Log Cabin Memorial - Veterans 314th Infantry Regiment A.E.F.



314th Infantry Regiment A.E.F. Log Cabin - Valley Forge
 

Memorial Program - 2024

The Descendants and Friends are pleased to announce that our annual Memorial Program
will be held Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
 
This will be our 106th Annual Memorial Service. The service will be held in the nave of the Washington Memorial Chapel, as in past years. The Chapel is located along Route 23 about two miles west of the Valley Forge exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Admittance is free and refreshments will be served after the service.
 
Note: GPS location is not always accurate for this location,
please use the actual location of: RR 23, Valley Forge, PA 19481 (click for Google Map)

 
The speaker for this year will be Alexander Curran
 
Alexander Curran is a native of New Jersey and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. He enjoys military history of all eras but spends most of his free time as a WWI historian. He became interested in WWI after hearing about his great-granduncle, Sergeant John T. Curran, who fought in France in World War I.
 
Sgt Curran was a carpenter from Philadelphia who in 1917 was drafted into the 316th Infantry Regiment of the 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Sgt Curran died in a German field hospital in France in early November 1918 after being wounded by machine-gun fire and captured in the final days of the war. Unfortunately, his remains were never recovered, and Sgt. Curran was officially listed as one of the over 1,184 American servicemen Missing in Action.
 
Alexander became involved in the Doughboy MIA foundation in 2020 and has become a core leader and is instrumental in the organization. He has travelled to France several times, working with the team as they continue their search of our missing doughboys.
 
As Alexander works tirelessly to commemorate and account for the U.S. Missing in Action of the Great War he continues to exemplify the statement from the foundation: “A man is only missing if he is forgotten. . .”
 
Please join us in thanking Alexander for his dedication to, and support of the preservation of our history.
 
Everyone is invited to a reception immediately following the service.
Alexander Curran photo

 

Memorial Day 2021 Video - Rob Laplander
Managing Director of Doughboy MIA


A special thank you to Rob Laplander, Managing Director of Doughboy MIA,
for recording this video for us to honor those who are still missing in action from WWI.
Memorial Day is a day specifically to honor those who have died in service.
On this day the 314th honors all of our men who died in service to our country.
We have 367 listed as dying in France.
Of those, we have five that we have identified as MIAs.
Through the dedication of Rob Laplander and his team we hope to one day appropriately honor all of the missing doughboys.

 

September 27, 2020 Virtual Service

We Honor the 314th

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Nancy Schaff

Speaker - LTC Ryan Liebhaber

Sept2020 Virtual Service - LTC Ryan Liebhaber

September 27, 2020 Virtual Reception

Lauren Schaff

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Lauren Schaff

Geneva Draper Cochran

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Geneva Draper Cochran

Melissa Klink

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Melissa Klink

Dessa Hayes

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Dessa Hayes

Patrick Mullins

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Patrick Mullins

Walter Bauer

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Walter Bauer

Adare Siegel

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Adare Siegel

Eric Beeby

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Eric Beebe

Gene Fax

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Gene Fax

Herb Short

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Herb Short

Lucy Ramstead

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Lucy Ramstead

James Thomas

Sept2020 Virtual Service - James Thomas

Joe Piekunka

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Joe Piekunka

Rod Shane

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Rod Shane

Rob Klink

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Rob Klink

Joe Patti

Sept2020 Virtual Service - Joe Patti

 

Memorial Day 2020 - Virtual Service (please click this link to view)


 

If you need to wear a face mask, you can show your ties to the 79th Division and 314th Infantry!

Face Mask with both 79th Division and 314th Infantry

 

Thank you -- our 98th Annual Memorial Day Service was a huge success!

Click to see coverage on TV by CBS3 and NBC10 and Page 1 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer!


Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper May 30 2016 Memorial Day - 314th Infantry - Washington Memorial Chapel - Valley Forge

 

WHAT WE'RE ABOUT

The Descendents and Friends of the 314th are a group of people dedicated to honoring and preserving
the story of their fathers, grandfathers, and family members in the First World War.
 
Originally organized as the Veterans of the 314th Infantry A.E.F. the veterans have since passed on.
 
The current membership helps to continue this remembrance, receives a newsletter, and once a year attends
a Memorial Day service at the Washington Memorial Chapel located on the same grounds as the cabin once stood.
 
We are always looking for new members and interested persons.
 
Anyone wanting more information please contact Joel Rentz at joelrentz@aol.com
Please title your email inquiries with "314th Infantry".

 

HISTORY OF THE LOG CABIN

Erected at Camp Meade, Maryland in 1917 by the men of the 314th as an Officers Club and assembly room, it was purchased from the U.S. government after the war, carefully torn down, and rebuilt on ground provided by the Washington Memorial Chapel by members of the regiment. Dedicated in 1922 by the Veterans of the 314th A.E.F. to honor the 362 men of the regiment who made the supreme sacrifice, the cabin houses artifacts of the 314th which allows us to glimpse at how life was for the men during the First World War. The centerpiece of the cabin is a bronze tablet listing all the members of the regiment. A star was placed beside each name upon their death as a sign of honor. Click here to see photos of the Log Cabin over the decades

 

History of the 314th Infantry Regiment A.E.F.

Organized as part of the 79th Division A.E.F. the men of the 314th were trained at Camp Meade, Maryland. Arriving at the camp in September, 1917 the unit completed training and sailed to France aboard the USS Leviathan in July, 1918. Upon arrival at Brest, France they continued training until September when they took part in the Meuse Argonne Offensive. Capturing the town of Malancourt on September, 26 1918, they assisted the 313th Infantry the following day in the capture of the town of Montfaucon. It should be noted that Montfaucon was a heavily defended area and observation post of the German army.

The 79th Division was relieved on September, 30th and transferred to the Troyon sector. Here they did a variety of tasks, including holding the front. Alternating duty with the 313th, 315th, and 316th Infantry in the trenches. In this period of so called rest, they were harassed with mustard gas, shelling and enemy raids but did not yield the line.

At the end of October the 79th Division was again relieved and moved in place to participate in the third phase of the Meuse Argonne Offensive. On November 1, 1918 the 314th drove forward and captured the towns of Crepion, Waville, and Moirey by November, 9th. The following day the unit captured Buisson Chaumont, Hill 328. On November 11th the 314th advanced against Cote de Romagne and stopped firing at 11am., time of the armistice. At wars end that day, the 314th had made the greatest drive of the offensive into German lines, east of the Meuse River.

The regiment continued training, passed a review by General Pershing, and shipped home on May 15, 1919 aboard the Princess Matokia. Arriving at Hoboken, New Jersey on May 26, they were discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey end of May 1919.

This is a brief overview of the regiment and its actions. For more information about the 314th in World War One there is a current two volume booklet for sale. Please contact Steve Rentz at srentz@comcast.net Also see list of books and websites on this website.


 
www.314th.or - 314th Infantry - Tremendous Strain Under Which Our Men Are Laboring
 

Summary Chronology of the 314th Regiment

August 25, 1917General Joseph H. Kuhn assigned to Camp Meade to organize and command the new 79th Division.
Sept. 19, 1917First contingent of selected men arrived at Camp Meade.
April 6, 1918Division paraded in Baltimore before President Wilson.
July 8, 1918Sailed for France on the U.S.S. Leviathan.
July 15, 1918Arrived in Brest, France.
July 25 - Sept. 8, 1918Regimental training begun in the vicinity of Prauthoy, France.
Sept. 26, 1918Commenced Meuse Argonne Offensive: Captured Malancourt, France.
Sept. 27, 1918Montfaucon captured by the 313th Regiment, assisted by 314th Regiment on the right.
Sept. 28. 1918Nantillois captured by 315th Regiment.
Sept. 30, 1918Relieved by 3rd Division and moved to Troyon Sector.
Oct. 26-28, 1918Relieved from Troyon Sector by 33rd Division.
Nov. 1, 1918Participated in third phase of Meuse Argonne Offensive. Assigned to Belleu Bois and Bois de Chenes.
Nov. 6, 1918The Borne du Cornouillier (Hill 378) captured by the 316th Regiment.
Nov. 9, 1918Captured Crepion, Wavrille, Gibercy, and Moirey.
Nov. 10, 1918Captured Hill 328.
Nov. 11, 1918Moved against Cote de Romagne. Armistice ended operations.
April 12, 1919Division reviewed by General Pershing at Orquevaux.
May 15, 1919Sailed home on the U.S.S. Princess Matoika from St. Nazaire, France.
May 26, 1919Arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey.
May 27-31, 1919Discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey.

 
If you are looking for more detailed 314th timeline and information, click here to view the Historical Documents.
 
 

79th Division History

Commanded by General Joseph H. Kuhn, the 79th Division was organized in August 1917. Composed of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and District of Columbia men, later rotations of draftees would include New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

The division trained at Camp Meade, Maryland which included help from British and French officers. Trench warfare was studied and taught but the American Army had taken the open attack approach for the upcoming offensives and the training reflected this. Several times during the course of training, men were moved from the division to other units. This, along with lack of proper equipment, and sufficient training hampered the division from deployment to France.

The 79th shipped out to France in July 1918 and continued training upon arrival in France. At the beginning of September 1918 the division entered the front line, relieving units of the French Army, and participated in the first phase of the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The average training of the men at this point in time was approximately 33 days, due to replacement troops. During the course of the next two months the 79th would earn two distinctions. One, for holding up the advance against formidable odds at Montfaucon, France and two, for making the deepest thrust into German lines on the last day of the war, November 11, 1918.

Communication problems, terrain, snipers, little artillery support, and overrun enemy positions in the rear were all problems for the division. French and Allied Aero support were all but nonexistent in several cases.

Division strength in August 1918 was at 26,150 men. In November the total is at 19,035. Although the division was only engaged from September 26, 1918 to November 11, 1918, it lost more men than any other American division during this period.


 
World War 1 - 314th Infantry - Lorraine Cross from John Shetler

THE LORRAINE CROSS - Symbol of Triumph

In the battle of Nancy during the 15th Century, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, was defeated and the reign of the House of Anjou began. The Lorraine Cross was adopted by the new reign (Rene 11, 1473-1508) and served as a symbol of justice and freedom to the people of Lorraine and French Nation.

During all its war service, the 79th Division fought in the French province of Lorraine. Fighting against formidable odds, the division claimed victory. It is only fitting the division would choose the Lorraine Cross as its symbol and was adopted shortly after the war ended.

Originally called the Liberty Division, the 79th pledged to win back that portion called Lorraine for France. It is with honor that the 79th Division still wears the Cross of Lorraine today.

The Lorraine Cross was adopted by Major General Joseph Kuhn and his staff shortly after the armistice was signed.

Approved by General Headquarters, the insignia was to be worn on the upper left arm near the shoulder.

Many variations of the patch exist maybe due to the fact that most or all were sewn in France by different manufacturers.

Since the insignia was adopted after the end of the war it is quite possible that many of the men had little time to sew it on their uniform before boarding ship for home.

World War 1 - 314th Infantry - Lorraine Cross from John Shetler

 
The organizational structure as shown in this text box for the 79th Division is based on
War Department General Order 101 dated August 3, 1917 (click here and see pages 496-500), which begins with:
          By direction of the President and under authority con
          ferred upon him by section 3 of "An act for making further and
          more effectual provisions for the national defense, and for other
          purposes," approved June 3, 1916, and section 1 of "An act to
          authorize the President to increase temporarily the Military
          Establishment of the United States," approved May 18, 1917,
          the higher organization of the Regular Army of the United
          States, subject to such modifications as may be announced from
          time to time, shall be as follows:

UNITS COMPRISING THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION A.E.F.
(Read 550-page "History of the Seventy-Ninth Division A.E.F. during the World War: 1917-1919" online now)
 
Division Headquarters
 
310th Machine Gun Battalion
 
157th Infantry Brigade (Brigade HQ)
158th Infantry Brigade (Brigade HQ)
154th Field Artillery Brigade (Brigade HQ)
304th Engineers (read 304th Engineers book online now)
 
304th Field Signal Battalion
 
Trains
  • 304th Headquarters and Military Police
  • 304th Ammunition Train (read 304th Ammunition Train book online now)
  • 304th Supply Train
  • 304th Engineer Train
  • 304th Sanitary Train
    • 313th Field Hospital
    • 314th Field Hospital
    • 315th Field Hospital
    • 316th Field Hospital
    • Ambulances
  • 304th Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop

 

Force Structure of the US Army during World War One

⇒ For more information see Brief Histories of Divisions, U.S. Army 1917-1918 (93 pages)
(Prepared in the Historical Branch, War Plans Division, General Staff, June 1921)
 
Click here to read about the "US Army V Corps" force structure in 1918
Document downloaded from http://www.cgsc.edu/CARL/nafziger/918UIAL.pdf
which is the US Army Combined Arms Research Library [CARL],
part of the US Army Command and General Staff College [CGSC]

 
Click here to read the most recent Bugle Call Newsletter, for the latest news about the cabin and collection.

 
You can download our new brochure (tri-fold pamphlet) by clicking on this link

 
314th Infantry Memorial Cabin at Valley Forge Washington Memorial Chapel
 
Deconstruction October 2012 for return to Fort Meade, Maryland

 
Veterans 314th Infantry Regiment A.E.F. - Pat the Mascot dog Pat the Dog was mascot and friend to the soldiers of the 314th Infantry.
This article correctly states that from the American Civil War to modern day Afghanistan,
there has been an enduring bond between soldiers and their dogs over the centuries.
And that bond has been strong whether the soldier was an infantryman or a General.
The article has many photos which show that very strong bond.

The World War I Centennial Network
at http://www.ww1-centennial.org is a collaborative association of organizations, museums and historic sites in the United States related to the First World War. The goal of the Network is to further public awareness of the history and memory of The Great War (1914-1918) as we approach and experience its centenary years. To this end, the World War I Centennial Network fosters collaboration and cross-promotion of the special events, commemorations and exhibits created by its members.

 
The Contributions of the 79th Division And the 314th Infantry Regiment
To the American Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.) in World War I

"Website project will honor WWI veterans"
Newspaper article in the East Bay (RI) Newspaper
BY JASON TURCOTTE jturcotte@eastbaynewspapers.com
http://www.eastbayri.com/story/289782914081045.php
This article was initiated by Charlie Mogayzel a 314th Member


We would like to thank the members of the 314th memorial committee:
  • Ray Jude Paski- friend and officer of the BOD
  • Joel Rentz- grandson of Irwin Rentz, Company A 314th Inf.
Past Memorial Committee members deceased:
  • Judge Joseph T. Labrum - son of Joseph Labrum , Company G 314th Inf.
  • Thomas Timoney
  • William Warner

"The troops were tired when they they went into the fight.
They had been held in the woods with wet clothes and
wet feet for a week or more, made a long march before
going in, without any sleep, and went over the top after
having been under our bombardment for several hours.
For green troops it was quite an ordeal."

 
                                Colonel William H. Oury
                                Commanding the 314th Infantry

 
From John Eisenhower's book YANKS chapter 17 starts with the quotation above.

 

Related books and websites


 
www.314th.org Website Statistics:
text/html 409 Web Pages 27,327,631
text/html 4,350 Individual Soldier Web Pages 1,891,556
text/plain 472 Text Files 1,932,165,345
document/pdf 959 PDF files total 54,973 pages! 5,356,893,315
image/jpeg 9,360 JPEG (photo/scan) images 13,978,475,749
image/JP2 501 JPEG 2000 (photo/scan) images 1,126,246,460
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video/mpeg 49 MPEG videos 14,758,621,579
video/flash 8 Flash (older) Videos 2,064,081,095
video/quicktime 5 Quicktime (older) Videos 669,329,380
video/x-ms-wmv 2 WMV (older) Videos 171,329,252
external links 448 to other websites and resources n/a
Total 17,023 Files and Links 43,106,536,942 Bytes

More than 40 GigaBytes of information about the 314th Infantry Regiment, the 79th Division, the A.E.F., and World War One!
 

Veterans of the 314 Infantry American Expeditionary Forces
Stained Glass Window in the Fort Meade Historic Main Post Chapel
Photos by Marc Romanych - Secretary, Western Front Association - East Coast Chapter

Veterans of the 314 Infantry American Expeditionary Forces Stained Glass Window in the Fort Meade Historic Main Post Chapel (Detail) Photo by Marc Romanych - Secretary, Western Front Association - East Coast Chapter
 
Veterans of the 314 Infantry American Expeditionary Forces Stained Glass Window in the Fort Meade Historic Main Post Chapel (Detail) Photo by Marc Romanych - Secretary, Western Front Association - East Coast Chapter

 
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