The 302nd
ENGINEERS
by,
Gilbert H. Crawford
Thomas H. Ellett
John J. Hyland
F O R E W O R D
THE HISTORY of the 302nd Engineers, like that of the
other units which went to make up the 77th Division is a
record of duty well done and the accomplishment of the
most difficult tasks under the most trying conditions.
On the Vesle and the Aisne the Regiment had its
representation always with the front line Infantry of the
Division, ready to facilitate the advance of their
comrades by all of their engineering resources. The
opening of roads by means of which supplies reached the
front line, maintaining the physical and technical
supplies required by the Infantry, which in turn
maintained the morale without which no success is
possible; the construction of the necessary bridges, the
crossing of uncut wire and other obstacles and not
infrequently, participation in the continual combat of
the front, were all part of the duties which the 302nd
Engineers were called upon to perform. Much of this duty
was carried out under the close fire of the enemy and the
Regiment paid its share of the price of victory.
Every duty which fell to the lot of the Regiment was well
performed and to their efforts much of the success which
marked the service of the 77th Division should be
ascribed . In the advance across the Vesle to the Aisne;
in the Forest of the Argonne; at the crossing of the Aire
and the capture of the towns of St. Juvin and Grand Pre,
in the subsequent advance to the Meuse, the 302nd
Engineers played their full part and when, at last, the
77th Division stood upon the heights south and southeast
of Sedan, on the afternoon of November 6th, 1918,
dominating the railroad upon which the enemy depended for
his supply and his forced withdrawal from the westward,
it was the 302nd Engineers who placed the bridges which
that night permitted an advance of the 153rd Infantry
Brigade across that stream.
All this participation in the active work of the campaign
was paid for in full by the Regiment. The crossing of the
Meuse was especially costly in life, but the Regiment
performed its work as always, in spite of the
difficulties encountered.
It is indeed well that such a record of duty well
performed should be preserved as an inspiration to
succeeding generations. Those qualities of courage, honor
and self sacrifice demanded by the stern requirements of
war are no less essential in our relations as citizens
and the example of the fathers should be to the sons, a
guiding light of patriotism which, if followed, will
maintain inviolate the best traditions of this Republic.
Robert Alexander
Major-General, U. S. Army,
Commanding 77th Division
23rd September, 1919
Chapter
1. The Beginning
Chapter
2. From Upton to France
Chapter
3. France at Last
Chapter
4. Organization of an American Division
Chapter
5. Baccarat
Chapter
6. Military Situation in August, 1918
Chapter
7. The Vesle Sector
Chapter
8. To the Argonne Forest
Chapter
9. First Phase of the Battle
Chapter
10. Second Phase of the Argonne Battle
Chapter
11. The Armistice
Chapter
12. After the Eleventh
Chapter
13. Once more on the Ocean
Chapter
14. The End
Citations and Casualties
Archives
Company C