September 11, 1918: War correspondents move to Nancy; Don Martin writes about views of American troops

Don Martin diary entry for Wednesday, September 11, 1918:  Great doings around Hotel Sirene, Meaux this morning. The correspondents sang songs and drank champagne with the owner of the hotel. We had been awakened at seven and told that we would start by auto for Nancy at ten. We all left, probably forever, about noon. 
                   A photo of the correspondents before leaving their hotel in Meaux has been preserved by the Overseas  Press Club of America.

Before the Battle of St. Mihiel, France, from left: Ray G. Carroll, Philadelphia Ledger, Lt. Arthur Delaney, Napoleon, Henry N. Hall, London Times, Lt. Freeman Light, Don Martin, New York Herald, Tom Johnson, New York Sun, Capt. Arthur E. Hartzell, New York Sun.

[Overseas Press Club of America, World War I Journalists: Before the Battle of St. Mihiel, https://www.opcofamerica.org/content/world-war-i-journalists-battle-st-mihiel]  

              I rode with Wales of the [International News Service]. and [Edwin] James [New York Times], also Lieutenant [Arthur E.] Hartzell. It was a very uncomfortable ride. Rain all the way. Arrived in Nancy at 5. Had dinner. All correspondents then went to Gen. [Dennis] Nolan’s room [Chief, Army Intelligence]. He had maps etc. and explained how the Americans intended at 1 a.m. Thursday to begin an offensive to close the St. Mihiel salient which has been sticking out like a sore thumb for four years. Stayed up and listened to the barrage. Then went to bed at 1:30.

         Don Martin sent two Special Cables to the Herald on September 11. The first, published in the New York Herald on Thursday, September 12, reported on views of  American troops.

AMERICANS DASH HEROICALLY AHEAD TO ACHIEVE A SPEEDY VICTORY 

AND END THE WAR

General Pershing’s Army Declared To Be Most

Remarkable Assembled in France—Unusual Number of Foreign Correspondents Detailed to Report Operations

By DON MARTIN

Special Correspondent of the Herald with the American Armies in France

(Special Cable to the Herald)

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMIES IN FRANCE, Wednesday

           With a view to learning the viewpoint of the American fighting man regarding the war I have just talked with hundreds of officers and men of the various American divisions which have been engaged in the recent fighting north of the Vesle and along the Aisne.

           All of them told me that they were convinced that we will whip the Huns. However, they have no illusions regarding a speedy ending of the war, for they know that the enemy is not yet whipped. On the other hand, the consensus was that from now until the end of the war the Germans will remain on the defensive.

           Only a few of the men with whom I talked expressed the belief that the war will end this year. All of them took the common sense view of the situation and showed a perfect  understanding of what we are fighting for. All of them told me that they understood perfectly that we are bound to suffer heavy losses, but they were neither dismayed at the prospect of this nor at the losses we already have suffered.

           I asked a score of them why they did not go slower in the face of the heavy enemy resistance, instead of always dashing forward as they do. The reply of all of them was the same—that they want to end this war; to bring the whole business to a speedy termination.

            These men demonstrated to me that the American army in France is the most remarkable one over assembled. Privates from thirty-one States with whom I talked had not a single word of complaint against any one or anything.

           One of our men who formerly was a well to do haberdasher in West Superior, Wis., when he joined the colors, told me he liked army life. This man owns his own home and said he expects to return there in about two years. He has been in the army a year, and during that time has gained twenty pounds.

           The bravery of American officers has proved a splendid stimulant to our men. These officers take many personal risks and often stand in the midst of the greatest danger, thus showing the soldiers that the men who lead them ask of them nothing they themselves will not do and dare. Indeed, the fighting since the middle of last July has supplied the test that was needed to prove the courage of both officers and men in the American army.

           Allied interest and realization of the importance of America’s part in the war is being indicated by the increasing number of British newspaper correspondents being accredited to the American army in France. Canadian and many new American correspondents likewise are seeking privileges of a place with our forces, which now are in the spotlight.

           The German programme for the future conduct of the war now is well understood by the officers and men of the American Army here. Statements by prisoners and articles published in German newspapers which have filtered into our lines are corroborative. The German scheme is to inflict the most frightful losses possible on the allied troops until the civil population at home demands peace.

        The second dispatch on September 11 reported issuance of an unusual order. It was published in the New York Herald on Thursday, September 12.

SPY ACTIVITY BRINGS ORDER 

TO AMERICANS TO KILL ALL IN RANKS 

WHO CRY SURRENDER

Drastic Regulation Follows Effort of Enemy Disguised in Yankee Uniform to Spread Confusion

By DON MARTIN

Special Correspondent of the Herald with the American Armies in France

(Special Cable to the Herald)

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMIES IN FRANCE, Wednesday

           Short shrift awaits any man who in battle urges the surrender of American troops, following an order issued to all our units here to-day.

           “During an enemy attack on Fismette some one in an American uniform ran among our troops shouting that further resistance was useless and saying that American officers advised all to surrender,” the order said.

           “The statement was absolutely false and further resistance was not useless. There was no suggestion from any one in authority to surrender.

           “Any person who spreads such an alarm is either an enemy in our uniform or a panic-stricken coward. Whoever he is he should be killed on the spot, since in battle there is no time to inquire into their identity or the motives of persons who try to create panic or disorganization or who advise surrender. It is the duty of every officer and soldier to kill on the spot any one who advises surrender or advises to stop fighting, no matter whether it is a stranger or a friend.”

           The day before the attack on Fismette a German soldier was seen mortally wounded by our men in Fismes, far inside the line. He was well stocked with food and had lived for years in America. It is possible that he was ordered to dress in an American uniform and, because of his knowledge of our language and customs, try to create doubt and disorganization in our ranks.