126th Regimental Association August 2018 Newsletter
3rd Battalion 126th Infantry
Fall Business Meeting and Social
The Iron Battalion had another outstanding training year. The Battalion was challenged during an extensive threeweek XCTC rotation, where platoon and staff functions were tested in a fully immersive tactical environment. The Battalion was able to prove several concepts including a mobile command post. The Battalion Command post was run out of two LMTVs with a satellite uplink instead of the traditional DRASH or GP Medium tent. This allowed for quick displacement of the CP and allowed it to operate closer to the forward line of troops. Additionally, a forward TAC and Combat Trains Command Post were utilized to provide timely support.
Our annual business meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 1600 hours in the Grand Valley Armory, 1200 44th Street SW, Wyoming. It will conclude in time to drive over to our social at Tommy Brann’s (see below). Plan to meet at Tommy Brann’s Restaurant, 4157 S. Division (between 36th and 44th Streets) in Wyoming on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 1800 hours. We began this new tradition last year and had a great turnout. Tommy Brann is one of West Michigan’s longest running dining traditions run by an individual who goes out of his way to support our military and veterans. See the enclosed flyer for more details and PLEASE be sure to return your reservation by September 28. Menu items and contact information are on the flyer. See you at Tommy’s!
100 Years Ago
The Iron Soldiers rolled right into Northern Strike 18 after XCTC. This was a live fire exercise that incorporated A-10 aircraft, Marine Cobras, Artillery and Mortars to mass fire power on an objective that Iron Soldiers destroyed through a series of platoon attacks. The goal of building lethal platoons was certainly accomplished this year and the Iron Battalion is positioned for future training and combat operations.
(Note: We have been publishing a daily update on the activities of the 126th Infantry Regiment and its parent 32nd Division during World War I on our association Facebook page. You can catch up, browse the posts, and follow along for the “rest of the war” at https://www.facebook.com/126thRegiment/)
August 27, 1918 - At 9 o’clock, with the 3rd Battalion leading, the march to the front line (at Juvigny) began. Our regiment relieved the troops of the 353rd French Regiment of Infantry, 127th French Division. To our left was the 125th Infantry and to its left was the 64th French Division of the 20th Corps. To our right was the 59th French Division of the 1st French Corps. The country immediately on our front is known as the Juvigny plateau, and consists of high open ground cut up by many ravines. Shortly after relieving the French troops in the line, orders for an attack were received. The attack was to be made by our Division and the French on our right. The zero hour was 7 o’clock, and the attack was preceded by artillery preparation, which commenced at 5 a.m. and lasted a half hour. The attack was made without time for previous reconnaissance and the front line companies of