World War I Chronology, March 1918-- Part 1: "Rainbow" Division Sees Action

From the April 2017 VFW Magazine

MARCH 4--  German forces unsuccessfully attack U.S. 42nd "Rainbow" Division positions near Badonvilliers in the Lorraine Sector.

MARCH 6--  Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal and War service Chevron are authorized by the War Department.

MARCH 8--  U.S. forces join the line in the Verdun Sector.

--Cooter

The Rainbow Division-- Part 3: World War I

In 1918, the Rainbow Division participated in four major operations:  Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Battle of Saint Mihel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

In total, the division saw 264 days of combat in France.

During this time, they suffered 14,683 casualties:  2,058 killed in action and 12,625 wounded in action.

Commanders included Major General W.A. Mann, Brigadier general Charles T. Menoher, Major General Charles D. Rhodes and Brigadier General Douglas MacArthur.

--Cooter

The Rainbow Division-- Part 2: Its Creation

Secretary of War Newton D. Baker approved the creation of the new division and later recalled Douglas MacArthur saying it would "stretch over the whole country like a rainbow."  Hence the name.

This new division was created from units from 26 states and Washington, D.C. including the Roanoke, Virginia, Coastal Artillery unit.  This new "Rainbow Division" came into being and MacArthur was promoted to the rank of colonel and became the chief of staff.

They were activated for World War I in August 1917 and went overseas in November 1917, one of the first AEF divisions to go.

--Cooter

The Rainbow Division-- Part 1: World War I

In the last post, I wrote about a reunion of the 1st Company, Virginia Coast Artillery, having been in World War I as part of the Rainbow Division of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

I did some follow up on the Rainbow Division.

From Wikipedia.

It still exists and is the 42nd Army Division.

When the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, it federalized National Guard units.  Then Major Douglas MacArthur suggested to William A, Mann, head of the Militia Bureau, that another division be formed from several states.

--Cooter

A World War I Reunion in 1967

From the April 3, 2017, Roanoke (Va.) Times  "Looking Back."

1967, 50 Years Ago.

"Members of the 1st Company, Virginia Coast Artillery, who served with General Douglas MacArthur's famed Rainbow Division in France in World War I, will hold a 50th anniversary dinner at the Patrick Henry Hotel Saturday night."

--Cooter