The Meuse-Argonne Offensive
As told by Corporal Charles A. Fringer, Company B, 344th Machine Gun Battalion, 90th Division
Introduction
This project tracks the movements of Cpl. Charles Fringer from October 23, 1918 through November 11, 1918. On October 22, the 90th Division took over the 5th Division's position on the Western Front and would remain there until the Armistice. On the left will be the diary entries from Cpl. Fringer. On the right will be a corresponding battle map. Additionally, videos and other images will be included underneath the diary entries for added context.
The text of each entry has been left as is and additonal conextual detail has been added in italized brackets. Longer entries have been separated for easier reading.
For the battle maps, military symbols and terminology are used, but divisional boundaries, front lines, and other information has been simplified or removed for easier viewing. On the right is a key for the military symbols. Blue has been used for friendly units and red has been used for enemy units. Arrows indicate general directions of attack and retreat and are color coordinated either blue or red. Front lines and other units are marked when reliable information is available. If there is not any reliable information available, symbols are left off of the maps.
There are a few maps marked with grey arrows. Those indicate when Cpl. Fringer is on his own, separated from his unit. His position during these times will be marked with a black soldier icon.
Note: When looking at a unit, the symbol on top denotes unit type, the left number is the unit's number, and the right number is the parent unit.
Background
During the Saint Mihiel Offensive (September 12 - September 16, 1918) the Allies, bolstered by American troops, began to push the Germans out of France. Ten days later, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive started. Nine American divisions assaulted German positions stretching from the Argonne Forest to the Meuse River. By October 11, the famous German Hindenburg Line, a series of highly defensible entrenched positions, was broken.
This project begins twelve days later on October 23. The previous day, the 90th Infantry Division replaced the 5th Infantry Division at the Front just south of the French town of Bantheville, located 25 miles (40.8 km) from the Belgian border. Cpl. Fringer's diary begins with his unit, the 344th Machine Gun Battalion, marching towards the front.
Wed. Oct. 23
Today has been very unplesant and nerve grinding indeed. We rolled out of bed at 5 a.m. and started to the front immediately, and it was No Mans Land we crossed, without anything to eat, even coffee. We arrived in the edge of an intensely dense forest. Just in front of Bontonville [Bantheville] about Noon. (for a M.G. barrage on a foul place which was situated in the valley four hundred meters below).
We planted and dug in as fast as we could before two P.M. when the 'Open fire' took place and the Dough boys plainly visible on the ridge to the west swept over and took it under extreme difficulty. Bontonville had been taken twice by the 5th Div and recaptured by counter attacts, but our Dough boys played the game to the last and saw it held to the last.
We passed through it a few days later. I watched with intense anxiety and feeling as the boches [slang for Germans] shelled the boys as they took it. I certainly felt deep in my heart for them as they unhesitantly done their duty in face of most bitter opposition and many grim death. It was a picture that could never be blotted from my memory, only by death, which we knew was only a few hours off.
That night the essence of hell in its extreme proportion rained down upon us. For two solid hours, from 8 to 10, they kept me peek-a-booin around and between two large trees in the meantime careing for my no. one gunner Stapp who had been seriously wounded at the same time that my number two man, Cleid (a fine youth) had been killed. Stricken from life like an instant flash. Not a wink of sleep did I get the entire night. One more night in the epoch of my life to be remembered.
Thurs. Oct. 24
Last night's hellashious bombardment of our line of defense has left me sick, exhausted and nervously strained today. Hardly a let up of shells last night, and moans of my [Dough] boy friend. And nothing I could do for him except comfort and cheer him along. While the long night passed and occasionally give him a smoke at the continued and increased risk of remainder of our lifes. That passing night will be remembered ever. They shelled heavily again constantly today, while the boys took the following hill under ferocious fire. We carried Stapp to a first aid station soon after day break.
Last night's hellashious bombardment of our line of defense has left me sick, exhausted and nervously strained today. Hardly a let up of shells last night, and moans of my [Dough] boy friend. And nothing I could do for him except comfort and cheer him along. While the long night passed and occasionally give him a smoke at the continued and increased risk of remainder of our lifes. That passing night will be remembered ever. They shelled heavily again constantly today, while the boys took the following hill under ferocious fire. We carried Stapp to a first aid station soon after day break.
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018) - The Shells and Mines
Fri. Oct. 25
Last night's shelling was somewhat lighter though many times giving us extremely close calls. Some-how I was enabled to sleep a few minutes last night, and shells tearing up the ground around. I was sick and weak the entire night could hardly stand up, but I continued with my duties as there is no place to get out of it. Shortly before day break, we hauled old equipment and drug it to the rear, followed closely by the Boches searching barrage. They had our time, but not our place. At our own toil as it were.
After tugging it back to our former position, where our kitchen was previously located, we found it had moved 1 kilometer directly forward to the, or near the town of Romane [Romagne]. Then begain we lugged the stuff forward and planted our position on the slope of a hill, directly in front of several battery of heavy artillery. We laid here until about 8 PM (for a small rest) and the Boches thrown a heavy counter-attact and tried to penetrate our lines immediately in front of us. But they never succeeded.
In ten minutes time, we had all machenrey set in reddiness for their warm reception. Which was not necessary. Though for a while our presence there was imminent and under the noise you could not hear yourself think, the attact and repulse was a bit of excitement and anxiety to be well remembered by us boys. After this small affray was subdued, we returned to our holes for a little rest, though for security our guns were left mounted and guarded.
Company D, 344th Machine Gun Battalion, 90th Division supports the 358th Infantry Regiment, date unknown. Credit: National Archives.
Sat. Oct. 26
Yesterday was Friday and today is Saturday Oct. the 26th. Just six months of Hell to my credit. During the two days in the woods (23-24) only two was killed and three wounded, realy good luck. I call it a miracle of many ages. I do not see how the causuality could have been so small. Things has rocked on as usual today. Shells have been thrown to our right and left in large numbers. Some falling just over our kitchen.
American soldiers recreate transporting wounded soldiers out of a trench, March 5, 1919. Credit: National Archives.
Sun. Oct. 27
Upon awaking this morning we found many more pieces of artillery had planted at the base of the hill just a few yards below us. To my good cheer, I received two letters yesterday. This is Sabbath day (in France). The Sun was shining for the first time in many days. One box out side of my hole (and we stay near them as a prairie dog to his) says "This is Sunday in France and the Sun is shining, we should be thankful for that one thing if nothing else "and we all were".
American heavy artillery which aided in the capture of Soissons, September 12, 1918. Credit: National Archives.
Mon. Oct. 28
My brother Herbert's Birthday. He is resting peacefully while I labour, may God's blessings be his. The enemies shell fire is continually drawing near this spot. They slipped over and burned and observation baloon immediate rear late this PM. just before dark, several shells fell in our midst killing one and wounding several.
Four American observation balloons and one dirigible, location unknown. Credit: National Archives.
Tues. Oct. 29
Shells continue to drop all around us. It seems they have our number, as they've been using their aeroplanes extensively the past few days. Again the "Hell cats of lion" dropped a shell on G. Cos. kitchen killing two and wounding three. And again their air-men slipped over and burned another observation balloon in the same location and returned in safety though we gave them a good chase. Several large droves of air crafts have been noted near to our near left.
German Halberstadt Reconnaissance Plane, side view. Credit: National Archives.
Wed. Oct 30
This morning we awoke to find apparently winter had come. It would almost freeze the iron cootie's to a brass monkey's tail. I was detailed as Corporal of the Chow Carriers taking it to the first platoon, who went up in support of A. Co. to our right front. I certainly enjoyed the hour spent watching the boys partake of the eats. Although several shells made us hunt a hole while we were enroute.
Five enemy planes emerged our lines, but only four returned. We rolled our packs and moved out about ten PM. to out former position on the hill to our rear. After arriving at Midnight, I made a hustle on G. Co. kitchen for some hot coffee. It was very refreshing. Each squad returned separately. So, it was up to me to bring my squad to safety.
Hot food prepared on a rolling kitchen being served to American soldiers, October 28, 1918. Credit: National Archives.
Thurs. Oct. 31
Very little did I sleep the remainder of last night as rheumatism took effect in my arms and still aches pains terribly today. Received five letters late yesterday evening late and also two today. One stating bad news. Mother, Gilbert and Flossie all sick. We received orders to have breakfast at five in the morning with packs rolled and everything in readiness to move if necessary. Something sounds suspicious, one or two things is bound to happen. Tonight is Halloween and we dug in for a good nights rest, I presume.
Fri. Nov. 1
The runners called me at 4:30 this A.M. and I rousted out my squad while the bitter cold penetrated every bone in my body. And the Earth seemed to be moving from in under us. The Big Drive was on. All Artillery was in operation and the noise of a thousand years. Spooks apparently had begun their operations shortly after Midnight. At 9 A.M. the artillery continues to pound away and droves of prisoners go marching to the rear along the road west of us. Thank God, everything, weather conditions and all seems to be in our favor.
Until Eleven A.M. the Artillery continued to pound away, and prisoners increasing in numbers, kept the roads well adorned going to the rear. We kept following up until four P.M. when we reached our destination. I and three of my squad builded us a dug-out. Which was fine for the night. A rain came up at dark, showing along through the night.
Sat. Nov. 2
We were rousted out at four-fifteen A.M. and followed the drive again, in support, and at ten AM found ourselves lost, utterly lost, out in "No Mans Land" far in head of the infantry which we were to support. Just across the open ravine on the other side of the fore hill, the Boches were laying in wait. And occasionally making us duck from their snipering machine gun bullets. We laid there for over two hours in the fore open with bullets zipping around us, before the infantry swept by going over the top. They took the hill in front of us, then we advanced into the valley and dug in for the night just before dark. They shelled there fiercely that evening and night. It has rained on as all evening turned colder. One boy was hit in the shoulder by an enemy bullet, less serious. Luckily we received a half cup of hot coffee from G. Co Kitchen after dark, as it had gotten lost evidently and wandered out into No Mans land!
Sun. Nov. 3
Rested well last night, though the water from the rain and creek nearby ran in and flooded our very narrow hole. Again today, we go forward to finish, reaching our objective. Rolled out at 4:15, rolling our packs in the much and darkness, loosing my good wool gloves, which I needed today. A few of us bumbled our way across the stream and brush to G Co's Kitchen which netted us a cup of coffee. Thanks it was fine.
We gathered our equipment and marched out in battle formation long before day break. For the drive was on at 8. A good heavy fog hid our movements and at seven-thirty we halted, waiting for the appointed time 8 AM. We were situated near the crest of the hi love which a hundred yards in advance lay a stretch of heavy woods some 2 kilometers in width that was our objective. We made it. Here we shed our packs and throwed them in a pile, laying there in readiness.
And at 8 o'clock sharp, our artillery opened up full force a creeping barrage just over our heads. And the appointed time had come, so over we went following it up. After four tiere some hours, we had made our objective and cleared out the brush which was thicker than fur on a possums pack. After establishing our line of resistance by three P.M. and was digging in, orders came that to our right front, the Dough boys had beaten the boches to the Muse [Meuse] River, and we would have to switch around to a place four kilos distance. We were all utterly exhausted from hunger and work, having not had a square meal, hardly a lunch in three days. I was detailed to take my squad and return back to the rear for our packs (all).
Upon arriving, where our packs were located, found all our reserve rations gone and packs riddled. By managing we were enabled to help eat one box of corn wally [canned corned beef] and some hard tack. On our return to the [illegible], starting about dark, we became lost near our position. And all together finally concluded that the best place for us was to pile up luggage and all for the night which we did after 9 PM.
This has been one Sunday. A Sabbath I shall never forget. Neither will the boys who were with me forget. For I sincerely believe they enjoyed the excitement of that day and night. We never knew where No Mans Land were, or what was around us. Only a dense forest beyond the line we fought which we had made before dark.
Mon. Nov. 4
We slept very little last night. Our circumstances would not permit and awoke long before day-light. Whence I got up and found our bearing. Upon returning to our position of last evening, we found the company all gone, with a guard left on my gun and equipment with orders from Lt. Lowery to move into Monteign [Montigny-devant-Sassey] and remain untill further orders. Obeying we arrived at ten AM and reported as ordered, then hustled for the kitchens which had gathered near by hustling around several kitchens I got them all including myself well fed and felt much better, though very weak and exhausted from long endurance.
Just after myself and another of my squad went back to the town of Monteign to report as directed, the Boche opened up and shelled Hell out of it. The corner we were in and gassed it accordingly. Large buildings were shattered and many people wounded, aside from several being killed. When the rain had let up we hauled old Mule for the hill-side just off to the right. We had remained here on the high hill all day, from which we can see the Muse [Meuse] River, several towns and a large area of territory they shell constantly. From this view, we could see about three kilometers of the German front line and ours of course. Air Crafts are numerous, at one time I saw more than a hundred in the distance.
I haven't had a chance to shave in five days. Very little sleep or rest and now waiting for orders and what shall be next. Shells fell thick and fast for a while this P.M. all around us. And we high tailed up the hill on the double again. We took our packs and hiked back nearly half a mile into the Jungles on the hill to camp for the night, keeping a guard among the five for the night.
Tues. Nov. 5
Last night a bombing plaine sailed around very low above us one falling in about fifty yards of me. I took legs when I heard the plane coming and sought shelter from a fig tree only a score or more of yards from our tent, by listening intently, I was able to judge fairly well thought it come directly over and had just worked to the opposite side of the tree when the Blooy came. The tree suffered but luckily I did not.
Just before day break we rolled our packs and went back to our equipment which we had left near the main road in a sheet gron cover'd hut. After a short while we hustled on several kitchens again to fill up one mess kit full was only a starter for us, being starved as we were. Along about twelve o'clock the road was lined with red cross truck and ambulances, also troops passing to the front or the valley ahead. When the Boche turned loose a terrible rain of G.I. Cans [heavy artillery shell] and shrapnels, upon them searching the entire road for nearly half a mile, lasting for over an hour, They were sure hitting their mark, as we could observe from the steep hill which we had climbed on the double at the beginning and before their elevation could hit us.
We had no more than left our hut, it being only a few yards from the road when three large shells hit along side of it. A score or more were killed and wounded during that trying hour, including a Colonel who happened to be in the road just opposite our hut. We clung to the top hill side until late that afternoon, whence we returned to the hut, but we made our beds on the hill side near where we had slept the previous night. Only in a better place.
Where we dug in, we rushed down to the chow line about half past four. They had not been shelling very much since that horrible hour at noon, until. Just as my mes-kit had been bountifully heaped, two monstrous shells come falling short of the line and cook wagon only fourty feet, one trailing the other one in with several more following successively. Again we doubled up the hill though we were still so weak we could hardly walk. Some-how, through a miracle I presume I lost nearly all of my well wished for and much needed meal. One more very narrow escape, several were wounded.
Wed. Nov. 6
Rested well, last night and ate breakfast this morning unmolested by hell and the German army, afterwhich we returned to our sleeping place. Took a good shave and clean up, so far as I could, which causes a good feeling to exist in your thoughts. A terrific bombardment has been taking place to our right all this morning. They must be crossing the Muse [Meuse] river.
Thurs. Nov. 7
This morning we ate breakfast and hustled down to Montigny for orders and found our platoon Srgt. who directed us to the company just before noon, located at the edge of the second little town beyond and to the left of Montigny, located there in a turnip and cabbage patch which constituted the main part of their meals for a few days. There you could not peep your head above the level of the earth or the whiz-bangs would greet you by the thousands. Everything remained normally quiet untill just about dusk when they poured tons of G.I. Cans into our midst and vicinity.
National Army men with full equipment in the training trenches, Camp Dix, Wright, NJ, April 1918. Credit: National Archives.
Fri. Nov. 8
The G.I. Cans limited my sleep last night though I was well dug in with six inches of straw in my hole for bedding. Was placed in charge of another squad yesterday evening upon arriving to the company. As several of the boys had gone to the hospital including one of my old squad. It has rained constantly the past two days and the soil here is only a marsh. 1 small spoon of rice, one of Willey [canned corned beef], two hard tacks and about one fourth cup of coffee (including Boco of green turnips and cabbage, which we gather at our leisure, not our pleasure after dark) constitute my days ration of eats.
Sat. Nov. 9
Seemingly quietness existed throughout the passed night, aside from a few G.I. Cans and a few whiz bangs thrown in for good measure. Also through today, it being rather fogy they could not detect our movements. At five P.M. we were ordered to roll packs and be ready to move within an hour. We followed G Co. out after dark and winded our way down the side of the River Muse [Meuse] to a bridge at Sassy-la-Villers [possibly the bridge at Sassey-sur-Meuse]. Crossing it some five kilo's below.
After crossing the river, we doubled back on the main highway and amid the rush and tumble of things, after spilling one of the two spare cart cases, I was lost from the Company. I could not keep up and finally stopped for the night about ten P.M. With an infantryman who had fallen out. Slept well for I was utterly exhausted. As one would be under the circumstances.
Sun. Nov. 10
I never awoke untill nearly Noon today. We crossed the Muse R. [Meuse River] again where we had crossed it the previous night and where so I've learned that Reb Houenstrite was killed three days ago by a machine gun bullet from the Boche. Both of us being worn out, hungry and half sick plodded on up the main highway together - neither one knew where their company was located - A little at a time towards Mozey [Mouzay] which the boys had gave over and taken this morn.
I found an old Bldg (Canal keepers house) by the canal lock and road to sleep in. So it would be dry About 9 PM a Bn [battalion] of the 353 Inf 89 Div came in. After stopping there for an hour or two, and lit up the house, picked on the old piano that sat in the corner and song to their hearts content. Somehow I felt happy myself. But I could not sing!
Mon. Nov. 11
Having had a good fireplaced to warm by music to cheer me and a warm dry bed to sleep upon last night I rested well and realy enjoyed the night. Though not a friend in five thousand miles. I awoke just before day break to find the frost as a fresh snow. I hovered around the good fireplace until about 8 am when I heard the boys shouting in the distance like young wampus cats. In the distance some-thing good I knew. I felt it in my veins. Soon, it was passed down the Donall's great highway that "Peace" was on. God given Peace, when all guns would be silenced and the world would be sadly glad and rejoice as never before.
The prayers of thankfulness which reached to the heart of Heaven on this day, will never be forgotten or blotted from the record; likewise those suffering innumerable on the field of battle, has weakened many a body, but not the spirit which God all high giveth and taketh away. I felt my heart pat as it could not before. Such Joy, a blessing from God, a gift from his hand which shall be remembered always. The date, the hour and the year. It happened on the Birthday of one in my squad. Has he a birthday gift to be remembered or could he forget it.
Just think of it; Peace everlasting peach, and German autocracy and militarism shattered, and crushed. Henceforth a civilized and enlightened world, closely united in brotherhood and strengthened through the influence of Christianity - which never prompted a war. I've never felt so good in all my life's career - in all of my whole put together - And what a blessing could Mother only know that I'm well and safe from the scar or death of war. Peace on the 11th hour of the 11th day and the 11th month of the 18th year of our Lord. That's easy to remember. I'll jot it down in my memory. To remember that is considered easy when you have unhesitantly faced death during eighty-five long days- 6 days short of three months.
Almost on every turn I tagged on into Munsay [Mouzay] about noon, where I met some of the company and went with them on out to their position. A distance of nearly two kilometers on an outpost arriving just after dark. I learned that while passing through Munzey [Mouzay] one of the Co. (Mankin-an Okla City man) was killed there, also an infantry munition carrier. And as I looked upon his form laying there, almost torn in fragments by the shrapnel, I thought my God. What a pity, life blotted out in the last hours of the Great war.
Quietness certainly prevailed during the entire evening, after the appointed time. except for gayety which life brought forth itself. Bonfires on all sides on both front lines. Oh, so different from the previous night. Should a fire have been builded last evening, well a G.I. Can would have helped to kindle it up (in the air). At the closing hour of hostilities, bugles were blown on the German side.
Just over a small bare hill for the smash and fight continued in full force, apparently with increased energy until the fixed minute. Then a shout arose which you could you hear echo all down the line, and [illegible] called Joy rang through out the woods. It was a beautiful sight on a beautiful night, to step out of our shack with a feeling of safety ("Smoke if you wish") near Midnight and see bonfires adorning the many hills. With automobiles plying the roads lighted to the limit.
Some-how I could not go to sleep untill long after Mid-night for thinking about it. Peace, seemingly too good to be true. I thought of home and other things dear to my heart, whoch had been heavily ladened during many hours on many days. Yet now, light as a feather well dried.
Sources:
Primary Sources:
Online Collections Database, “2007.69.3c”, www.theworldwar.org/explore/online-collections-database. National WWI Museum and Memorial. Online. Accessed October 29, 2021.
Books & Journal Articles:
American Battle Monuments Commission. 90th Division, Summary of Operations in the World War. Washington: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1944. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006552144 .
Center of, Military History, ed. Order of Battle of The United States Land Forces in The World War - American Expeditionary Forces: General Headquarters, Armies, Army Corps, Service of Supply, Separate Forces - Volume I. Washington, D.C., 1988.
Esposito, Brigadier General Vincent J. The West Point Atlas of American Wars: Volume II: 1900-1953. Sixth. United States of America: Praeger Publishers, 1978.
Lighter, Jonathan. “The Slang of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, 1917-1919: An Historical Glossary.” American Speech 47, no. 1/2 (1972): 5. https://doi.org/10.2307/3087941 .
Wythe, Maj. George. A History of The 90th Division, 1920. http://www.90thdivisionassoc.org/90thDivisionFolders/mervinbooks/WWI90/WWI90mainpage.htm .
Films:
Department of Defense. Department of the Army. Office of the Chief Signal Officer. (9/18/1947 - 3/1/1964). MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE, SEPTEMBER 26 TO NOVEMBER 11, 1918, 90TH DIVISION, 1936. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24924 .
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018). Digital. Directed by Peter Jackson. New Zealand: Warner Bros. Pictures, 2018.
Images:
War Department. 1789-9/18/1947. “Airplanes - Types - Types of German Airplanes. Halberstadt Reconnaissance Plane. Side View,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-22D-46. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/17342197 .
War Department. “Armistice - Armistice - No Description,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-59A-4. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/20807006 .
War Department. “Balloons - Observation - Types of American Dirigibles and Balloons in Flight. Photo Taken at One of the Training Camps. Four Observation Balloons and One Dirigible Are in the Air,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-67A-2. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/20808336 .
War Department. “Drills - Infantry - Before Chevrieres, Meuse, France. American Machine-Gunner in the First Line,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-149C-54. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/31476187 .
War Department. “Drills - Trench Warfare - Training Camp - Camp Dix, Wrightstown, New Jersey. National Army Men with Full Equipment in the Training Trenches, Awaiting an Imaginary Foe,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-153B-22. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/31476965 .
War Department. “Medical Department - First Aid - Ambulance Service - Bringing in the Wounded,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-245E-33. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/45494030 .
War Department. “Military Administration - Theater of Operations - Supply Service - Rations - Rolling Kitchens - SERVING HOT FOOD TO AMERICAN SOLDIERS,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-279A-7. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/45501354 .
War Department. “Military Operations - American Heavy Artillery Which Aided in the Capture of Soissons,” 1918 1917. 165-WW-286A-33. National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures(RDSS). https://catalog.archives.gov/id/45502668 .