Kansas History and Heritage Project-Wabaunsee County Military

Wabaunsee County Military
Corp. Frank Rice, Croix De Guerre Recipient


Corp. Frank Rice of Alma was one of ten men in the All-Kansas 353rd Inft. who was cited for bravery and awarded the Croix de Guerre. At Trier, Germany, on May 1, before the 89th started home, the citations were read and here is what they said of the Kansas regiment: "Citation of 353rd Inft., Croix de Guerre, from general order No. 823 A, French general headquarters, May 1, 1919, as cited by general commanding 32nd army corps, in corps' order of the day: 353rd Inft. (American) Regiment of the very first rank, went into battle in August, 1918, under the command of Col. James H. Reeves, and from the very beginning gave proof of its ability to sieze and hold, which not only enabled it to repulse numerous attacks of the enemy, but also to carry out most successfully patrols of utmost importance in preparation for the St. Mihiel offensive, and in which offensive it took a brilliant part." The French medal was awarded to the colors of the regiment, to its commander, Col. Reeves, and to ten of the men and among them we find this:

Corp. Frank R. Rice, Co. L: Corporal of utmost courage particularly distinguished himself by his conduct in the course of an enemy attack on the American line north of Toul, in August, 1918." (undated newspaper clipping)





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This website created July 10, 2011 by Sheryl McClure.
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