Owing to the technical requirements, a thorough knowledge of mathematics especially being necessary before one can become a good non-commissioned or commissioned officer of artillery, this branch of the service appeals to men of schooling.  It has been claimed that the 351st regiment contained the best educated group of Negroes in the American forces; most of them being college or high school men.  They were praised highly by their officers, especially by Colonel Carpenter: 

     “When the regiment trained at Camp Meade,” he said, “the men showed
     the best desire, to make good soldiers.  In France they outdid their
     own expectations and shed glory for all.

     “We didn’t get into action until October 28th, but after that we
     kept at the Germans until the last day.

“The men of the 351st were so anxious to get into service that before they were ordered to the front they found it difficult to restrain their impatience at being held back.  However, their long training in France did them a lot of good, the experience of being taught by veteran Americans and Frenchmen proving of great value when it came to actual battle.

     “They never flinched under fire, always stood by their guns and
     made the famous 155 millimeter French guns, with which we were
     equipped, fairly smoke.

“I have been a regular army man for many years, and have always been in command of white troops.  Let me say to you that never have I commanded a more capable, courageous and intelligent regiment than this.  It would give me the greatest pleasure to continue my army career in command of this regiment of Negroes.

     “Not only was their morale splendid but they were especially ready
     to accept discipline.  They idolized their officers and would have
     followed them through hell if necessary.

“Fortunately, though many were wounded by shrapnel and a number made ill by gas fumes, we suffered no casualties in the slain column.  About twenty-five died of sickness and accidents, but we lost none in action.

“When the armistice came our hits were making such tremendous scores against the enemy that prisoners taken by the Americans declared the destruction wrought by the guns was terrific.  On the last day and in the last hour of the war our guns fairly beat a rat-a-tat on the enemy positions.  We let them have it while we could.”

Lieutenant E.A.  Wolfolk, of Washington, D.C., chaplain of the regiment, said: 

“The morale and morals of the men were splendid.  Disease of the serious type was unknown.  The men were careful to keep within bounds.  They gave their officers no trouble, and each man strove to keep up the high standard expected of him.  From the time we reached France in June, 1918, until the time we quit that country we worked hard to maintain