U.S.A.A.C. Section 625 and the Croix De Guerre: My Grandfather in WWI

Just like Ernest Hemingway, Rex R. Forsyth volunteered to serve as an ambulance driver in The Great War, now known as World War I. Rex was my grandfather and as a youngster I was always enthralled when he shared stories of his service in France and Germany. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for bravery, survived wounds from a mustard gas attack, and was stationed in occupied Germany into 1919.

Rex volunteered in 1917 to join the war effort. He left Bloomington, Indiana and learned to drive Ford Model "T" ambulances at the fairgrounds in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His unit was part of the U.S.A.A.C. (United States Army Ambulance Corps). His section was assigned to units of the French Army. Like many men who served in "The Great War", Rex kept a detailed diary of each day he was overseas. This diary is a most fascinating read. The horrors of war are tucked between the lines: No graphic details are recorded, and he never spoke of them. Because he was assigned to the French Army, no censorship of photography was in place. His photo album with hundreds of photos is, well, remarkable to say the least.

April 17, 1918 was a day that brought Rex literally into the heat of battle. A German artillery bombardment was falling on the only route available to the Model "T" ambulances of Rex's Section 625. A call for the retrieval of wounded French Poilus (soldiers) had been received, and Rex and five other drivers ignored the barrage of exploding shells and crossed the field to pick up these wounded. This act of bravery did not go un-noticed. On May 2, 1918, Rex and his five Section mates were each individually awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star. (See photos)

The Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) was created in April, 1915 by the French Government to honor bravery in action when under fire by, or engaged in combat with the enemy. Previously in the early years of World War I acts of bravery had been mentioned in official dispatches with no medal awarded. A deputy of the French government named Émile Briant proposed the issuance, and the sculptor Paul-Andre Bartholomé designed the medal. The honor could be bestowed upon soldiers, sailors and airmen of any rank and of any Allied army.

Rex's service after Armistice Day included time in occupied Germany. His unit was actually billeted for a time in Kaiser Wilhem's castle in the famed Black Forest. He always enjoyed telling of the deer hunting he and his buddies did in the Black Forest. In addition, they discovered a roll of undeveloped film in the castle. This film, when developed, revealed photos of the Kaiser.

My grandfather was a quiet, kind and gentle man. It is fitting that he would have gone to war to save lives, not take them. He shared his stories of the camaraderie he shared, and of events behind the lines. The collection of items he brought home tells a fascinating story. As I read his diary, look at photos, and hold his Croix de Guerre in my hands I treasure the memory of our discussions. He was a true American hero.

Sources:
Personal recollections
Rex Forsyth's unpublished diary and photographs
http://wwi-ambulance-driver.blogspot.com/ My website honoring Rex R. Forsyth
http://www.firstworldwar.com/atoz/croixdeguerre.htm