Texas and Oklahoma. Wagoner Andrew Pennell, Supply Company, 358th Infantry, illustrates this
characteristic unconcern for peril when duty is involved. While driving along a shell-swept road with
supplies for the front, he was stopped by an M. P., who said:
“You can’t go up that road: it’s too dangerous.”
“Your road?” inquired Pennell.
“I’m in charge,” said the M.. P.
“Well, the Germans are shelling the devil out of it back a-ways, and if it’s yourn, you had better
go look after it.”
With this parting shot, the wagoner slapped his wheel team with the reins and was soon out of
view on the road, on which shells were dropping intermittently.
Corporal Enos H. Rush, of the same company, was equally regardless of danger. He was ordered
by Major Dan Morgan Smith, 2d Battalion, 358th Infantry, not to drive along a road in the St. Mihiel
sector on account of the shelling. Like the other officers, Major Smith had removed all distinguishing
insignia in order that he might not furnish too conspicuous a target for German snipers. Those who
know Major Smith will realize that his huge frame is a large enough target without added attractions.
“I’m not taking any orders from any big fat private,” said Rush, “My wagon is needed up there
and I’m going.”
He did.
While practically all the efforts of the 315th Engineers were devoted to road work, as the
opening up of lines of communication was recognized to be the matter of primary importance,
detachments of engineering troops went forward with the infantry. One platoon of Company A, under
Lieutenant P. M. Nicolett, and one platoon of Company C, commanded by Lieutenant R. A. Minter,
accompanied the assaulting wave. These platoons were prepared to remove obstructions: but as the
infantry chose to hurdle the wire, the platoons fought, filled trenches, cleared some wire, and brought up
ammunition.
The remainder of Companies A and C, which were placed in the 179th Brigade sector under
Major Harry F. Cooper, and Companies D and F, under Major E. A. Wood, operating in the180th
Brigade sector, opened trails for the passage of artillery, and immediately after the attack started work
on roads. Companies B and F, which had been held as reserve under the Division engineer in the
southwest edge of the For
t de Puvenelle, were brought forward the morning of September 12 and also
engaged on road work.
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