one night at Paw Paw Grove, following the route that is now the Chicago-Dixon Road, until it intersected with what was known as the North South Indian  Trail leading to Ottawa.

Abraham Lincoln did not meet future president Zachary Taylor or Jefferson Davis at the former county seat of DeKalb County, Coltonville.

Davis was back in Mississippi on leave and Taylor was at his headquarters at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.  And, Lincoln was in another part of Illinois at the time.

So Didn't Happen.  --Cooter

Did Lincoln Meet Jefferson Davis in DeKalb County-- Part 1: Black Hawk War

From the May 14, 2008, DeKalb County Life "Did Abe Lincoln ever set foot in DeKalb County?"  by Barry Schrader.

In my June 18 post, I mentioned that DeKalb County, Illinois, was going to put up a marker where Abraham Lincoln met future president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, in DeKalb County during the Black Hawk War.

The answer to the article's title is yes.  Whether he met Jefferson Davis is not likely.

Abraham Lincoln was living in New Salem, Illinois, when he answered the call for volunteers to chase after Sauk Indian Chief Black Hawks band of braves during the Black Hawk War of 1832.  He mustered in for 30 days service in Beardstown then marched to Rock Island.

There, he was mustered into service as part of the Illinois Militia on May 9, 1832.  Then, he moved to Dixon, Illinois, where he was named captain of a company.

From there, his company went to Stillman Valley to bury the dead from the ill-fated Battle of Stillman's Run.

--Cooter

Firing Squad For Unlicensed Dogs in 1918

From the June 20, 2018, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"If you have a dog and you have not yet taken out a 1918 license, better attend to the matter at once, as there is a chance that the firing squad will make a tour of the city and get those pups who have not as yet been licensed for the year."

A Warning.  --DaCoot

Government Takes Control of Railroads in World War I

From the June 20, 2018, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

The North Western railroad has been busy this past week placing large signs all along this division with a big line 'WARNING,' which calls the attention of the people to the fact that railroads are now government controlled and that several acts will be considered felonies.

"The signs refer to the stealing of merchandise from cars and it is probable that such offenses in the future will more severely dealt with than heretofore, now that Uncle Sam is able to take a hand in the matter."

Railroads under federal control as part of the war effort

The Peshtigo Firestorm-- Part 2: Deadliest Fire Ever in the U.S.

This list is compiled by the United States Geological Survey.

2.  Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood of 1889 which killed 2,200 people.

3.  Peshtigo, Wisconsin, forest fire which killed 1,200 people.

4.  San Francisco earthquake of 1906 which killed 700 people.

5.  The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 which went through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana and killed 695 people.

The authors of the book believe that the real Peshtigo death toll was over 2,500.  regardless, it still remains the deadliest fire in U.S. history.

--DaCoot

The Peshtigo Firestorm-- Part 1: One of Top Five Deadliest Disasters In U.S.

From the book "Firestorm At Peshtigo" by Denise Gess and William Lutz.

I have been writing a lot about this fire in my Saw the Elephant: Civil War Blog this past month.  I also just wrote about it in my Tattooed On Your Soul: World War II Blog today.

Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and towns around it burned down October 8, 1871 in an unbelievably horrific fire and between 1,500 and 2,500 people were killed.  Unfortunately, there was another, better known fire that day called the Great Chicago Fire so Peshtigo did not get much into the news.

This is considered as one of the top five deadliest disasters in U.S. history

1.  Galveston, Texas, hurricane of 1900, 6,000 to 8,000 people killed.

The Rest of the List In Next Post.  --Cooter

Sinking of the USS President Lincoln-- Part 5: One Final Act of Defiance

The crew went about their duties in a calm way after the attack.  When it became apparent that the ship would sink the order to "Abandon Ship" was passed and everyone but the sick jumped into the water and swam out to life boats.  The discipline displayed was perfect.

The gun crews remained at their stations until the last possible moment, just in case the submarine surfaced to view its destruction.  It didn't, but right before the gun crews left, they fired shots out toward where they figured the attack came from.

From the time of the torpedo strikes to sinking was just thirty minutes.

--Cooter

Sinking of USS President Lincoln-- Part 4: Just When They Thought They Were Safe

On May 31st, the USS President Lincoln was 500 miles from France and the general feeling aboard was that she was safe.  However, at 9 a.m., there was a huge explosion.  The ship had been hit by three torpedoes.

The German submarine U-90 had been following the wakes of the ships since midnight.  The defenders aboard the President Lincoln prepared to open fire, but the submarine had only used its periscope instead of surfacing.  It had fired and then immediately dove to a lower depth.

The Ryndam had tried to ram the sub, but the submarine dived even deeper.

All four ships had been steaming in a line.  The President Lincoln was chosen to receive the torpedoes because it was the largest ship.

--Cooter

The Sinking of the USS President Lincoln-- Part 3: Part of a Convoy

Continued from June 15.

The troop transport USS President Lincoln left Brest, France on May 29, 1918 with three other naval transports, the Susquehanna, Antigone and Ryndam and was escorted by French and American destroyers until dark on May 30 when they left to join a large convoy heading to France.

The American ships were hoping to pass safely through the war zone under cover of darkness.  That meant avoiding U-boats.

On the afternoon of May 30th, Memorial Day services were held.

The crew added to their vigil after the destroyers left.

--Cooter

Illinois' Centennial in 1918 in DeKalb County

From the May 23, 2018, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"Historic spots all over Illinois will be marked appropriately during the Celebration of State Centennial this year.

"DeKalb County will mark the place where the first white child was born in the county, the spot where Lincoln and Jefferson Davis met during the Black Hawk War, the place where the first election took place in the county."

I did not know that Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln met each other in DeKalb County, Illinois.

And, Now We Are in the Bicentennial of Illinois.  --Cooter

Jefferson Barracks in World War I

From Wikipedia.

In the June 13th post I mentioned about 48 men from DeKalb County, Illinois, leaving from Sycamore to go for army training at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri (near St. Louis).

In March 1912, Jefferson Barracks became the first base for training in military parachuting.  Albert Perry, a civilian, became the first person to parachute from a plane.

1911--  Lt. Dwight D, Eisenhower began his military career at Jefferson Barracks.

During World War I, Jefferson Barracks served as a training and recruitment center for men heading overseas for Europe.  It was the largest U.S. induction and demobilization center for troops in World War I.

--Cooter

Sinking of the USS President Lincoln-- Part 2: A "Charmed Ship"

In 1922, the President Lincoln's commander when it was sunk, Cmdr. Percy Wright Foote, USN, wrote about the sinking.  He said that though his crew was pretty green to being sailors, they had received much experience in the months before the ship was sunk and performed their duties admirably.

Colonel Clopton, who commanded the troops on the President Lincoln admired their performance during the sinking.

The USS  President Lincoln had made five trips to France and had transported 25,000 soldiers before it was sunk.  There had been no problems and many had come to consider their ship as being charmed.

--Cooter

U.S. Flag Adopted Today, 241 Years Ago

The Second Continental Congress adopted the U.S. flag this date in 1777.  That would be 241 years ago.

Are your flags up?

Long May It Wave.  --DaCoot

The Sinking of the USS President Lincoln in WW I-- Part 1: Former German Ship

From the June 12, 2018, Naval History Blog "The Sinking of the USS President Lincoln, 31, May 1918" by Jon Hoppe.

The chronology post I did earlier this month (June 1) placed the sinking of the ship as June 1.  It actually was sunk May 31, 1918.

This month marks the 100th anniversary of this ship's sinking.  The USS President Lincoln was a troop transport ship used during World War I.  It was formerly a German ocean liner of the Hamburg-America Line.  The Navy commissioned it as the USS President Lincoln in 1917 to carry American troops and equipment to Europe.

It was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine SM U-90 on May 31, 1918.

--Cooter

World War I Chronology, June 1918-- Part 4:

JUNE 11--

In its first such raid, the 96th Aero Squadron bombs the Dommary-Barancourt railroad station near Metz.

JUNE 28

ITALY.  First contingent   of U.S. troops arrives.  Doughboys are sent to bolster Italian morale on the Austro-Hungarian Front.

Units eventually committed:  332nd Infantry regiment, 331st Field Hospital, American Ambulance Service and Army/Navy aviators.

--Cooter

World War I Chronology, June 1918-- Part 3

JUNE 9-13--

Montdidier-Noyan Defensive

1st Infantry Division participates.  Franco-American counterattack halts the German advance.

JUNE 11--

Battle of Metz

United States 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions counterattack from Rubescourt to St. Maur.

--Cooter

48 Men from DeKalb County Joining the Army

From the May 23, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"DeKalb County people in goodly numbers met in Sycamore to bid God-speed to 48 of DeKalb County's best young men who were selected for army service and starting on their way to Jefferson Barracks in Missouri, for training."

--Cooter

Normal Museum of History in DeKalb, Illinois in 1918

From the May 23, 2018, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"Six years ago, the Normal Museum of History, which has since gained worldwide reputation was opened at the Normal school."

I imagine Normal school referred to what is now Northern Illinois University, but have never heard of it.  Must not be around anymore.

--Cooter

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 7: Everything Must be Perfect

Uniform prep takes several hours.  Everything must be perfect.  The all-wool uniforms are not about comfort, but about looks.  Brass buttons must be polished and shoes must be hand-shined.  The guards' M-14 rifle stocks are customized but the guns are not loaded.

The white gloves are wet to enable better control of the weapon during "the walk."  If a weapon is dropped on the plaza, you are subject to dismissal.

During his time as a Sentinel, Bill Hanna had to call out more than a few onlookers for not respecting the dignity of the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 6: "It Is Requested..."

And, in addition to standing guard at the Tombs, the Sentinel also makes the crowd on onlookers pay their respects also.  There are several videos on YouTube showing how the Sentinels do this.

One is at Tomb of the Unknown -- soldier yelling at laughing crowd.

The Sentinel stops marching and turns and faces the crowd and LOUDLY (not yelling) says, "It is requested that everyone maintain a level of silence and respect."

Well, I tell you, you could have heard the proverbial pin drop.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 5: Twenty-One

The Sentinels keep watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in heat, cold, rain -- and even hurricanes.  Three guard shifts work 24-hour shifts, each guarding the Tomb for one hour.

Everything is done in the number 21 because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.

The sentinel walks 21 steps behind the Tomb of the Unknowns, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps back and repeats the process.

The weapon always remains between the crowd and tomb to signify that the Sentinel stands between the tomb and any possible threat.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 4: Getting That Tomb Guard Identification Badge

Training to be a Sentinel is very difficult.and rigorous.  It involves learning the history of the Tomb of the Unknowns, ceremonial steps, cadence, military bearing and weapon training.  A person completing this successfully is awarded a Tomb Guard Identification Badge.

This honor is awarded to very few and involves a lifelong responsibility.  Any disgrace by the individual, during or after their service will cause the badge to be revoked and it will be removed from the badge board and in its place is a marker reading "Revoked."  All pictures of the person will also be removed.

Since 1948, only 655 soldiers have earned the Sentinel badge and less than a handful are from Indiana.  Hanna has badge No. 441.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 3: A Servant of the Unknowns

Indiana native Bill Hanna served on the guard of the Unknowns (also known as the sentinel) from 1996 to 1999.

Sentinels are forbidden to touch  he tomb out of respect and to protect the tomb from anyone with the intent of damaging it -- with deadly force if necessary.

When Hanna enlisted in the Army, he had hopes of being an airborne infantryman.  However, he ended up in a presidential escort unit and then volunteered for sentinel duty in 1996.  he says:  "You are below the Unknowns and anyone else who comes to visit in the terms of the citizens of the United States, you are a servant of theirs and a servant of other veterans who have given a lot more than you have in most cases."

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 2: Vietnam War Unknown's Name Is Found With DNA

The first unidentified U.S. soldier from World War I was placed in the plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater in 1921.  (The body was carried from France to the United States in the USS Olympia of Spanish-American War fame.)

A simple message is affixed to the memorial, "Here rests in honored glory and American soldier known but to God."

Nearby are the crypts of the Unknowns from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Twenty years ago the remains of the Vietnam soldier was exhumed for DNA testing and found to be Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie and he was later buried in St. Louis.  The Vietnam crypt now sits empty and since DNA samples are obtained from soldiers today, it is unlikely we'll have another unknown soldier after Vietnam.  Perhaps missing, but not unknown.

84th Infantry Division: Went Overseas But Saw No Action in World War I

I have been writing about two Indiana World War II veterans who fought in this division in my Tattooed On Your Soul World War II blog the last four days.  You can view it by clicking on My Blog List.

From Wikipedia.

During World War I, men enlisting from the states of Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky were put into this new division, established in 1917.  They ere organized at Camp Taylor in Kentucky.  because of their being from those states, they chose the nickname "Railsplitters" in honor of Abraham Lincoln (and designed the distinctive patch).

They remained in training at Camp Taylor until August 1918 and deployed to France where the units would be used for replacements and would be sent to the Western Front.  The war ended with the 84th seeing no combat.

They returned to the United States and the unit was deactivated in January 1919.

--Cooter

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-- Part 1: "The Old Guard" Keeps Watch

From the May 28, 2018, Indianapolis Star  'Haunting obligation' for tomb guardian" by Dawn Mitchell.

Hoosier watched over unidentified fallen.  Bill Hanna was a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from 1996-1999.

Very appropriate for Memorial Day.

"Amid the peaceful and serene landscape of Arlington National Cemetery, the cadence from metal taps on the heels of soldiers marching in drill echoes off the monuments and headstones.

It is a sound that's occurred since 1948, when soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment or 'The Old Guard' began keeping their watch over the unidentified fallen at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or Tomb of the Unknowns."

World War I Chronology, June 1918: Battle of Belleau Wood

JUNE 6

BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD

German offensive is stopped at the height of its attack.  Paris is saved.

A fierce fight occurs at Hill 142.

The 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Marine Brigade suffers 50 percent casualties (4,677).  This is where the Marines proved their mettle.

Total U.S. casualties:  1,811 KIA and 7,966 WIA.

An Army brigade captures Vaux, and two days later Bouresches is captured.

All told, the Germans lose 9,500 troops and have 1,600 captured.

--DaCoot

World War I Chronology, June 1918: Battle At Chatteau-Thierry

JUNE 1

Transport PRESIDENT LINCOLN is torpedoed and sunk.  26 crew members are lost and one taken prisoner.

JUNE  6 TO JULY 14

 CHATEAU-THIERRY DEFENSIVE SECTOR  3rd Infantry Division holds the bridges and then drives the Germans back across the Marne River at Jaulgonne.

U.S. forces have 886 KIA and 3,411 WIA.

--Cooter