headed towards Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. This separation has given
me so much pain that renunciation of the Corps Command persisted in my mind.
Your superb comportment everywhere in France, as well as your unsurpassed
exploits, have won for you the designation in the Army of Occupation; your wonderful
fighting ability and your superior manhood have won for you a place in my heart that will
remain with me for all time.
The fathers and mothers who produced men such as you, who know not battle
straggling nor retreat under any circumstances, must be thrilled when they learn your
stories. The States to which you and they belong possess the prime essentials of
prosperity and greatness. The soul of the 90th Division will remain a sacred inspiration to
me wherever I be.
(Signed) HENRY T. ALLEN,
Major General.
HEADQUARTERS 179TH (OKLAHOMA) BRIGADE
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
1 January 1919.
MEMORANDUM
No. 1.
You have been chosen as part of the Army of Occupation. You occupy a portion
of Prussia, which once boasted that its soldiers were the finest in the world, four have
been chosen to show the German people what an American Soldier is and what every
soldier should be. You were chosen for this honor because you have so unfailingly
displayed the highest qualities which a soldier can possess, and in doing this you have
helped to make the reputation of the 90th Division.
The 28th Division – “The Kaiser’s Favorite” – The 27th Division, The 20th
division, The 117th Division, The 41st Division, The 5th Bavarian Reserve Division, The
77th Division, The 123rd Division, and The 255th Division, of the famous German
Army, you have met, beaten and have taken prisoners from their ranks. The names of
Bois de Friere, Vilcey-sur-Preny, Foret des Vencheres, Bois des Rappes, and Souleuvre
Ferme, in the St. Mihiel Sector, and of Bantheville, Bourrut, and the Aincreville Road,
Halles, Villafranche, Wiseppe and the ruined bridge at Sassey north of the Argonne, and
lastly Baalon and Stenay – all these recall the merit of your achievements.
In your first assault of September 12th you attained every objective. In spite of
every possible obstacle, both natural and artificial, you progressed. Counter attacks by
superior forces never checked your advance. Finally in the raids of September 23rd and
26th you penetrated the famous Hindenburg Line, winning the special commendation of
the Commanding General of the 4th Corps. In the Argonne Sector you again won the
praise from the Commanding General of the 3rd Corps and also from the Commanding
General of the 1st Army for the capture of Bantheville and the heights north of that place,
a feat which had thrice been attempted by others without success.
Again on November 10th after night March of 15 miles you attacked. Advancing
across country swept by machine gun and artillery fire you entered the towns of Baalon
and Stenay, the very spot from which the Crown Prince in the height of his power
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