The attached NEW YORK TIMES article was filed by Edwin L. James (1890 – 1951) who was eyewitness to the the decoration ceremony that took place on a sweeping lawn of an unnamed French chateau in the Marne Valley on July 11, 1918. The event was presided over by U.S. Army General James Harbord (1866 – 1947) and over 100 Marines of the U.S. Second Division were cited for their “deeds in the fighting North-West of Chateau-Thierry”:
“It is with inexpressible pride and satisfaction that your commander recounts your glorious deeds on the field of battle. In the early days of of June on a front of twenty kilometers, after night marches and with only the reserve rations which you carried, you stood like a wall against the enemy advance on Paris. For this timely action you have received the thanks of the French people whose homes you saved and the generous praise of your comrades in arms…”
Listed are the names of 37 Marines who were decorated that day; including the name of Lieutenant Louis F. Timmerman, who was to receive the Distinguished Service Cross (the bureaucracy didn’t get the medal to him until 1942!)
