Dr. Thomas Jesse Jones, who went to France under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A., sent back the following account of the burial of a Negro soldier at sea: 

“A colored soldier was buried at sea today.  The flags on all the ships of the fleet have been at half-mast all day.  It mattered not that the soldier came from a lowly cabin.  It mattered not that his skin was black.  He was a soldier in the army of the United States, and was on his way to fight for Democracy and Civilization.

“The announcement of his death was signalled to every commander and every ship prepared to do honor to the colored soldier.  As the sun was setting the guard of honor, including all the officers from commander down, came to attention.  The body of the Negro trooper wrapped in the American flag, was tenderly carried to the stern of the ship.  The chaplain read the solemn burial service.  The engines of the fleet were checked.  The troop ship was stopped for the only time in the long trip from America to Europe.  The bugle sounded Taps and the body of the American soldier was committed to the great ocean and to God.

“The comradeship of the solemn occasion was the comradeship of real Democracy.  There was neither black nor white, North nor South, rich nor poor.  All united in rendering honor to the Negro soldier who died in the service of humanity.”

First Lieutenant George S. Robb of the 369th Infantry was cited for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” in action with the enemy near Sechault, September 29 and 30, 1918.

While leading his platoon in the assault at Sechault, Lieutenant Robb was severely wounded by machine gun fire, but rather than go to the rear for proper treatment, he remained with his platoon until ordered to the dressing station by his commanding officer.  Returning within forty-five minutes, he remained on duty throughout the entire night, inspecting his lines and establishing outposts.  Early the next morning he was again wounded, once again displaying remarkable devotion to duty by remaining in command of his platoon.

Later the same day a bursting shell added two more wounds, the same shell killing the captain and two other officers of his company.  He then assumed command of the company and organized its position in the trenches.  Displaying wonderful courage and tenacity at the critical times, he was the only officer of his battalion who advanced beyond the town and, by clearing machine gun and sniping posts, contributed largely to the aid of his battalion in holding its objective.  His example of bravery and fortitude and his eagerness to continue with his mission despite the several wounds, set before the enlisted men of his command a most wonderful standard of morale and self-sacrifice.  Lieutenant Robb lived at 308 S. 12th Street, Salina, Kansas.

Second Lieutenant Harry C. Sessions, Company I, 372nd Infantry, was cited for extraordinary heroism in action near Bussy Farm, September 29, 1918.