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 In April 1918 the Second Cavalry landed in France and was in the Toul sector within three weeks of leaving home. "I should consider myself fortunate to again have your splendid Regiment a part of my command", wired general Pershing to Colonel West when the Second left Jolo in 1912, and his word was fulfilled, when half a world away, thirty-one of it's troopers landed with him as his escort, first in England, then in France, as Headquarters Troop at Chaumont........
The Regiment followed and gained the unique distinction of being the only American Cavalry to remain mounted to reach the firing line. They fought in the Aisne-Marne offensive in July 18 - August 6, 1918, when the American First and Second Divisions smashed in the West face of the German Marne Salient at Soissons. Detachments from the Regiment took part in the Oise-Aisne offensive, August 18 - September 11, but the greatest commendation was gained by the Second Cavalry for it's part in the reduction of the St. Mihiel Salient, Sept. 12-16, when Troops A, B, C, D, F, G and H under Lt. Col. D.P.M. Hazzard were attached to the American First Division of the Fourth Army Corps, making the main effort of the American First Army in France.
General Pershing massed six Divisions on an eighteen mile front, so something had to give. The 1st Division jumped off by passing Mont Sec, which the French had assaulted for years in vain, and reached the line Heudicourt-Nosard. Here the Squadron passed through the forest of La Belle Oziere, Nonsard, and Vigneulles, scouted the open country as far as Heudicourt Creue, and Vigneulles, eventually advancing to St. Maurice, Woel, Jonville, pursuing the enemy, fighting his rear guard, capturing numerous prisoners, forcing deployment and delaying his retreat, in fact, doing everything that so small a force could accomplish.
This action was followed by the final Allied offensive, the Meuse-Argonne, Sept. 26 to Nov. 11, 1918, with the Second Cavalry being attached to American 35th Division, the left flank of eight Divisions then attacking between the Meuse River and the Argonnes Forest. The plan of the American First Army was to bypass the strong points of Montfaucon and Romagne on both sides and seize the high ground at Barricourt with a converging effort, which would shatter all German positions before Sedan.
The 35th Division spearheaded the assault on the left, in an engagement where the troops of the Second Cavalry "during the six days battle at Vauquois, Bois de Rossigny, Quvrage D'Aden, Cheepy, Charpentry, Baulny, Bois de Montre Beau, and Exermont from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, 1918, accomplished their tasks with fearlessness, courage and disregard of danger and hardship." (quote by P. E. Traub, Major Gen. Commanding 35th Division)
The 159th Inf. Brigade further commended 2nd Lt. C. Thomas, Sgt. South, Private Naylor, and 15 other men from Troop C, Second Cavalry for the operation North of Busancy and in Beaumont from Nov. 3 - Nov. 6, patrolling the entire front of the Division sector in advance of the Infantry which resulted in military information of great value, riding into machine gun and artillery swept areas time and time again and drawing fire in successful efforts to aid the advance of the Infantry by locating machine gun nests and enemy parties digging in.
From Beaumont American artillery dominated 20 miles of the German main supply line to the Western Front - the Montmedy-Sedan rail line.
With the Germans driven across the Meuse at Sedan the Armistice was signed on Nov. 11 marking the cessation of hostilities. The Second Cavalry remained with the Army of Occupation in Germany at Coblenz until August 1919 when it returnes to the States for duty at Fort Riley, Kansas. WILLIAM A.WOODS I found your article on the 2nd U.S. Cavalry WW1 and was really impressed at the amount of information you imparted in it. My father, Willam A. Woods was in troop C and he told me a lot of stories about the action he saw before and after they were dismounted. He told of the places you talk about in your article. I was too young to appreciate everything he told me but I can remember some of it. He spoke of Meuse Argonnes, St. Mihiel, and other spots I can't recall. A number of troopers, including himself, were caught at a cemetary wall with a German spotter plane circling them as they rode from one end to the other until the Germans got smart and put a mortar or a shell amongst them as the reached the other end. All but three of the group died. My father wasn't wounded. He spoke of timing the shells another time so they could get across a open area. He mentioned having a piece or Roosevelts plane that was shot down but it disappeared over the years. He spoke fluent German so they used him to transport prisoners and after they dismounted he was put on a motorcycle and used as a courier. He and about a half dozen troopers came down with the flue and were left in a barn to die. The rolled themselves out of the loft onto some hay they had pushed down and crawled to a German bakery. Dad was able to talk them into caring for them and they put them near the hot ovens and fed them onion soup. They all survived and caught up with their outfit. After the armistice they came back through the village and gave the baker all their money.
Dad actually joined the army when he was 15, he ran away from home in Elizabeth N.J. and lied about his age. When his uncle found where he was, he was on the border of Mexico fighting Pancho Villa. His uncle paid a man $50 to take his place and took him home. He later joined up when he became of age and went to war. He had never ridden a horse before but they assigned him to the cavalry. After the war he returned to Ft. Riley, Kansas. He talked about riding in a parade in New York in front of the president. He told of riding in demonstrations including roman riding and in mock battles with wooden swords and plumed hats.
He was a corporal and met my mother accidently at a dance in Junction City, Kansas. He was going to stay in the army but finally got out and married my mother. He and Helen had three children, Bill who served in the navy during WW2 and retired from the Air Force. Barbara, and Ronald who retired from the Air Force. I have the only photo I ever saw of him in his cavalry uniform. It was taken somewhere in France.
On the back he had a note attached. It said; Corporal William A. Woods, Troop C 2nd US cavalry somewhere in France. Combat Trooper, Scout, Courier. He wrote; We just captured the town of Beaumont, 20 troopers killed, 52 wounded. I am enclosing the photo and feel free to use it in any article you see fit.
Ronald A. Woods, USAF Retired 1975 PS Thanks for the great article. 
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