Charles W. Whittlesey-Pittsfield, MA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 42° 27.966 W 073° 15.624
18T E 643015 N 4702994
World War I Medal of Honor Recipient for action northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne France on October 2-7, 1918. He was Commander of the lost battalion. He has a marker in Pittsville Cemetery, Pittsfield MA in the Walnut Section.
Waymark Code: WMWV5E
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 10/15/2017
Views: 5
He was born on January 20, 1884 and died on November 24, 1921 at sea. His remains were never found. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: WHITTLESEY, CHARLES W.
• Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, 308th Infantry, 77th Division
• Place and date: Northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne France, 2-7 October 1918
• Entered service at: Pittsfield, Mass.
• G.O. No.: 118, W.D., 1918
Citation: Although cut off for 5 days from the remainder of his division, Maj. Whittlesey maintained his position, which he had reached under orders received for an advance, and held his command, consisting originally of 46 officers and men of the 308th Infantry and of Company K of the 307th Infantry, together in the face of superior numbers of the enemy during the 5 days. Maj. Whittlesey and his command were thus cut off, and no rations or other supplies reached him, in spite of determined efforts which were made by his division. On the 4th day Maj. Whittlesey received from the enemy a written proposition to surrender, which he treated with contempt, although he was at the time out of rations and had suffered a loss of about 50 percent in killed and wounded of his command and was surrounded by the enemy.
Armed Service: Army
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.