1 Apr 20 - Daily Online Learning National WWII Museum - Lost Battalion

[Old Crow 1986]

The National World War II Museum has launched a daily online presentation series. This series is an effort to continue the museum's mission of research, education and outreach during the ongoing COVID 19 battle.

 

Today's (Wednesday, 1 April) topic is "The Heroes of the Lost Battalion".

 

As described by the host - "Four unlikely heroes crossed paths in October 1918, as American doughboys fought for survival in France's Argonne Forest during World War I. Major Charles Whittlesey and Captain George McMurtry led men of New York City's own 77th Division, made up of draftees from the mean streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn, as they were surrounded on all sides by German forces. They fought for several days without food, water, or medical supplies, but finally emerged victorious—thanks in part to a rescue operation led by Tennessee Corporal Alvin C. York. Whittlesey, McMurtry, and York would all receive Medals of Honor for their conduct, but their story might never have been told had it not been for enterprising sportswriter-turned-war correspondent Damon Runyon, who braved enemy shells to meet the men at the front. This is their story."

 

The event is scheduled for broadcast on Facebook live at 1100 Central Time

 

Link: http://support.nationalww2museum.org/site/R?i=jpqncMSKsJzjrXMS06yMIA

 

NOTE: Yesterday's (31 March 20) had technical difficulties and was pushed to Zoom on the net. I'll update this post at or around 1100 Central Time if a last second push is required.

 

BTW - Yesterday's topic was "Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II" and was worth the 30-35 minutes invested.

[The Rooster]

The "Lost Battalion" was never lost.

They were surrounded for a time but our side knew exactly where they were.

They were just cut off for a while for periods of time.

 

Heres an Army War College report on the lost battalion

 

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/301662

[The Rooster]

And an article on Major Whittlesey. Promoted to Liet Colonel. MOH

 

https://tombguard.org/column/2013/12/the-tragedy-of-heroism-charles-w-whittlesey/

 

 

 

a Paragraph from the article

 

Following his discharge, Whittlesey returned to his law practice, but found himself in constant demand for speeches, parades, and honorary degrees. A modest and sensitive man, Whittlesey was uncomfortable with the attention he received and shared very little detail as possible about his time with his men in the Argonne. His public speaking was limited to praising the enlisted men with whom he served, the common soldier who received little to no recognition for their uncommon bravery. So dedicated was he to his men of the Lost Battalion that Whittlesey left his sick bed to attend the funeral of a private who served under him. His last work as the Chairman of the Red Cross Roll Call in New York City was all based on the suffering of the wounded. He attended nearly two to three funerals a week, visited the wounded in the hospitals, and comforted the families of the dead. In perhaps his final act of gratitude to the fallen of the Great War, on November 11, 1921, Whittlesey attended the internment of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, along with several fellow Medal of Honor recipients.

 

[james127]

Thanks for posting this! Always looking to learn more.

[Old Crow 1986]

Presentation is live 1103 Central Time.

 

Follow the link above...go to "Video"...click on "LIVE" (red) button

 

Link will take you to Zoom chat

[The Rooster]

Was a great presentation. Thank you!

Watching the questions and answers now.

Thank you !