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. � 2011 Kansas History and Heritage Project
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