THE SECRETARY OF WAR PRAISES THE FOURTH BRIGADE.
War Department, August 12, 1919.
Hon. Josephus Daniels,
Secretary of the Navy.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: In the process of demobilization, the Marine Brigade, which by the President’s order became a part of the American Expeditionary Forces and was thus a part of the forces under the control of the War Department and under the command of Gen. Pershing, has now been returned to this country, detached from the Army, and restored to the control of the Navy Department.
I can not permit this heroic force to terminate its association with the Army without expressing to you, and through you to the officers and men of the Marine Corps, the deep sentiment of the War Department and of the Army toward it. The whole history of the Brigade in France is one of conspicuous service; when it was finally incorporated into the Second Division of the American Army it had early an opportunity to give a heroic demonstration of the unconquerable tenacity and dauntless courage of American soldiers. From then on in successive, almost continuous, battles the Marine Brigade and the division of which it was a part fought sternly and successfully until victory was obtained for the Allied Armies. Throughout this long contest the Marines, both by their valor and their tragic losses, heroically sustained, added an imperishable chapter to the history of America’s participation in the World War.
On behalf of the Army I congratulate the Navy Department, the Major General commanding the Marines, those who have been instrumental in the formation and training of this splendid organization, and the officers and men of the organization itself.
Cordially, yours,
Newton D. Baker.
In reply Acting Secretary Roosevelt said:
Navy Department, August 13, 1919.
Hon. Newton D. Baker,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Secretary: Your very cordial letter and the tribute it bore to the Fourth Brigade of Marines was received with pleasure and deepest appreciation. The heroism of the Marines and the Regulars in the famous Second Division, and their sacrifices, have endeared them to all Americans, and it is with very pardonable pride that we welcome them back to the Navy.
The spirit of cordial cooperation between the Army and the Navy was never better manifested than in the participation of these Marines in the great battles in France under the command of Gen. Pershing as a part of the United States Army, and shoulder to shoulder with units of the Regular Army. It is with extreme gratification that we can look back upon this unbroken cooperation between our two departments that started at the time the first Navy ship carried troops to France and continued uninterruptedly through to the end.
On behalf of Secretary Daniels, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the officers and men of that organization, I wish to thank you for the sentiments expressed in your letter and convey to you our appreciation of the heroism of the officers and men of the Army who with the Marines made the Second Division one of the greatest fighting organizations the world has ever known.
It is very gratifying in our pride over the achievements of the Marines, to know that that pride is shared by the War Department and your warm approbation of their conduct as a part of the Army will be treasured by the Corps as well as by the individuals.
Sincerely, yours,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Acting Secretary of the Navy.
Chapter XXV.
OFFICE OF THE MAJOR GENERAL COMMANDANT—ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR’S DEPARTMENT.
Maj. Gen. Commandant George Barnett was the Major General Commandant of the United States Marine Corps during the entire period of the World War. Originally appointed on February 25, 1914, he was reappointed on February 25, 1918, for a second term of four years.
On September 29, 1918, Maj. Gen. Commandant George Barnett, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Charles L. McCawley, sailed from New York on board the Leviathan, arriving at Brest, France, October 7, 1918. The object of the visit of the Major General Commandant to France was an inspection of all the Marines serving with the American Expeditionary Forces, but he fell a victim to the influenza epidemic which prevented him from carrying out his plans. He departed from Paris, December 7, 1918, sailed from Brest, December 9, 1918, on board the Leviathan, and arrived in the United States, December 16, 1918.
Brig. Gen. John A. Lejeune was the Assistant to the Major General Commandant from December 14, 1914 to September 26, 1917, when he was transferred to Quantico, Va., to command the Marine barracks. Brig. Gen. Charles G. Long relieved Brig. Gen. Lejeune and has acted as Assistant to the Major General Commandant from that date to the present.
Activities directly under the office of the Major General Commandant such as personnel, target practice, and aviation, were carried on efficiently during the war. The Planning Section was established on December 24, 1918.
Brig. Gen. Charles H. Lauchheimer was the Adjutant and Inspector of the United States Marine Corps, with station at Headquarters, during the World War. He became seriously ill, was admitted to the hospital on July 10, 1919, where he died on January 14, 1920. Col. Henry C. Haines assumed the duties of Acting Adjutant and Inspector on August 3, 1919, and upon the death of Brigadier General Lauchheimer was appointed the Adjutant and Inspector.
A great amount of additional work was caused by the large increases and by the war, but the personnel of the Adjutant and Inspector’s Department performed their duties with efficient satisfaction.
Chapter XXVI.
PAYMASTER’S DEPARTMENT.
Brig. Gen. George Richards was the Paymaster of the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Headquarters, during the entire period of the war.