October 2000

The meeting began with welcome and introductions. We were honored to introduce the 18th Infantry Soldier and NCO of the Year: SPC Rollan Wengert - Soldier of the Year and SGT Jeremy Cheney - NCO of the Year.

Next the Honorary Colonel reported on his visit to our active-duty battalion in March for the Vietnam Valorous Unit Award ceremonies. He also gave an update to last year's excellent briefing on the subject of "percentage fill" and readiness. The situation is much improved, and the battalion is operating with about a 95% fill, good morale, and an outstanding re-enlistment rate. SGT Cheney then gave a brief report on the battalion's current activities and confirmed the excellent esprit de corps of the unit.
 

HCOR accepts Battalion Certificate of Appreciation given to the18th Infantry Regiment Association

At this point, SPC Wengert and SGT Cheney presented a beautifully framed Certificate of Appreciation from the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, to the 18th Infantry Regiment Association for the active support shown our soldiers. Besides the Iron Mike Awards (see below) and bringing soldiers to the reunions, the battalion recognized our contributions to the Holiday Projects, our assistance with plaques and other awards that recognize soldier excellence and achievements, and our overall encouragement and support of

the battalion. This presentation was a surprise, and it was well received by all in attendance.

Discussion of Association business followed. Minutes of the August 1999 annual meeting were accepted by acclamation. The Secretary, Larry Van Kuran, gave the membership report - 240 paid veteran members and 183 delinquent veteran members, for a total of 423 veteran members. In addition, as of July 1, there were 254 active-duty soldier members, with approximately 200 more signed up in August (but not processed as of the annual meeting), for a total of over 450 soldier members.

A steady stream of new memberships is coming in from contacts thru our new web page on the internet. Eighty-eight veteran members need to renew by December 31, and we need to encourage our delinquent members to renew also. Our goal remains 500 paid veteran members.

The Treasurer presented our financial report and requested approval of the proposed 99-00 Budget categories. The Budget was approved by acclamation. Our basic budget includes \\$1200 for newsletter printing and postage, $80 for our Web Page fee, and \\$1000 for our Holiday projects. In addition, funds were approved for the Iron Mike awards and other soldier projects. All Association Officers are unpaid volunteers. The Shirt Project is paying for the Iron Mike Awards, and with a stock of about 40 shirts, we need to sell a few more shirts to pay for the Iron Mike Awards in 2001.

Donations for soldier projects have covered the costs. Thank you for your generous support of our soldiers. We retain that goal again this year in order to provide for the following projects -- \\$500 each for the Thanksgiving and Christmas projects, and bringing a soldier to the 2001 reunion in Nashville. Projected expenses for projects will not be made unless the projected revenue is received.

Discussion followed on the HCOR and HSMOR. Phil Pryor and Louis Johnson are about to finish their tour of duty. COL George Tronsrue, USA/Ret, and CSM Naman Carter, USA/Ret, were introduced and gave a brief summary of their service and association with the 18th Infantry. Both were proposed for the position of HCOR and HSMOR respectively, and both were enthusiastically approved by acclamation. Naman Carter then resigned as Association Vice President, and Ed Fedrick was appointed to fill his term of office.

A report was given regarding the new 18th Infantry Web Page. Our web page is <www.18inf.org> Jim Stone is our webmaster. At a slight cost, the web page has been a tremendous benefit to the Association. Plans for expanding the information and capabilities of the site were also discussed. If you have not visited the site recently, check it out and sign in the guestbook on the "Contact Us" page. The need for a committee to help select Distinguished Members of the Regiment was again announced. The meeting adjourned. See you next year in Nashville!

(Comments and suggestions by out members are listened to and improvements are being made. We have unit crests (regular size and lapel pin), 18th Infantry Golf shirts and baseball hats. If interested in purchase of these items, please contact Larry Van Kuran.)
 
 

The reunion format differed somewhat from past years because of the new week-end schedule. Friday was registration and CP set-up, with a welcome reception in the evening. Saturday began with group breakfasts, held according to one's era - WWII, Vietnam, Cold War/Desert Storm. Then there was an emotional Memorial Service that featured General Alexander Haig, who delivered a moving tribute to the sacrifice and courage of our fallen comrades. This was followed by the

Some of the guys - join us next year in Nashville!

 During the annual meeting, Rosemary Wirs announced her retirement, after 25 years of faithful service to the Society. She will be greatly missed. The 18th Infantry Regiment Association wishes her all the best in her retirement years.

Saturday also featured the brief appearance of the Division's Commanding General, who was on his way back to Europe from meetings in Washington DC. He announced that he had been selected for early promotion to Lieutenant General and immediate assignment as Director, J-5, OJCS. His replacement is MG Bantz John Craddock, a former Division ADC. In addition, we had the opportunity to meet the new Command Sergeant Major, CSM Cory McCarty, and a good contingent of our active duty soldiers, both from Germany and Ft Riley.

Sunday was a repeat of the available Philadelphia tours, followed by the Reunion Banquet and Dance that evening. Regimental Unit meetings were held Monday morning, with the rest of the day for good-bye and farewells. No Mission too Difficult, No Sacrifice too Great, Duty First!

A good time was had by all. Next year the reunion is scheduled for August 17-21 at the Renaissance Hotel, Nashville, TN. Plan now to attend!  For information on the reunion, contact the Society Office: 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Ph: 1-888-324-4733 or E-mail: socl ID@aol.com 
 
 

The first major combat engagement of the 18th Infantry was the Battle of Stone River, near Murfreesboro, TN. We are planning a staff ride to the battlefield during the 2001 BRO reunion, with re-enactors present, and a memorial service at the Regular Brigade monument. Call George Gentry for information on either of these events, 562-596-8097 or email: Ggentry@aol.com
 
 

After the creation of the 18th US Infantry on May 3, 1861 nearly 20 months would pass before the regiment lost its first man killed in action. During this time the 18th US Infantry actively campaigned through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Yet, the Regiment seemed predestined to be kept out of the fighting. At both Mill Springs (January 1861) and Shiloh (April 1862) the 18th US Infantry arrived shortly after the battle had ended. Then during the Siege of Corinth (May 1862), the regiment took part in an infantry assault that found the Confederate positions empty - the rebels had withdrawn during the night. The following pursuit of the Confederate army resulted in a series of brutal marches that ended with the Battle of Perryville in Kentucky. Here the 18th US Infantry occupied a position which afforded it an excellent view of the fighting. For two hours the regiment watched as the left wing of the Federal army fought unsupported. The 18th US Infantry and other potential re-enforcements remained inexplicably idle, as spectators, when the command structure of General Don Carlos Buell's Army of the Ohio failed to act decisively and allowed the rebel army to escape destruction.

Private Robert Kennedy, C/2/18, described the action as "..one of the grandest sights I ever saw. Fireworks such as few can describe filled the air as the musketry, firing along both lines, with shells flying in the air and bursting, scattered fire in all directions. The sight was magnificent but very dangerous." During this battle, Corporal Bernard Connelly, B/3/18, was struck severely in the leg by a stray cannonball. Corporal Connelly died in hospital several days later; the first battle related death of the regiment. However, in accordance with the army's methods of record keeping during the Civil War, Corporal Connelly was classified as having died of wounds (DOW). Only men who actually died on the field of battle were classified as being killed in action (KIA). Outside of his immediate friends, Corporal Connelly's solitary death probably made little impact on the regiment. Deaths due to disease and accidents were fairly common, and the news of his fate had to catch up with the regiment. The army was once again on the move.

On the morning of December 31, 1862 the 18th US infantry, now part of the Regular Brigade, moved forward along the Nashville pike towards the ominous sounds of a major battle. In his post-war memoir, Private Kennedy tells of a disturbing incident that occurred on that cold and violent day:
 

The night before the battle, Corporal Thomas Long, my messmate, dreamed that he was the first man killed in the regiment, and that he would never fire his gun. On seeing the sunrise he said, "Bob, this is the last time I shall see the sunrise." As we fell into battle line, I informed Captain Denton of [the] Corporal's strange presentment. The Captain went back to him and said, "Long, do you think you will be shot today?" He answered, "Yes, Captain, I'll never fire my gun." The Captain said, "Long, if you think that, fall out and go to the hospital." He said, "No, Captain, I'll die like a man, right with the company." We marched down the pike about a quarter mile and formed our lines of battle. There we lay on the ground. We had not lain there more than five minutes until a ball went through Corporal Bartlett's right arm and struck Corporal Long above his left eye. He rolled over and never spoke.

Corporal Long was the first of many 18th Infantrymen who would make the ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Stone River, and in the many battles that were to follow. He was recognized by his fellow soldiers as the first battle casualty of the regiment "killed in action", as indicated in Kennedy's memoirs. He would not be the last.

Robert Kennedy went on to make Corporal and fought at Chickamauga in two days of almost continuous combat. Before he was captured on September 20, 1863 near Kelly Field, he had fired over 200 rounds of muzzle loaded cartridges, changing rifles several times as they became fouled. He was sent to Danville, Virginia, where he escaped and was recaptured, before being sent to Andersonville. He survived Andersonville and returned to his home in Ohio. Corporal Robert Kennedy, C/2/18, lived to the age of 92 and his memoir is arguably the best civil war account of any enlisted man in the 18th U.S. Infantry.

[Editor's note: Next issue brings Kennedy's story of Sergeant Amos Flegal at the Battle of Stone River.]
 
 

SPC Wengert, GEN Sullivan, SGT Cheney

The Iron Mike Awards are given by the 18th Infantry Regiment Association to the 18th Infantry Soldier of the Year, the 18th Infantry NCO of the Year, and the 18th Infantry Officer of the Year. The Battalion Commander is responsible for selection of the recipients, based on general criteria that reflect achievement in soldier skills and leadership, and the embodiment of an attitude and spirit that represent the history and traditions of the Regiment at his level.

The award consists of a replica "Iron Mike" statute for the individual and a plaque for display in the battalion headquarters area. In addition, each receives a \\$100 cash award. This year, the Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year were brought to the reunion in Nashville at Association expense. The Officer of the Year is yet to be selected, and will be announced in the next newsletter. The Soldier of the Year is SPC Rollan Wengert, a member of the battalion scout platoon. The NCO of the Year is SGT Jeremy Cheney, a Bradley gunner from Company B.

SPC Wengert, SGT Cheney, George Gentry, Jane Murray, LTC Murray

 

The current members of the Battalion do what they can to take care of their own, but they appreciate the participation of veteran members of the Regiment. There is a system in place to identify individuals at the Company level and discreetly provide assistance. Mrs. Jane Murray, leader of the Family Readiness Group (FRG), has agreed to coordinate the project in Germany, along with the Chaplain and the Command Sergeant Major. We appreciate their efforts on our behalf, and especially on behalf of our soldier families who would otherwise not have such a nice holiday season.

Again this year, we need your help to cover the expenditure, and we ask you to please contribute generously toward our Thanksgiving/Christmas project. You may send your donation directly to our Treasurer: Jim Stone, 258 Pells Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. Please make your check out to "l8th Inf Regt Assoc" and mark the memo line on your check: XMAS PROJECT. Thank you.
 
 

My wife and I were greeted at the airport by the two soldiers who had been selected to receive the Iron Mike Awards, SPC Rollan Wengert and SGT Jeremy Cheney. They drove us to Schweinfurt and assisted us with checking in at the Bradley Inn (the Army guest house on post). At the Bradley Inn, we were greeted by SFC Mark Sandberg, Battalion Liaison with the Association. Next I was taken to the battalion area, introduced to the Command Sergeant Major, CSM James Forest, and welcomed to the battalion by LTC Murray, just returned from Kosovo. We briefly discussed my schedule and arrangements for the soldiers to attend the reunion. Then I returned to my quarters for some rest. That evening, my wife and I were treated to a wonderful dinner at a local German Sports Club by SFC Sandberg and his wife. The Weinerschnitzel and local German beer were great.
 

New soldiers learn the care and cleaning of the M16 rifle

The next morning, SPC Wengert and SGT Cheney conducted me on a tour of the battalion area. First we went to the Company A barracks. I was introduced to 1SG Mansfield, and graciously allowed to tour the soldier's living quarters - not much more space than we had in 1965, but much more freedom in room decor. Behind the barracks, some new soldiers were receiving basic instructions in the care and cleaning of their rifles. Not much has changed in that respect. I was impressed.

Next we crossed over to the battalion motor pool. This was a work day, so there was plenty of activity. Soldiers working on the engines of their Bradley Fighting Vehicle, another group changing the pads on theirs. Then we came upon a Platoon of Company B soldiers laying out the contents of their Bradleys for inspection - a careful inspection was scheduled for a transfer of command to a new Platoon Leader, who had to sign for the equipment. SSGT Klaus was in this Platoon, and asked to send greeting to the veterans he met at Louisville. Then we observed a section from HHC training new soldiers to set up a Command M113 for field operation.

Next we visited the Battalion Dining Facility (Mess Hall) and had a very good lunch with the soldiers. In my opinion, the Dining Facility is comparable to most good American chain restaurants in the quality and variety of food available. Following lunch we went to the local Bradley training area, where Company A was in the midst of Bradley Tables training. On the local range, the Bradley is equipped with a computer simulation that mimics the sight and sound of bullets going down range. At Graf, the course is run using live rounds. The Bradley crew is graded on how fast they identify and kill targets, whether they used the correct weapon and ammunition, and their general conduct as they proceed through the course. I listened in on the crew communications net during one run, and on the crew debriefing that followed. I'm glad I was not on the crew being tested. This is a rigorous and difficult test of the crew's skill and ability, and the debriefing is tough, designed to allow the crew to identify areas where they can work better together and improve their warfighting skills. Excellent training!
 

After observing Bradley crew training, we returned to battalion headquarters, where I addressed some of the Officers and Senior NCOs about the history of the Regiment, some personal combat experiences, and the purpose of the Association. This gathering was held in the Bobby Brown Room, among Regimental Memorabilia, including the new "Best Squad" trophy and the new plaques the Association donated to recognize soldier excellence in training. I enjoyed this exchange very much. The 18th Infantry has some of the finest

SFC Mark Sandberg and George Gentry

Officers, NCOs and soldiers in the Army. As the gathering dispersed, SSGT Beem (1999 Division NCO of the Year at Louisville last year) came over to greet me and send his best wishes to the reunion. He is now the battalion Re-enlistment NCO, and doing a fine job. 1-18 INF is exceeding it's re-enlistment goal by almost 150%.

That evening, my wife and I were again treated to dinner at a local German restaurant. LTC Murray and his wife, Jane; MAJ Jones (1-18 XO); CSM Forest; SFC Sandberg and Tina; SGT Cheney; and SPC Wengert all enjoyed an excellent meal in celebration of Organization Day, and 139 consecutive years of service for the 18th Infantry.
 

18th Infantry families enjoying Organization Day

Thursday was Organization Day. Soldiers and their families gathered at the Conn Barracks Recreational Area for a picnic and Company competition in Softball, Volleyball, Soccer, Horseshoes, and Tug-of-War. The Dining Facility prepared and set out a wonderful variety of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ and other foods in mess tents for a picnic lunch. A Bradley Fighting Vehicles was on display. Games and activities were held for the  children (there were a lot of children).

In the late Afternoon, everyone assembled on the baseball field for awards and a few words from the Commander. After the sports awards for the Company competition, the Iron Mike Awards were presented, with the tickets to Philadelphia. LTC Murray and CSM Forest had decided that the soldiers would themselves choose the recipients of the Iron Mike Awards this year, so the winners were selected for this honor by their peers, and they

Commander's briefing on the Baseball field

The next morning, battalion soldiers transported us to the airport, along with the two Iron Mike award winners. We arrived in Philadelphia for the reunion in the late afternoon on Friday. Duty First!
 
 

Once the order was issued, soldiers from 1-18 INF were on the ground in Macedonia, and on the road to Kosovo, in less than 48 hours. The detachment consisted mostly of soldiers from C-1-18, the 1-18 Scout Platoon, and the 1st MP Company from Wuerzburg. In keeping with our motto, "In Omnia Paratus!" (In all things prepared!), this force deployed combat ready and fully capable of protecting itself, a valuable asset to the American contingent of the Multi-National Brigade (East).

Upon arriving in Kosovo, they first reported to the Ramjane Range for a live fire exercise. Once the live fire exercise was completed, they were assigned real world missions at the discretion of the Task Force Falcon commander. For example, one platoon was assigned to provide security for a prominent Serb clergyman and the religious compound where he resides, and the Scout Platoon was deployed against poachers in the Kosovo National Forest. Fortunately, the 1-18 INF mission was temporary and the soldiers returned to home base in less than 30 days. In this instance, the separation from friends and family was brief.

The Army developed the IRF to meet specific needs in Europe. Before, troops were trained to roll out of their posts to meet a Soviet Bloc threat. Now, the Army must meet Peacekeeping and other threats to security in Europe with a rapid reaction force. 1-18 INF has shown how this new concept works. 1-18 INF has again set a standard for other units to meet.
 
 

Guidelines for selection have been proposed. They include such things as: honorable period of service with the 18th Infantry; some outstanding accomplishment during or since that tour of duty; demonstrated interest in promoting the history and traditions of the 18th Infantry; and be of a general personal character that reflects credit on the 18th Infantry. An unstated criteria would be, of course, to willingly accept the responsibilities of a DMOR.

A DMOR of the 18th Infantry is expected to be an example, both for our active duty soldiers and for our veterans. Therefore, DMORs will be asked to participate in activities that perpetuate the history and traditions of the Regiment, to contribute funding for annual awards and/or recognition of outstanding 18th Infantry active duty soldiers, and to support the goals of the 18th Infantry Regiment Association. Nominations should be submitted in writing to either Phil Pryor or George Gentry.

DMOR selections have not been made for over two years. We need someone (preferably with on-line capabilities, but not required) to take charge of the DMOR program, form a working committee, and do the work to prepare the recommendations.
  

"With many Happy Memories of Xmas 1943 and some sad ones of Xmas 1944. We still remember you all, here in Weymouth and all over Dorset County. We'll never forget! We love you!'

The greeting came from Mrs. Dawn Gould, 102 Newstead Rd., Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0AR. Tel: 01305 782301. Liaison Officer for 700 Weymouth Veterans.
 
 

I was also pleased to note that the plan to increase the strength of the 1st Infantry Division, to include the 1/18th, is still under way. The Army's goal is to fill the 1st Infantry Division to 100%. You may recall I reported on the low fill of the 1/18th a year or so ago. I communicated those thoughts to the Chief of Staff of the Army. I am pleased that something is being done now to solve this issue.

Please keep up your great support of our soldiers and our Association.

All my best to all the Vanguards. Phil Pryor