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307th Inf. Reg. builds on foundation

  • Published
  • By Sgt. 1st Class Billy Webb
  • 307th Infantry Regiment
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Members of the 1st Training Support Battalion, 307th Infantry Regiment traveled from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., to Central Park in New York City to learn about their unit history and the foundation of the regiment during World War I and II.

The group immediately visited the large stone, powerfully inscribed: "To the Dead of the 307th Infantry A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Force), 500 Officers and Men 1917-1918," upon arriving at the 307th Infantry Memorial Grove in Central Park.

The members of the 307th Inf. Reg. were noted for their service as part of the 77th Infantry Division, AEF during World War I, particularly during the Battle of the Argonne Forrest. Elements of the regiment were part of the famed 'Lost Battalion,' a group of 554 Soldiers that were isolated by German forces during the battle.

"We are dedicated to not just our current soldiers, but we are also proud of all of the patriotism and heroics of many men that came before us," said Lt. Col Terrance Johnson, 1st Battalion, 307th Inf. Reg. commander.

Johnson expressed that the purpose of the day was to tie the lineage of the past to the current organization.

"It is an honor to take my men and women back in time to show them that we must continue to build ourselves and the unit and to never forget where we started from many years ago," said Johnson.

The day to reflect on the history of the unit, which currently conducts pre-deployment training for all elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard at the joint base, helps the men and women of the unit to build on a critical component of soldiering within its ranks; that component is resiliency.

The current service members reflected on the events of October 1918, imagining the horrific conditions that claimed roughly 347 missing and killed soldiers. The members of the regiment were able to repulse enemy attacks until reinforcements arrived six days later, despite being low on ammunition, water, food, and shelter and under intense enemy fire.

Army Maj. Timothy Kelly, the battalion executive officer, led a discussion on the World War II Battle of Okinawa, where the regiment participated in the actions taken at Ishimmi Ridge.

The battalion is currently undertaking efforts to dedicate the new unit headquarters on New Jersey Ave, JB MDL, in honor of Pfc. Martin O. May. May was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on April 21, 1945, at the Battle of Okinawa. President Harry S. Truman awarded the nation's highest award for valor to May on Jan. 25, 1946, for "maintaining his position under heavy enemy fire, allowing his fellow soldiers to move to a safe position, himself becoming the focal point of enemy fire. May remained at his machine gun until he was mortally wounded and is credited with maintaining the American lines that resulted in the seizure of the mountain stronghold," according to the award citation.

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Gilmer, the Battalion Command Sergeant Major, tied the overall purpose of the trip together. He explained that the regiment has a proud history of heroism throughout the past conflicts of the United States and emphasized the importance of remembering Sept. 11, 2001.

"America was attacked. The voluntary rush to duty of brave men and women across the country is a testament to the sacrifices of all those before us and the core strength of our Army," said Gilmer. "This city, today, is a reminder of great Americans like May and those who came before and after. I challenge each of you to emulate those we spoke of and serve with honor and distinction. "