d o g f a c
e s o
l d i e r s A photographic
journey of the
Third Signal Co. of the 15th Regt of the U.S. Third
Infantry Division-
WWII
by Denis Toomey
The Rock of the Marne Speech of May 1,
1920
Donated by Ray Heddleson 1Sgt U. S. Army (Ret) of
Spring Hill, Florida
Fort Stewart Museum
Bldg T904, 2022 Frank Cochran Drive
Fort Stewart, GA 31314 Museum Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 .m, Tuesday - Saturday
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Federal Holidays
Contact the Fort Stewart
Museum Curator to schedule a personal or tour group visit!
For information on the 3rd Infantry Division
contact:
Walter W. Meeks, III
Curator, Fort Stewart Museum
1-912-767-7885 walter.meeks@us.army.mil
Essebagger, John Jr.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S.
Army, Company A, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Popsudong, Korea, 25 April 1951. Entered service at:
Holland, Mich. Born: 29 October 1928, Holland, Mich. G.O. No.: 61,
24 April 1952. Citation: Cpl. Essebagger, a member of Company A,
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the
enemy. Committed to effect a delaying action to cover the 3d
Battalion's withdrawal through Company A, Cpl. Essebagger, a member
of 1 of 2 squads maintaining defensive positions in key terrain and
defending the company's right flank, had participated in repulsing
numerous attacks. In a frenzied banzai charge the numerically
superior enemy seriously threatened the security of the planned
route of withdrawal and isolation of the small force. Badly shaken,
the grossly outnumbered detachment started to fall back and Cpl.
Essebagger, realizing the impending danger, voluntarily remained to
provide security for the withdrawal. Gallantly maintaining a l-man
stand, Cpl. Essebagger raked the menacing hordes with crippling fire
and, with the foe closing on the position, left the comparative
safety of his shelter and advanced in the face of overwhelming odds,
firing his weapon and hurling grenades to disconcert the enemy and
afford time for displacement of friendly elements to more tenable
positions. Scorning the withering fire and bursting shells, Cpl.
Essebagger continued to move forward, inflicting destruction upon
the fanatical foe until he was mortally wounded. Cpl. Essebagger's
intrepid action and supreme sacrifice exacted a heavy toll in enemy
dead and wounded, stemmed the onslaught, and enabled the retiring
squads to reach safety. His valorous conduct and devotion to duty
reflected lasting glory upon himself and was in keeping with the
noblest traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.
Gilliland, Charles L.
Rank and organization: Corporal (then Pfc.), U.S.
Army, Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Tongmang-ni, Korea, 25 April 1951. Entered service
at: Yellville (Marion County), Ark. Born: 24 May 1933, Mountain
Home, Ark. G.O. No.: 2, 11 January 1955. Citation: Cpl. Gilliland, a
member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry
and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. A numerically superior hostile force launched a
coordinated assault against his company perimeter, the brunt of
which was directed up a defile covered by his automatic rifle. His
assistant was killed by enemy fire but Cpl. Gilliland, facing the
full force of the assault, poured a steady fire into the foe which
stemmed the onslaught. When 2 enemy soldiers escaped his raking fire
and infiltrated the sector, he leaped from his foxhole, overtook and
killed them both with his pistol. Sustaining a serious head wound in
this daring exploit, he refused medical attention and returned to
his emplacement to continue his defense of the vital defile. His
unit was ordered back to new defensive positions but Cpl. Gilliland
volunteered to remain to cover the withdrawal and hold the enemy at
bay. His heroic actions and indomitable devotion to duty prevented
the enemy from completely overrunning his company positions. Cpl.
Gilliland's incredible valor and supreme sacrifice reflect lasting
glory upon himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of
the military service.
April 24, 2008
Gibson, Eric G.
Rank and organization. Technician
Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Isola Bella, Italy, 28 January 1944. Entered service at: Chicago,
Ill. Birth: Nysund, Sweden. G.O. No.: 74, 11 September 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty. On 28 January 1944, near Isola
Bella, Italy, Tech. 5th Grade Gibson, company cook, led a squad of
replacements through their initial baptism of fire, destroyed four
enemy positions, killed 5 and captured 2 German soldiers, and
secured the left flank of his company during an attack on a
strongpoint. Placing himself 50 yards in front of his new men,
Gibson advanced down the wide stream ditch known as the Fossa
Femminamorta, keeping pace with the advance of his company. An enemy
soldier allowed Tech. 5th Grade Gibson to come within 20 yards of
his concealed position and then opened fire on him with a machine
pistol. Despite the stream of automatic fire which barely missed
him, Gibson charged the position, firing his submachine gun every
few steps. Reaching the position, Gibson fired pointblank at his
opponent, killing him. An artillery concentration fell in and around
the ditch; the concussion from one shell knocked him flat. As he got
to his feet Gibson was fired on by two soldiers armed with a machine
pistol and a rifle from a position only 75 yards distant. Gibson
immediately raced toward the foe. Halfway to the position a
machinegun opened fire on him. Bullets came within inches of his
body, yet Gibson never paused in his forward movement. He killed one
and captured the other soldier. Shortly after, when he was fired
upon by a heavy machinegun 200 yards down the ditch, Gibson crawled
back to his squad and ordered it to lay down a base of fire while he
flanked the emplacement. Despite all warning, Gibson crawled 125
yards through an artillery concentration and the cross fire of 2
machineguns which showered dirt over his body, threw 2 hand grenades
into the emplacement and charged it with his submachine gun, killing
2 of the enemy and capturing a third. Before leading his men around
a bend in the stream ditch, Gibson went forward alone to
reconnoiter. Hearing an exchange of machine pistol and submachine
gun fire, Gibson's squad went forward to find that its leader had
run 35 yards toward an outpost, killed the machine pistol man, and
had himself been killed while firing at the Germans.
Murphy, Audie L.
Rank and organization: Second
Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B 1 5th Infantry, 3d Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near Holtzwihr France, 26 January 1945.
Entered service at: Dallas, Tex. Birth: Hunt County, near Kingston,
Tex. G.O. No.. 65, 9 August 1945. Citation 2d Lt. Murphy commanded
Company B, which was attacked by 6 tanks and waves of infantry. 2d
Lt. Murphy ordered his men to withdraw to prepared positions in a
woods, while he remained forward at his command post and continued
to give fire directions to the artillery by telephone. Behind him,
to his right, 1 of our tank destroyers received a direct hit and
began to burn. Its crew withdrew to the woods. 2d Lt. Murphy
continued to direct artillery fire which killed large numbers of the
advancing enemy infantry. With the enemy tanks abreast of his
position, 2d Lt. Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer, which
was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and employed its .50
caliber machinegun against the enemy. He was alone and exposed to
German fire from 3 sides, but his deadly fire killed dozens of
Germans and caused their infantry attack to waver. The enemy tanks,
losing infantry support, began to fall back. For an hour the Germans
tried every available weapon to eliminate 2d Lt. Murphy, but he
continued to hold his position and wiped out a squad which was
trying to creep up unnoticed on his right flank. Germans reached as
close as 10 yards, only to be mowed down by his fire. He received a
leg wound, but ignored it and continued the single-handed fight
until his ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way to his
company, refused medical attention, and organized the company in a
counterattack which forced the Germans to withdraw. His directing of
artillery fire wiped out many of the enemy; he killed or wounded
about 50. 2d Lt. Murphy's indomitable courage and his refusal to
give an inch of ground saved his company from possible encirclement
and destruction, and enabled it to hold the woods which had been the
enemy's objective.
Murray, Charles P. Jr.
Rank and organization: First
Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C, 30th Infantry, 3d Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near Kaysersberg, France, 16 December
1944. Entered service at: Wilmington, N.C. Birth: Baltimore, Md. G.O.
No.: 63, 1 August 1945. Citation: For commanding Company C, 30th
Infantry, displaying supreme courage and heroic initiative near
Kaysersberg, France, on 16 December 1944, while leading a reinforced
platoon into enemy territory. Descending into a valley beneath
hilltop positions held by our troops, he observed a force of 200
Germans pouring deadly mortar, bazooka, machinegun, and small arms
fire into an American battalion occupying the crest of the ridge.
The enemy's position in a sunken road, though hidden from the ridge,
was open to a flank attack by 1st Lt. Murray's patrol but he
hesitated to commit so small a force to battle with the superior and
strongly disposed enemy. Crawling out ahead of his troops to a
vantage point, he called by radio for artillery fire. His shells
bracketed the German force, but when he was about to correct the
range his radio went dead. He returned to his patrol, secured
grenades and a rifle to launch them and went back to his
self-appointed outpost. His first shots disclosed his position; the
enemy directed heavy fire against him as he methodically fired his
missiles into the narrow defile. Again he returned to his patrol.
With an automatic rifle and ammunition, he once more moved to his
exposed position. Burst after burst he fired into the enemy, killing
20, wounding many others, and completely disorganizing its ranks,
which began to withdraw. He prevented the removal of 3 German
mortars by knocking out a truck. By that time a mortar had been
brought to his support. 1st Lt. Murray directed fire of this weapon,
causing further casualties and confusion in the German ranks.
Calling on his patrol to follow, he then moved out toward his
original objective, possession of a bridge and construction of a
roadblock. He captured 10 Germans in foxholes. An eleventh, while
pretending to surrender, threw a grenade which knocked him to the
ground, inflicting 8 wounds. Though suffering and bleeding
profusely, he refused to return to the rear until he had chosen the
spot for the block and had seen his men correctly deployed. By his
single-handed attack on an overwhelming force and by his intrepid
and heroic fighting, 1st Lt. Murray stopped a counterattack,
established an advance position against formidable odds, and
provided an inspiring example for the men of his command.
A look back in
history from the Frontline Ft. Stewart newspaper
Maj. Gen. James C. Riley. Division Commander
and Martin Markley of the 3ID Society,
lay a wreath at the "Rock of the Marne," honoring 3rd Inf. Div. (M) soldiers
who gave their lives
History of the 3d Infantry Division
(Mechanized)
"ROCK OF THE MARNE!"
The 3rd Division (re-designated as the 3rd Infantry Division
August 1, 1942) was constituted November 12, 1917 in the Regular
Army and organized at Camp Greene, NC November 21, 1917. The
division was composed of the 4th, 7th, 30th, and 38th Infantry
Regiments, the 10th, 18th, and 76th FA Regiments and the 6th
Engineer Regiment with a total of 28,000 men. It underwent training
at Camp Greene, NC and Fort Bliss, TX and shipped to France arriving
in April 1918. A monument to the origination of the 3rd Division
stands today in Charlotte, NC at the corner of Wilkinson Blvd. and
Monument St.
The 3rd Infantry Division earned the motto "Rock of the Marne" at
the Marne River near Chateau-Thierry on July 15, 1918. When flanking
units retreated, then Division Commander Major General Joseph
Dickman, told our French allies "Nous Resterons La-We shall remain
here." This motto is on the 3rd Infantry Division Distinctive
Insignia. Although the stand was quite successful, we paid a high
price. General "Black Jack" Pershing said it best, when he called
the Divisions performance one of the most brilliant of our military
annals.
World War II was to add even greater glory to the Marne Legend. As
the sole United States fighting force for 531 continuous days of
combat, the 3d Infantry Division fought in places like Casablanca,
Anzio, Tome, the Vosges Mountains, Colmar, the Siegfried Line,
Palermo, Nurnberg, Munich, Berchtesgaden, and Salzburg.
3d Infantry Division soldiers earned two medals of Honor during
World War I, and 36 more during World War II. The most decorated
soldier in World War II was among them: Lieutenant Audie Murphy,
serving with the 15th Infantry in Italy and France.
During the Korean War, the Division, being known as the "Fire
Brigade", received ten Battle Stars. The Korean War also added
eleven more Medal of Honor winners, bringing the total to
forty-nine.
In April 1958, the Marne Division returned to Germany to secure the
defense of Western Europe and ultimately win the Cold War.
In November of 1990, soldiers of the 3d Infantry Division were once
again called into action. Following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, over
6,000 Marne men and women deployed with operation Desert Storm as
part of the Allied Coalition which brought a swift end to Saddam
Hussien’s military aggression in the Gulf region. Nearly 1,000
soldiers deployed to Southeastern Turkey and Northern Iraq to
Provide Comfort to Kurdish Refugees. Almost 100 were part of Task
Force Victory, which began the task of rebuilding Kuwait.
Today, a new chapter of Marne history begins with the activation of
the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Stewart and in the
Coastal Empire. They have moved from Germany and now are in Fort
Stewart GA. (3 Brigades) the third brigade is in Fort Benning GA and
the Aviation Brigade at Hunter Army Airfield.
Fort Stewart is official home to the 3rd Infantry Division -
Mechanized, formerly the 24th Infantry Division - Mechanized.
Nicknamed the "Marne Division" after the historic battle of the
Marne River in France during WWI, the reputation of the 3rd Infantry
Division equals the 24th.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Early in 2003 the deployability and fighting capability of the Marne
Division was highly visible Worldwide when the entire Division deployed in weeks
to Kuwait. It was called on subsequently to spearhead Coalition forces in
Operation Iraqi Freedom, fighting its way to Baghdad in early April, leading to
the end of the Saddam Hussein government imposed tyranny over the people of
Iraq. Today the Division remains there contributing to stabilization and nation
building with Coalition forces and the people of that long oppressed nation.
The Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division, which helped
lead the charge to Baghdad, is the first Army division tapped to
return to Iraq since the March 2003 invasion. The Marne team
continues our deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in support of our
assigned mission as part of the global war on terror. 1st Brigade
Combat Team arrived at its assigned Forward Operating Bases in Iraq
and is initiating operations. Aviation Brigade is completing its
move into Iraq and has also begun operations. The rest of the
Division continues to move equipment and personnel to our camps in
Kuwait.
Thanks to Henry Burke, Outpost 3, for the
history of the 3ID.
"ROCK OF THE MARNE!"
Near Mézy, France, July 1918. Here the German Army made
its last great attack of World War I.
It struck in the Marne River area
along the road to Paris, and the weight of the blow fell on the
30th and
38th U.S. Infantry Regiments of the 3rd Division. This was their first
fight.
Firing in three directions, blasted by artillery fire, taking all
flesh and blood could stand,
the regiments held on doggedly and threw the
enemy back
across the Marne.
This defense checked the Germans' assault and
made an Allied offensive possible.
General Pershing called it "one of the
most brilliant pages of our military annals."
Description: Upon a blue square three white stripes from heraldic sinister
chief to dexter base, the blue background between the white stripes, all within
a green border.
Symbolism: The blue stripes represent Infantry, loyalty and the steadfastness of
American soldiers. The three diagonal white stripes designate the major
operations in which the division took part up until the signing of the
Armistice ( the Marne, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne), as well as
represent the numerical designation of the Division.
The origin of
Nous Resterons La,
the slogan of the 3rd Infantry Division
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description: A silver colored metal and enamel device, consisting of
a silver rock issuing from the inner arc of a blue annulet inscribed
with the words "NOUS RESTERONS LA"
(We Will Stay There) in silver
letters; on the rock and surmounting the upper part of the annulet,
a silver wyvern winged blue bearing thereon three silver diagonal
bands.
Symbolism: The rock, inscription, and wyvern refer to the two designations by
which men of the 3d Infantry Division are popularly known, i.e., "Marne Men" and
"Blue and White Devils." The rock represents the division's firm stand against
the German offensive at the Marne River in World War I.
It was there that the
commanding officer, Major General Joseph Dickman, stated "Nous Resterons LA."
The wyvern, an heraldic form of the devil, bears the division's blue and white
stripes on its wing in commemoration of the division's action at Anzio, Italy,
in World War II where they were called "Blue and White Devils" by the enemy.
"Rock of the Marne!"
The 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) has one of the
most successful combat records of any U.S. Army division. It has paid a high
price for this distinction, suffering nearly 35,000 wartime casualties. Forty
nine members of the 3d Infantry Division have been awarded the Medal of Honor
while serving our nation.
World War I
Activated in November 1917 during World War I at Camp
Greene, North Carolina,. It went into combat for the first time eight months
later in France. At midnight on July 14, 1918, the Division earned lasting
distinction. Engaged in the Aisne-Marne Offensive as a member of the American
Expeditionary Force to Europe, the Division was protecting Paris with a position
on the banks of the Marne River, surrounding units retreated, the 3rd Infantry
Division remained rock solid and earned its reputation as the "Rock of the
Marne". Although the stand was highly successful, a steep price was paid.
General "Black Jack" Pershing said the Division's performance one of the most
brilliant of our nation’s military history. During the war two members of the
division were awarded the Medal of Honor (MOH).
World War II
World War II brought even greater glory. The 3rd
Infantry Division fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Germany and
Austria for 531 consecutive days of combat. 3rd Infantry Division soldiers
earned 36 MOH during World War II. At Anzio the Division fought off three German
divisions. While there it suffered more than 900 casualties, the most in one day
of any division in World War II. The most highly decorated soldier of the war,
LT Audie Murphy served with the 15th Infantry Regiment.
Korean War
During the Korean War, the Division, was known as the
"Fire Brigade" for its rapid response to crisis. It received ten Battle Stars.
The Division fought gallantly throughout the war, insuring the freedom South
Korea maintains today. Eleven more MOH recipients were added to the division's
list of heroes during the Korean War.
Germany
In April 1958 to April 1996, the Marne Division was station in
Germany serving as a key link in securing the defense of Western
Europe and contributing greatly to the ultimate triumph over
Communism in the Cold War in 1989.
Operation Desert Storm
In November 1990, soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division
were once again called into action. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, more
than 6,000 Marne men and women deployed with the 1st Armored Division on
Operation Desert Storm as part of the Allied Coalition. Later nearly 1,000
soldiers deployed to southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq to provide comfort to
Kurdish refugees. Another group of nearly 1,000 were part of Task Force Victory
rebuilding Kuwait.
Egypt, Bosnia and Kosovo
In 1996 the Division was restationed at Fort Stewart,
Fort Benning, and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. The Division repeatedly
demonstrated its deployability since then by maintaining a battalion, and later
a brigade task force presence in Kuwait. It has also moved sizeable forces to
Egypt, Bosnia and Kosovo in partnership training and peacekeeping missions.
Since Sept 11, 2001 units have been sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other
Middle Eastern countries to support the War on Terrorism.
Operation Iraqi Freedom I
Early in 2003 the deployability and fighting capability of the Marne
Division was highly visible Worldwide when the entire Division deployed in
weeks to Kuwait. It was called on subsequently to spearhead Coalition
forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, fighting its way to Baghdad in early
April, leading to the end of the Saddam Hussein government imposed tyranny
over the people of Iraq.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
III
The Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division, which helped
lead the charge to Baghdad, is the first Army division tapped to
return to Iraq since the March 2003 invasion. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
and Aviation Brigade Combat
Teams arrived at its assigned Forward Operating Bases in Iraq and
completed its operations in January 2006.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2007-8
Ready to shift
Plan has 3,800 soldiers departing in mid-March ‘Raider Brigade’ takes over
Ramadi
The Defense Department announced Feb. 16,
2007 that the 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters, from Fort Stewart, Georgia,
will deploy to Iraq beginning in March 2007. This headquarters previously was
scheduled to deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2007, as announced on
November 17, 2006, but will now be accelerated by a little over three months.
The unit leadership notified the Soldiers and their families prior to this
announcement.
RAMADI, Iraq — The Germany-bound “Ready First
Brigade” of the 1st Armored Division formally relinquished combat authority in
and around Ramadi following a fierce, eight-month campaign that commanders
say broke a long and bloody stalemate between U.S. soldiers, Sunni Arab tribes
and Islamist militants here. The breakthrough — which occurred when a majority
of local tribe leaders decided to ally with coalition forces against Islamist
militants — bodes well for the incoming 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry
Division “Raider Brigade,” which is now on its third tour in Iraq.
“We leave here with a great sense of accomplishment,” Col. Sean B. MacFarland,
commander of the 1-1AD said at Sunday’s transfer of authority ceremony.
“Although there is still work to be done, we take comfort knowing that we are
relinquishing our job to the superior soldiers of the Raider Brigade.”
It appears as if the 3rd Brigade will be
stationed in the southeast section of Baghdad, possibly under the umbrella of
the 3rd Infantry Division. "General (Maj. Gen. Rick) Lynch and I are in contact
every other day and we have a pretty good relationship," said brigade commander
Col. Wayne Grigsby Jr. "It would be great to be part of his team."
Grigsby has already been in touch with another of the division's brigade
commanders, Col. John Charlton, who took his unit, the 1st BCT, to Baghdad in
January.
"We talk about issues that he's had to address since his arrival in Iraq, things
that we may need to focus on in the weeks ahead," Grigsby said. "Keeping those
communication lines open is important."
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2009-10
3rd ID
arrives in Kuwait, trains for MND-N mission Spc. Michael Adams
3rd ID Public Affairs
CAMP BUEHRING,
KUWAIT – About 400 Dog Face Soldiers of the Division Special Troops
Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division arrived in Kuwait Sunday October
11th as part of the division's deployment in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
The Soldiers left Fort Stewart, Oct. 10, 2009 saying farewell to their
Families and the coastal Georgia community. Soldiers from the DSTB
will comprise the headquarters for Task Force Marne, the command and
control element for Mult-National Division-North, Iraq.
While in Kuwait, Soldiers will complete their final training
requirements before moving to their locations in Iraq. Training here
includes vehicle rollover training, weapons ranges, and
environmental training. The time spent in Kuwait helps Soldiers to
acclimatize to the desert environment and ensure all of their
personal equipment is ready to go before moving forward.
The division has deployed to Iraq on three separate occasions, but
this will be the first time the headquarters will be located in the
north.
Other brigades from the division will follow the DSTB and deploy to
other locations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The 1st Heavy Brigade
Combat Team and 3rd HBCT will be located near Baghdad, Iraq, while
2nd HBCT will be in MNDN, near Mosul. The 4th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team is anticipating an Iraq deployment by the summer 2010.
The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade is deploying to Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In grateful memory of those who have
sacrificed their lives for us.
The task was to give the gift of freedom.
SPC Anguiano, Edward John, A Co, 3d FSB
SPC Sanders, Gregory Paul, B Co, 3/69th AR
SGT Solomon, Roderic Antoine, A Co, 2/7th IN
PFC Creighton-Weldon, A Co, 7th IN
CPL Curtin, Michael Edward, A Co, 2/7th IN|
PFC Rincon, Diego Fernando, A Co, 2/7th IN
SGT Williams, Eugene, A Co, 2/7th IN
SFC Davis, Wilbert, HHC, 3/69th AR
SSG Buggs, George Edward, HHC, 3d FSB
PFC Bellard, Wilfred D. C Btry, 1/41st FA
SPC Cunningham, Daniel Francis Jr., C Btry, 1/41st FA
PV2 Jones, DevonDimilo, C Btry, 1/41st FA
CPT Aiken, Tristan Neil, HHB, 1/41st FA
SFC Smith, Paul Ray, B Co, 11th ENGR Bn
SSG Booker, Stevon Alexander, A Co, 1/64th AR
SSG Hollinsaid, Lincoln Daniel, B Co, 11th Engr Bn
1LT Kaylor, Jeffrey J., C Btry, 39th FA
PFC Miller, Anthony Scott, HHC, 2nd Bde
SPC Mitchell, George A. Jr., HHC, 2d Bde
SGT Brown, Henry Levon, HHC, 1/64th AR
SFC Marshall, John Winston, HHC, 3/15th IN
PFC Meyer, Jason Michael, D Co, 11th EN
SSG Stever, Robert Anthony, HQ Co, 3/15th IN
PFC Rockhold, Marlin Tyrone, B Co, 3/7th IN
SGT Crockett, Michael Tyron, B Co,3/ 7th IN
SPC Bertoldie, Joel Lin, HHC, 4/64th AR Regt
SSG Hart, Nathaniel Jr., 260th QM Bn
PFC Sims, Charles Marques, 549th MP CO
CPT Adamouski, James F., B Co, 2/3 AVN Regt
SPC Boule, Matthew George, B Co, 2/3 AVN
CW4 Halvorsen, Eric Anders, B Co, 2/3 AVN Regt
CW2 Jamar, Scott, B Co, 2/3 AVN Regt
SGT Pedersen, Michael Francis, B Co, 2/3 AVN Regt
CW3 Smith, Eric Allen, B Co, 2/3 AVN Regt
CPT Korn, Edward Jason, HHT Cmd 2d AR BN, Ft. Knox, KY
SPC Carlock, Ryan Gene, 416th Trans Co
PV2 Huxley, Gregory Paul Jr., B Co, 317th Engr Bn,
PV2 Prewitt, Kelley, Stephen, HHC, 2/69th AR
SSG Hemingway, Terry Wayne, C Co, 1/15th IN
1SG Garza, Joe Jesus, HHC, 1/30th IN
SGT Robbins, Todd James, C Btry, 13th FA
SFC Rehn, Randall Scott, C Btry, 13th FA
PFC Smith, Jeremiah David, 1/34th AR Bn
SPC Oaks, Donald Samuel Jr., D Co, 1/39th FA
These forever Remembered, these Keepers
of the Constitution, these our Fellows gave their last full measure of
devotion to duty that they might bless the world with Liberty.
This page courtesy of the
Frontline March 18, 2004
Many other units were also attached to the 3rd
Infantry Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom, such as the 1-184TH INF
AIR ASSLT unit which lost 22 members during OIF. We offer our thanks and
condolences to these brave heroes who gave all.
August 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on August 18, 2005, in
Samarra, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near their
HMMWV following a mine assessing mission. The soldiers were assigned to
the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Sgt. Nathan K. Bouchard, 24, of Wildomar, Calif. Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Doyle, 24, of
Chesterton, Md. Spc. Ray M. Fuhrmann, II, 28, of
Novato, Calif. Pfc. Timothy J. Seamans, 20, of
Jacksonville, Fla.
August 24, 2005
1st Lt. Carlos J. Diaz, 27, of Juana Diaz, P.R., died on Aug. 23, 2005, in
Baqubah, Iraq, when enemy forces detonated an explosion near his position.
Diaz was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade,
3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
September 2, 2005
Sgt. Monta S. Ruth, 26, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died on Aug. 31, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his
military vehicle during security patrol operations. Ruth was assigned to
the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
September 5, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 1, 2005, in
Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their
HMMWV during patrol operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army
National Guard's 108th Cavalry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade, Griffin,
Ga.
Killed were: Staff Sgt. George R. Draughn Jr., 29, of Decatur, Ga. Sgt. 1st Class Robert L. Hollar Jr., 35, of Griffin, Ga.
Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson, 39, of Norcross, Ga.,
died on Sept. 2, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his M3A2 Bradley Fighting
Vehicle was struck by an enemy explosive device. Parson was assigned to
the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
September 6, 2005
Spc. Luke C. Williams, 35, of Knoxville, Tenn., died on Sept. 5, 2005 in
Baghdad, Iraq, when the HMMWV he was riding in accidentally rolled over
into a ditch. Williams was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
September 7, 2005
Sgt. Matthew C. Bohling, 22, of Eagle
River, Alaska, died on Sept. 5, 2005, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, where an
improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat
operations. Bohling was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor
Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
September 8, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 6, 2005, in
Baghdad, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near their
HMMWV causing it to rollover. Both soldiers were assigned to the Brigade
Troops Battalion, Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Staff Sgt. Jude R. Jonaus, 27, of Miami, Fla. Sgt. Franklin R. Vilorio, 26, of Miami, Fla.
September 14, 2005
Sgt.Kurtis D. K. Arcala, 22, of Palmer, Alaska, died on
Sept. 11, 2005, in Tikrit, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device
detonated near his position during convoy escort operations. Arcala was
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
September 20, 2005
Sgt. Deckard dies in action
FORT STEWART, Ga.-- The Department of Defense announced today the death of
a 3rd Infantry Division Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Sgt Matthew Lynn Deckard, 29, of Elizabethtown, KY, died Sept. 16, 2005 in
Baghdad, Iraq where an improvised explosive device detonated near his
position while he was on patrol operations. Deckard was assigned to
Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment; 4th Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div.,
as an M1 armor crewman.
Sgt Deckard entered the Army Jan. 20, 1995. He arrived at Fort Stewart,
“Home of the 3rd Inf. Div.,” Feb. 24, 2001.
September 21, 2005
Two Marne Soldiers die in action supporting OIF
FORT STEWART, Ga.-- The Department of Defense announced today the death of
two 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 16, when an improvised
explosive device detonated near their M1A1 Abrams tank during patrol
operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart,
Ga.
1st Sgt. Alan N. Gifford, 39, of Tallahassee, Fla., entered the Army Feb.
4, 1986. He arrived Sept. 10, 2003 at Fort Stewart, Home of the 3rd
Infantry Division. 1st Sgt. Gifford was a Senior Armored Cavalry Sergeant
assigned to Co. C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat
Team.
Spc. David H. Ford IV, 20, of Ironton, Ohio, entered the Army July 1,
2003. He arrived Nov. 18, 2003 at Fort Stewart, Home of the 3rd Infantry
Division. Spc. Ford was an M1A1 Armor Crewman assigned to Co. C, 4th
Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.
September 26, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained
in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 23, when an improvised explosive device
detonated near their M113 armored personnel carrier. They also were
attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were
assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Oakdale, Calif.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Scheile, 37, of Antioch, Calif., who died on Sept.
24.
Sgt. Paul C. Neubauer, 40, of Oceanside, Calif., who died on Sept. 23.
September 29, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jason A. Benford, 30, of Toledo, Ohio, died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq,
on Sept. 27, when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using small arms
fire. Benford was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd
Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
October 5, 2005
Staff Sgt. Jens E. Schelbert, 31, of New Orleans, La., died in Ar Ramadi,
Iraq, on Oct. 1, when his forward operating base was attacked by enemy
forces using indirect fire. Schelbert was assigned to the 2nd Battalion,
69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
October 12, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on
Oct. 10, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M2A2
Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. Both soldiers were
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Brandon K. Sneed, 33, of Norman, Okla. Sgt. Leon M. Johnson, 28, of Jacksonville, Fla.
October 21, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Balad, Iraq, on Oct.
19, when their HMMWV was struck by enemy indirect fire during patrol
operations. The Soldiers were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart,
Ga.
Killed were: Sgt. Arthur A. Mora Jr., 23, of Pico Rivera, Calif. Spc. Russell H. Nahvi, 24, of Arlington, Texas.
Spc. Jose E. Rosario, 20, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
October 25, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander, Jr., 34, of Clanton, Ala., died at Brooke
Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 22, of injuries sustained
in Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, when an improvised explosive device
detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Alexander was assigned to the
1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
October 25, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of five soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on
Oct. 15, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M2A2
Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. The soldiers were
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Killed were: Staff Sgt. Vincent E. Summers, 38, of South Haven, Mich. Spc. Thomas H. Byrd, 21, of Cochise, Ariz. Spc. Jeffrey W. Corban, 30, of Elkhart, Ind. Spc. Richard A. Hardy, 24, of Newcomerstown, Ohio. Spc. Timothy D. Watkins, 24, of San Bernardino, Calif.
October 28, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. Michael J. Mackinnon, 30, of Helena, Mont., died on Oct. 27, in
Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during convoy operations. Mackinnon was assigned to the Army's 4th
Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Rustamiyah, Iraq, on
Oct. 26, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV.
Both Soldiers were assigned to the Army's 3rd Forward Support Battalion,
Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Master Sgt. Thomas A. Wallsmith, 38, of Carthage, Mo. Sgt. 1st Class Ramon A. Acevedoaponte, 51, of Watertown, N.Y.
Sgt. Michael T. Robertson, 28, of Houston, Texas, died at Brooke Army
Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 25, of injuries sustained in Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The incident fatally injured another
soldier and was reported on Oct. 25. Robertson was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
October 31, 2005
Pfc. Dillon M. Jutras, 20, of Fairfax Station, Va., died in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq, on Oct. 28, from injuries sustained while conducting
combat operations. Jutras was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 75th
Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.
November 2, 2005
Pfc Rojas dies in action
FORT STEWART, Ga. -- The Department of Defense announced
yesterday the death of a 3rd Infantry Division soldier who was supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private First Class Kenny D. Rojas, 21, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., died near Bayji, Iraq on Oct. 29 when his unit was conducting a combat patrol and a
landmine exploded near his HMMWV.
Rojas entered the military January 28, 2004 and arrived at Fort Stewart,
Home of the 3rd Infantry Division on July 29, 2004.
Private First Class Rojas was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., as an
Infantryman.
November 2, 2005
Col. Wood dies in action
FORT STEWART, Ga.-- The Department of Defense announced Oct. 31 the death
of a 3rd Infantry Division Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Colonel William W. Wood, 44, of Panama City, Fla., died Oct. 27 in
Baghdad, Iraq when he was directing security operations in response to the
detonation of an improvised explosive device. During this response, a
second improvised explosive device detonated near his position.
Col. Wood entered the Army May 20, 1984 and arrived June 16, 2004 to Fort
Stewart, Home of the 3rd Infantry Division as an Infantry Officer. While
here he served as the deputy chief of staff and deputy commander of the
2nd Brigade Combat Team.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, Col. Wood was assigned to and thereby
assumed command in July 2005 of the 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment
(Air Assault) of Modesto, Calif.
November 3, 2005
Spc. Dennis J. Ferderer Jr., 20, of New Salem, N.D., died in Ad
Duluiyah, Iraq, on Nov. 2, when enemy forces threw a hand grenade at his
HMMWV during convoy operations. Ferderer was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
November 7, 2005
Spc. Darren D. Howe, 21, of Beatrice, Neb., died at Brooke Army
Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3, of injuries sustained in
Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Howe was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning,
Ga.
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on
Nov. 4, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV
during convoy operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 26th Forward
Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Capt. James M. Gurbisz, 25, of Eatontown, N.J. Pfc. Dustin A. Yancey, 22, of Goose Creek, S.C.
November 8, 2005
Capt. Joel E. Cahill, 34, of Norwood, Mass., died in Ad Dawr, Iraq,
on Nov. 6, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV.
Cahill was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
November 17, 2005
Pvt. Dylan R. Paytas, 20, of Freedom, Pa., died in Baqubah, Iraq,
on Nov. 16, from injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds. Paytas
was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
November 21, 2005
Staff Sgt. Ivan V. Alarcon, 23, of Jerome, Idaho, died in Tal Afar,
Iraq, on Nov. 17, when his HMMWV accidentally rolled over during combat
operations. Alarcon was assigned to the Army's 473rd Quartermaster
Company, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
November 28, 2005
Pfc. Ryan D. Christensen, 22, of Spring Lake Heights, N.J., died at
the Medical University of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 24, of a
non-combat related illness identified in Balad, Iraq, on Nov. 10.
Christensen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
December 5, 2005
Sgt. Grzegorz Jakoniuk, 25, of Schiller Park, Ill., died in Taji,
Iraq, on Nov. 30, from non-combat related injuries. Jakoniuk was assigned
to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Campbell, Ky. The incident is under investigation.
December 9, 2005
1st Lt. Kevin J. Smith, 28, of Brandon, Fla., died in Baghdad,
Iraq, on Dec. 8, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
HMMWV. Smith was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th
Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
December 13, 2005
Spc. Lex S. Nelson, 21, of Salt Lake City, Utah, died in Tikrit,
Iraq on Dec. 12, when he fell from a guard tower. Nelson was assigned to
the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. The incident is under investigation.
December 14, 2005
Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Mitchell, 28, of Malta, Ohio, died in
Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 12, when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his M1A1 Abrams tank during combat operations. Mitchell was assigned
to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
December 17, 2005
Spc. Joseph A. Lucas, 23, ofAugusta, Ga., died in Balad, Iraq on
Dec. 15, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV
during combat operations. Lucas was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
December 22, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Taji, Iraq on Dec.
20, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during
combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion 15th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Killed were: 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary, 24, of Dallas, Pa. Spc. Richard Junior D. Naputi, 24, of Talofofo, Guam.
December 27, 2005
Spc. Anthony O. Cardinal, 20, of Muskegon, Mich., died in Baghdad,
Iraq, on Dec. 25, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
HMMWV during combat operations. Cardinal was assigned to the 3rd Squadron,
7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart,
Ga.
December 27, 2005
Spc. Sergio Gudino, 22, of Pomona, Calif., died in Baghdad, Iraq,
on Dec. 25, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A1
tank during combat operations. Gudino was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
January 6, 2006
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on
Jan. 5, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV
during convoy operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Sgt. Jason Lopezreyes, 29, of Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Spc. Ryan D. Walker, 25, of Pendleton, Ore.
To Ken Hart Composer of the Song "Dogface Soldier"
On behalf of all the members of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division,
older veterans, newer veterans and current soldiers of the mighty 3rd
Infantry Division, I want to commend you and Mr. Gold for all you have done
for the foot soldier of all wars.
Your "Dogface Soldier" is as popular with the troops today as it was in WW
II and the Korean War. I understand that a memorial to "Dogface Soldier"
will be on display perpetually at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort
in honor of the song and its authors. What a magnificent tribute this is for
you to know that you have contributed so much to the morale and pride of the
many Rock of the Marne soldiers over the years.
Congratulations and appreciation for what you have done for us "Dogface
Soldiers", we give you an honor of a big ''HOOAH'', which is the current
Army salute for a 'job well done'.
Respectfully,
Jim Tiezzi, President
Society of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Ken Hart, in his mid eighties, one of the composers of
"Dogface Soldier" would be so happy to hear from those who appreciate his
and Mr. Gold's tribute to the red-blooded American Soldier.,
email him at...
JaneHart22@hotmail.com It would uplift his day tremendously...
he is truly " The Walking Pride Of Uncle Sam " ... one of those who will
never be replaced.
"I’m just a dog face soldier,
with a rifle on my shoulder."
"DOG FACE SOLDIER"
Click on Link to hear the current version of the
3D Infantry
Division Song from the Fort Stewart Website.
So go the words of the division's theme song.
Thanks to the creative genius of Walt Disney Productions, that "Dog
Face Soldier" was caricatured into a tan bulldog: "heroic, but
humble, fierce, but gentle, quick-witted and wise, with a confidence
and dignity that comes from having proved himself."
Major General Albert O. Connor, a Third Division
commander, visualized verbally what he wanted for a "Dog Face
Soldier", Walt Disney Productions complied and the caricature was
created.
All it cost was one dollar. The bull-dog face
soldier is the result of an exchange of letters between General
Connor and Walt Disney Productions. In one of his letters to Disney,
General Connor explained: "For many years, the 3d Infantry Division
has been seeking a trademark based on the symbolism of the "Dog Face
Soldier." The term "dog face," he continued, "is an old one in our
Army, dating back to the Indian Wars."
The division received the final
design of the bull-dog face soldier in August 1965. Along with the
drawing came a contract granting exclusive and perpetual right and
license to reproduce the drawing. The one dollar bill provided by
the Marne Association was autographed by the division's Sergeants
Major. Along with the autographed bill, which was framed, a letter
of thanks to Walt Disney and his staff was sent for bringing to life
the verbal conception of a song.
I Wouldn't Give A Bean
To Be A Fancy Pants Marine
I'd Rather Be A
Dog Face Soldier Like I Am
I Wouldn't Trade My Old OD's
For All The Navy's Dungarees
For I'm The Walking Pride
Of Uncle Sam
On All The Posters That I Read
It Says "Be All That You Can"
So They're Tearing Me Down
To Build Me Over Again
I'm Just A Dog Face Soldier
With A Rifle On My Shoulder
And I Eat Raw Meat
For Breakfast E'V'RY Day
So Feed Me Ammunition
Keep Me In The Third Division
Your Dog Face Soldier's A-Okay
1921 - an unknown World War I American soldier was
buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similar ceremonies occurred
earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried
in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster
Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe).
These memorial services all took place on November 11, the
anniversary of the end of World War I at 11:00 a.m., November 11,
1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), which became
known as Armistice Day.
1926 - Armistice Day officially became a holiday in the United
States, and a national holiday 12 years later.
On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all
U.S. veterans.
1968 - new legislation changed the national commemoration of
Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became
apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic
significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned
the observance to its traditional date.
Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the
Tomb of the Unknowns. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans
who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S.
Infantry Regiment
(The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all
military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's
tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a
presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."
