FIELD ENGINEERING: A PRACTICAL EXPOSITION OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GROUND FOR DEFENSE AS DEVELOPED BY THE U.S. ARMY IN THE WORLD WAR
Baltimore, Maryland: The New Mililtary Library, 1923. Second Edition. Hardcover. Quarto. Brown cloth over boards, (9 1.2 in. x 6 3/8 in.) framed in black, with black lettering and design to front board. Minimal rubbing to extremities. Book has been well cared-for. "Presents...all the sound principles and standardized methods employed in Field Engineering as developed by the United States Army in the World War. It is a clear and practical exposition of the use of fortifications in the organization of the ground for defense; a book, written and illustrated for the practical use of the man in the field..." Capt. C.R.F. Cornish writes: "...I should be tempted to make foom for it with my tobacco and tooth brush in my musette bag."
Previous owner's names to front pastedown: 1) "Nelson M. Haldeman / Capt. U.S.A." and Karl F. (Illegible), M.Sgt USMC".
Preliminary pages promote some of the books then already published, and several scheduled forthcoming. All are offered at discounted rates to Commissioned Officers of the: Regular Army; U.S. Marine Corps; National Guard; Organized Reserves. Following these advertisements is: "Manuscripts Desired"; It is prepared to eitehr purchase such manuscripts or publish and market them on a royalty or partnership basis..." Very Good Plus. Item #88502
Previous owners:Captain Nelson Miles Haldeman. "He joined the California National Guard in 1916 and was deployed in combat with Pancho Villa 's revolutionary army in the border area during the Mexican Revolution . When U.S. troops entered World War I in 1917, he was quickly promoted to captain. He was a member of the 40th Division, but was appointed commander of Company K of the 308th Infantry Battalion, 77th Infantry Division . It was surrounded by the German Army's 5th Army in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, known as the Battle of the Hundred Days. The Germans sent a letter through an American prisoner of war urging them to surrender, but Battalion Commander Charles Whittlesey responded 'You go to hell!' and decided to defend the position. And in a situation where the supply route was cut off, he commanded about 500 soldiers, including the remaining troops, and defended the position for about 5 days, blocking the German army's offensive and winning with the arrival of reinforcements. In particular, Haldeman knocked out an enemy machine gunner and encouraged his allies despite being wounded by a gunshot. After the battle, he survived, along with Whittlesey and George McMurtry, and was awarded the Medal of Honor . He returned to service in the National Guard after the war and retired with the rank of colonel in 1923." (Namuwiki).
Price: $125.00