In Their Words

Ltc. P. L. Stackpole

“General Liggett said the next day’s instructions would come in due time; now he must dig in and organize a strong defensive position as the Army objective and push out strong reconnaissance patrols as far as exploration line to see what was there and to serve as outpost line. In spite of this the day closed without any definite word from General Allen as to how deep his patrols had gone. In the evening he asked for a regiment to reinforce him; why no one knew, and of course he did not get it. Other units reported reaching Army objectives and digging in; small losses and many captures of prisoners and material. Late in evening reported S.O.S. from Ely (3rd Brigade, 2nd Division) on account of heavy attack. Confusion in communication to Logo Mangin, new P.C., made it difficult to arrange for counter barrage and counter battery. All done, however, and brigade of 78th allotted to support. It afterwards appeared that there was no attack and the message was a fake by Boche.”

Entry of September 12th, 1918 from the diary of
Ltc. P. L. Stackpole, A.D.C. to General Ligget

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