Maj. Charles Whittlesey & "Lost Battalion-- Part 3: Jumped Overboard?

Whittlesey's reply was "You go to hell, though he later denied it.  That night, a relief force made its way to the "Lost Battalion."  Of the original 554 troops, 107 had been killed,  63 were missing and 190 wounded.  Only  194 were able to walk out.

Major Whittlesey received a battlefield promotion to lieutenant-colonel and when he returned to the United States, was awarded a Medal of Honor on December 6, 1918.

The "Lost Battalion" was one of the most talked about events of the war and in 1919 the story was made into a movie.  Charles Whittlesey tried to return to his law practice but was in huge demand for speeches, parades and honorary degrees.  It began to wear on him.

In November 1921, he acted as a pallbearer at the burial of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.  A few days later he booked passage on the SS Toloa from New York to Havana.  After dining with the captain on November 26, 1921, he left the smoking room at 11:15 p.m., saying he was retiring for the evening.  He was in seemingly good spirits according to the captain.

Charles Whittlesey was never seen again and presumed to have jumped overboard.  His body was never recovered.  In his cabin, many letters were found addressed to family and friends.  One even provided for his luggage that he brought with him.

--DaCoot