HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT
On this day in Ohio National Guard history
General Pershing visits 37th Division
Photos and video courtesy of Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections
(01/28/2018)
On Jan. 28, 1919, the 37th Division was inspected by Gen. John J. Pershing, commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, near Alencon, France during World War I. The 37th Division history describes the day’s activities:
“On 28th January every unit of the division was drawn up on the level parade ground near Alencon. Every man was as spick and span as days of work with all means at the disposal of the troops could make him. After the general had decorated a large number of the men with the Distinguished Service Cross he inspected the entire division. The units stood for hours while the keen-eyed soldier walked rapidly in front of rank after rank, looking over every man. At times he would step in front of some soldier with a wound chevron on his sleeve and would inquire kindly as to where and how he was wounded. After the inspection the division passed in review to the music of a huge band made up of the consolidated bands of the entire division.”
Gen. John J. Pershing, commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, congratulates Sgt. 1st Class Paul A. Smithhisler of Headquarters Detachment, 112th Engineer Regiment, 37th Division, after presenting him with the Distinguished Service Cross at a presentation and review ceremony near Alencon, France during World War I.
Gen. John J. Pershing at presentation and review ceremonies of the 37th Division near Alencon, France.
Reviewing troops of the 37th Division near Alencon, France during World War I are Maj. Gen. Charles Farnsworth (from left), 37th Division commanding general, Gen. John J. Pershing, commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, Maj. Gen. G.W. Read, 2nd Army Corps commanding general, and officers and men of the division decorated for bravery.
Soldiers from the 145th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division unload ammunition from the back of an armored car during the Battle of Hill 700, March 8-12, 1944. Seventeen of these armored cars from the 37th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop made constant round trips on the exposed supply route to take supplies to the front and carry wounded Soldiers to the rear.
Photo from Maj. Robert B. Mearns Collection-Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections
Photos from Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections
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