Page 3

CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. BOYHOOD DAYS . . . . . 9 
CHAPTER II. SOLDIER IN AMERICA . . . . . 15 
CHAPTER III. IN FRANCE WITH PERSHING . . . . . 24 
CHAPTER IV. INTERESTING MATTERS . . . . . 36 
CHAPTER V. BACK HOME . . . . . 47 
CHAPTER VI. PRIVATE FRANK C. HALLYBURTON . . . . . 71 



Page 5

DEDICATED

   To the patriotic father, who never had a feeling of fear, and the 
venerable mother who placed her trust in God, when two of their sons were 
called upon to risk their lives "for the peace of the world," with a 
feeling of pleasure, pride, and admiration, we gladly dedicate this little 
volume, believing it will prove a solace to them during their declining 
years.

THE AUTHOR


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

   The author desires to extend his sincere thanks to Miss Grace I. Gish 
of Roanoke, Va., for much valuable aid in the preparation of this little 
volume.

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[image caption: SERGEANT EDGAR M. HALLYBURTON]

Page 9

CHAPTER I. BOYHOOD DAYS

   SERGEANT Edgar M. Hallyburton, the first American soldier captured in 
the World War, is a son of Mr. George B. Hallyburton and Mrs. Prudence 
Hallyburton. He was born in Iredell County, North Carolina, January 19, 
1890, just 27 years, 9 months, and 14 days before he was captured, but not 
conquered, by the blood-maddened hosts of an infuriated Kaiser. Even while 
a mere lad it was characteristic of him to take the lead, and almost 
invariably to excel in the games and sports peculiar to that period of 
life. He was always a favorite with his playmates, and this was due 
largely to his wit, humor, keen sense of right and wrong, courtesy, 
kindness, justice and impartiality. He enjoyed the privileges and 
blessings of a typical Southern country home where each child is taught 
from infancy to speak the truth, be strictly honest, bold, brave, fearless 
in the face of threatened or imaginary danger, obey their parents in all 
things, at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances, to love 
their native land, and revere the Almighty. Young Hallyburton is of Scotch-
Irish decent and 

Page 10

this, no doubt, accounts for the fact that even as a boy he was full-
sized, well-built, open-faced, with heavy brows and brilliant eyes. Having 
spent all his young days on the farm, naturally he was rugged, healthy, 
resolute, and of a friendly disposition. He was an unusually accurate shot 
with a gun, and when only ten years of age, was awarded first prize for 
being the surest shot in the neighborhood. It might truthfully be said of 
him that he idolized a gun from the hour that he was first old and strong 
enough to hold one in his arms, and this fascination for fire-arms was 
prophetic of his successful and wonderful career as a soldier later on in 
life which will be seen by a further perusal of the history of his career 
as a soldier. As a marksman, this young soldier in the making, seldom 
missed a shot, and it made no material difference to him how fleet-footed 
the rabbit or squirrel might be, or how swift winged the quail might soar, 
their greatest speed simply meant death if they came within range of his 
trusted gun. We are writing at some length about his attachment for his 
gun because it may well be called a vital thing in his life, and he 
carried it with him wherever his parents would permit him, and with Edgar 
it was a means to an end, and that end was the fascinating, romantic, and 
sometimes tragic story which is to follow. Many remarkable feats of 
marksmanship are told of him in the neighborhood where he was born and 
reared, but want 

Page 11

of space forbids mentioning them, and we realize that our readers are more 
than anxious to learn about his romantic career as a soldier, fighting 
under the Stars and Stripes for Uncle Sam along the Mexican border and 
"Somewhere in France."

   Owing to the active out-door life he lived, while a boy, we attribute 
his rapid development into a strong, robust man, with broad shoulders, 
expanded chest, and hardened muscles, well-fitted and qualified for the 
exacting duties of a soldier.

   Before closing this chapter, it is but appropriate that a brief outline 
sketch of the home of our distinguished soldier be given. It was a 
substantial, modest, three-room cottage, situated a little back from the 
public road on a slightly rounded knoll with a rolling lawn shadowed by 
great hickories and giant oaks, and this was beautified by a hedge of 
blooming rose-bushes which completely surrounded the lawn. Two large grape-
vines, full of luscious fruit might be seen at each corner of the house 
which trailed up over the windows and formed an awning of ample, cooling 
shade over the door. Here we find the old-time smokehouse made of logs, 
full of hams, shoulders, middlings, and other good things to eat. As is 
quite common in this section of the country, we must go down a slight hill 
before we find the shaded spring and springhouse. This little home of ice-
cold butter and milk is made of logs and covered with clap-boards, floored 

Page 12

with white sand through which a small stream of icy water flows, and in 
this channel we find crooks of delicious milk, jars of luscious cream, and 
bowls of wholesome butter, all appetizing and good enough to adorn the 
table of a king, and satisfy the appetite of a queen. It can be truthfully 
said of Sergeant Hallyburton that whether as a boy, a young man, a 
civilian, or soldier, he always wore the white flower of a gentleman, and 
no one has ever become acquainted with him but what they learned to admire 
him for his sterling traits of character.

   Sergeant Hallyburton received his education at the Stony Point High 
School, from which he graduated with honors. The high esteem in which he 
was held by teachers as well as schoolmates is attested by the fine 
tribute from the pen of the principal, which occurs on another page. 
During his school days, Sergeant Hallyburton was chosen captain of the 
football and baseball teams of his Alma Mater, and he was a leader in the 
literary societies over which he often presided, and his splendid voice 
was frequently heard in the debates which took place on numerous 
occasions. One of his school-mates remarked a few days ago that so far as 
his courage went, young Hallyburton might well have been called "the 
bravest of the brave," always to be found championing the cause of right, 
and defending the weak against the strong in those 

Page 13

fist-cuffs peculiar to boyhood. Even in his younger days Young Hallyburton 
was always courteous and ever ready to defend the opposite sex. He always 
showed profound respect for old age and no time was time too valuable or 
sacrifice too great for him to devote to those whose hair had been 
silvered by the frosts of Time. His youthful attachments for firearms 
undoubtedly forecasted his fame as a soldier while fighting under the 
Stars and Stripes. If he had his whole career to live over, I doubt if he 
would change it one iota. An unflinching and uncompromising friend himself 
he knew how to value the friendship which others gave him, and the fact 
that he made so few enemies (outside of Germany) is an honor of which 
anyone might well be proud. Always obedient to his parents from infancy, 
it naturally followed that he would obey orders coming from his superior 
officers, even though those orders carried him through the hell-holes 
called German Prison Camps. To the boy or young man who reads the history 
of Sergeant Hallyburton's life, it must prove an inspiration to lead him 
on to higher ideals and nobler purposes, fitting such a one (should the 
occasion arise for action) for a name and place high up on the temple 
shaft of Fame. Such a boy will see in the life of Sergeant Hallyburton how 
it is possible for even a ploughboy to reach to the highest pinnacle of 
Honor, and receive from the President of the 

Page 14

United States, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, a Distinguished Service 
Medal, and from the highest officers in the army, letters of highest 
praise, loftiest commendation, and superior honor. Well may he be held up 
as a model for other boys and young men coming after him to follow, 
knowing that each and every effort they put forth while following in his 
footsteps will be crowned with success, and handed down to future 
generations to lavish praise upon. Surely he is a model well worth 
imitating.

   At the outbreak of the war, the Hallyburton family consisted of Mr. and 
Mrs. Hallyburton, two daughters, Misses Lola and May, four sons, Edgar, 
Elbert, Frank, and William. At this writing, Sergeant Hallyburton's 
parents are living quietly at Taylorsville, North Carolina, enjoying the 
rest they have so deservedly earned.



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CHAPTER II. SOLDIER IN AMERICA

   EDGAR M. Hallyburton enlisted when only 19 1/2 years old in the Regular 
Army, July 4, 1909. He was sent to the Coast Artillery at Fortress Monroe 
where he remained for about two years. He was then transferred to 
Galveston, Tex., where he remained about six months. He then returned to 
Fortress Monroe, and remained there until the close of his first 
enlistment, when he re-enlisted, and was sent to San Francisco, where he 
was placed in the Infantry. He remained there about a year, and then was 
sent to the border at El Paso, Texas, where he remained until the close of 
his second enlistment. After a stay of one month at home, he returned to 
El Paso, and enlisted in Company F, 16th Infantry. Just a short while 
after this, President Wilson, as Commander-in-Chief of the American Army, 
ordered General Pershing to form a flying squadron composed of his bravest 
soldiers and to proceed to the Mexican border for the purpose of capturing 
Villa and his followers. In carrying out this order, Young Hallyburton, 
then a private, was one of the first 

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to be called and elevated to rank of Sergeant. Acting upon orders from his 
commanding officer, Sergeant Hallyburton, with his scouts, mounted on 
fleet-footed army horses, proceeded to cross the Rio Grande, which is the 
border-line between the United States and Mexico. Once upon Mexican soil, 
both scouts and steeds found the sky clear, the air still, and the sun 
hot. Both scouts and steeds were covered with dust. The latter snorted as 
it formed like icicles on their noses. All grew thirsty--a thirstiness 
that was all the more acute because there was no water in sight--not so 
much as a place that looked as if there might be water. A little after 
noon Sergeant Hallyburton, riding to the top of a lava mound, adjusted his 
field-glasses, and scanned the landscape. He discovered what seemed to be 
faint smoke rising from a string of hills about a mile away. Announcing 
his discovery, Hallyburton started on. Finally, arriving on the brow of 
the hills, he looked down on a cliff-walled valley in which he saw a 
primitive Mexican village. In the center of this village, the bake-oven of 
medieval pattern was sending up a feeble smoke. Slipping down a burro and 
goat path into the village, they found the Mexicans, men, women, and 
children. Sergeant Hallyburton asked them about water for the horses, and 
in answer, one rose and walked out telling him in broken English that he 
might have a few bucketfuls that came out of a 

Page 17

common barrel. The Sergeant told them to give the horses all they would 
drink. In a few minutes the horses were ravenously eating, coffee was 
simmering on the fire, and tin cups and plates rattling. Sergeant 
Hallyburton studied the Mexican situation and became convinced that rural 
Mexico lived largely independent of the market. Their dirt houses were 
small and tight, hence needed but little fuel to keep them warm through 
the winters. Burros and goats lived the year around on wild grasses and 
brush, hence saved the expence of providing food and shelter. In 
conversation with one of the men who could make himself understood in 
English, the Sergeant learned that they were all friends of Villa upon 
whom they looked as their Moses. By three o'clock the horses were in 
silent rest, and the scouts lying on the ground. But a call from the 
Sergeant brought them all to their feet. All filed across the valley--some 
of them as if they would never stop. Coming up out of the valley, they 
reached the open plateau, and continued west until the sun was sinking, 
and it was time for them to turn in for the night. Darkness prevented them 
from seeing their way, and their horses weary from long travel, they found 
a clump of cedars a short distance away and under these they wrapped 
themselves in their blankets and went to sleep on the ground. Next morning 
when they awoke half-frozen and hungry, they mounted their 

Page 18

horses and resumed their journey, vainly looking for a village where they 
could get food and water, but none was in sight. But they did see a lonely 
maverick grazing side-deep in the sage brush, which they proceeded to kill 
with a shot from one of their rifles. They soon dressed and cooked their 
prize, and in a few minutes the fragrance of broiling beef steak was 
filling the desert air. When their one-course breakfast was over, they 
went on through the increasing heat and dust. The previous days' sameness 
was broken only by hills and gorges. On and on they went, deeper into the 
wild. Everything in the wild was perfectly motionless and silent. By this 
time the horses were fairly reeling, with watering eyes and swollen 
tongues. Starting down the gorge to find a slower grade out, every horse 
listened intently, then lunged down the grade champing and frothing. Soon 
they came upon a little water-mill, beyond which, in a cottonwood grove, 
stretched a typical Mexican village. Switched from the smell to the sight 
of water, the horses lunged on down, and soused their noses into the 
creek. In the meantime, Sergeant Hallyburton dismounted, and handed his 
rein to a comrade, then he walked up into the little mill house. Right 
away the mill slowed down to a stop, and the water roared more loudly over 
the dam. Soon he and the old miller came out, and proceeding down the path 
to the foot-log, joined the horsemen, and all 

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went up Main street--an alley through burros, goats, geese, and ducks--
into a corral of adobe. Amid great neighing and whinnying, they gave their 
horses great armfuls of corn and alfalfa hay. They now awaited dinner on 
the miller's lawn. This gave Sergeant Hallyburton an opportunity to study 
Mexican country life on a much broader scale than he had done before. Not 
long afterward the old miller came out and invited them into his 
whitewashed adobe house and seated them around the makeshift table. When 
dinner was over, they returned to seats on the lawn. The horses now having 
rested, the men saddled them and disappeared, going out a wood road 
through an unknown country in a vain and fruitless search for Villa. After 
many days and nights of wearisome traveling over rugged hills, across 
malarial streams, and uncultivated valleys, still failing to see or hear 
anything of a reliable nature as to the where-abouts of the notorious 
Villa, Sergeant Hallyburton and trusted scouts, worn out in body and mind, 
finally returned to camp, and reported their failure to General Pershing. 
Shortly after the occurences enumerated above, Sergeant Hallyburton and 
his squad, in company with a large number of other soldiers, were 
transferred to El Paso Tex., to guard the city. From this point they were 
soon sent back to the states, eventually to sail with the first contingent 
of the American 

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Expeditionary Forces under General Pershing to France, there to fight for 
the peace of the world. It is not necessary or appropriate that the causes 
which led up to America's entrance into the World War be stated in our 
sketch of Sergeant Hallyburton. This duty properly belongs to the pen of 
some other historian, and to that one we leave it, knowing that it will be 
written by impartial pens.

   Through all the years of his service as a soldier, whether "a private 
in the rear rank" or as an officer, Sergeant Hallyburton was spoken of by 
all his comrades as eager and unafraid. He was one of the great 
brotherhood in uniform with the fighting password "All for one and one for 
all." He shared their pains and privations, their adventures in front 
lines and in rest places, and they knew him with the knowledge that men 
have when, as a matter of course, they face death together. He was known 
to all America, in whose cause he fought with impassioned impulse. It 
might well be said of him that he is the man called Million, upon whose 
broad shoulders rests the rule of the Government. He was the significant 
symbol of the rear rank private and the commanding officer who made 
victory possible. His jubilant antagonism overthrew the aged power of 
Prussia, and the joyful alacrity with which he went to battle, overwhelmed 
the Empire which had staked its life on the ancient law of the jungles. He 
always fought 

Page 21

with a great hope stirring in his heart. He was assured that he would 
battle in the war against war; that his steadfast service would help make 
the world of the future safe for democracy. He knew that the overthrow of 
the divine right lord of war would make of mankind something better than 
cannon fodder, and the world a better place in which to live and love. He 
relied upon these principles, and scorned the muddled motives and subtle 
sophistries of those with sinister interests to serve. He gladly gave his 
best to prove his devotion to this holy cause, the highest and best cause 
the mind of man can conceive--the common good of the world. In the World 
War, Sergeant Hallyburton knew nothing, perhaps, of dogma, but he knew his 
duty, and performed it to the uttermost whether on the quiet tented fields 
at home or facing the fearful crash of shot and shell on a foreign battle-
line. He may not have been familiar with creeds, but he had an unsurpassed 
courage in deadly danger. He was not a student of doctrines, but he was 
steadfast in devotion to his Flag, the symbol of all the noble ideals he 
knew. He could not define sanctification, perhaps, but he could define 
service by living it in camp and field of battle. He could not express his 
inner being in words, perhaps, but he could prove their nobility with his 
works. He could not orate lip praises of righteousness, but he could give, 
and would have given his 

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life for it in a turbulent and terrible time. He had that faith which 
oversweeps all fears and leaves one satisfied.

   Wherever patriotism is valued, wherever valor is admired, and wherever 
the English language is spoken, the name and fame of our hero will be 
mentioned in burning words of eloquence, and as Time grows older, and 
unborn generations come upon the field of action, men, women, and children 
will read, and learn, and speak of Sergeant Hallyburton and the unmatched 
courage and unsurpassed valor which characterized every act of his life 
while a soldier of the United States, whether at home in time of peace or 
on the shell-torn battlefields of a foreign land where he fought so 
valiantly for the peace of the world, and that democracy should not perish 
from the hearts and minds of men of all nationalities. Surely, at the 
last, this patriotic soldier, faithful at all times and under all 
circumstances, secure in his own cause, in a sudden gleam of insight, will 
know and understand the immortal hope which lights the warriors way from 
dark to Deity. He was in no sense an unknown soldier, but one known to 
father and mother, to comrades, officers, to Country, and to God. His 
final resting place, when Death shall touch his heart, will be a "pillar 
of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night" to guide America along the 
Golden Rule pathway to the promised land of enduring 

Page 23

peace. His name shall sound like the call of a trumpet; the name of one 
who fought that the world might live in peace, the first American soldier 
"captured but not conquered" in the World War.



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CHAPTER III. IN FRANCE WITH PERSHING

   EDGAR M. Hallyburton was promoted from a private to a Sergeant while in 
Mexico with General Pershing, and retained that position while in France. 
He sailed for France with the First Division, Co. F, 16th Infantry. 
Immediately upon the arrival of the First Division upon French soil, it 
was put to work in the trenches. It may prove interesting to give a brief 
sketch of trench life. On account of the trying work in the trenches, 
frequent changing of men is customary, when possible. Usually they were 
marched out of the trenches in the dark, their feet wet and muddy clothes 
clinging to them. From a military standpoint, the experience gained by the 
Americans is considered of a very high value. The First Division had only 
two clear days while in the trenches. When they left the trenches they 
were mud from their hats to their shoes. Before anything else, they 
required a bath, first with gasoline and then water. With the men back in 
billets, it is now permitted to mention for the first time (says a 

Page 25

dispatch) that the casualties were negligible. In fact more men suffered 
with "trench feet" than with wounds. "Trench feet" means that the feet 
become swollen and sore from standing in mud and water in the trenches. 
Officers commented on the remarkably small amount of sickness which 
developed. There were some who had colds, but as far as reported, there 
were less than half a dozen cases, including "trench feet" and pneumonia. 
An officer said the splendid physical condition of the men was responsible 
for this showing.

   The men who served in the trenches tell interesting stories of their 
experiences. On clear days especially, German snipers became active. 
Bullets went singing harmlessly overhead. American infantrymen were told 
oft to attend any sniper who became active, and more than one of them will 
snipe Americans no more. This game of sniping the sniper was very popular 
with our soldiers. The only complaint usually heard was that there was not 
enough snipe-shooting to satisfy the infantrymen. Plenty of "our boys" say 
they went out to snipe, but did not get enough. Immediately after this 
trench training, our hero with a small detatchment was sent to a sector of 
the first-line trenches. It was at this point where Sergeant Hallyburton 
and his squad were located that the German artillery dropped a heavy 
barrage fire which completely isolated them from help. 

Page 26

A dispatch under date of November 5th says: A small detatchment of 
American infantrymen was attacked in the front line trenches early 
Saturday morning, November 3rd by a much superior force of German shock 
troops. The Americans were cut off from relief by the heavy barrage in 
their rear. They fought gallantly until overwhelmed solely by numbers. The 
fighting in the trenches was hand-to-hand. It was brief and fierce in the 
extreme. As a result of the encounter, three Americans were killed, 
namely, Private Thos. F. Enright, Private Jas. B. Gresham, and Private 
Merle D. Hay, and four were wounded, these being Private Jno. J. Smith, 
Private Chas. J. Hopkins, Private Homer Givens, and Private Geo. I. Box. A 
sergeant, a corporal, and ten men were taken prisoners. Two French 
soldiers who were in the trenches, also were killed. The enemy lost some 
men, but the number is unknown, as their dead and wounded were carried off 
by the retiring Germans. From the beginning of the engagement to the end, 
the Americans lived up to all the traditions of the American army, the 
records showing the bravery of the detatchment, and of individual members. 
The German raid on the American trench was carried out against members of 
the second contingent entering the trenches for training. These men had 
only been in a few days. Before dawn Saturday, the Germans began shelling 
vigorously 

Page 27

the barbed wire front of the trenches, dropping many high explosives of 
large calibre. A heavy artillery fire was then directed so as to cover all 
the adjacent territory, including the passage leading up to the trenches, 
thereby forming a most effective barrage in the rear as well as in the 
front. The young lieutenant in charge of the attachment of Americans 
started back to the communicating trenches to his immediate superior for 
orders. The barrage knocked him down, but he picked himself up and started 
off again. He was knocked down a second time, but, determined to reach his 
objective, got up again. A third time he was knocked down, badly shell-
shocked, and put out of action.

   Soon after that, Germans to the number, according to the report, of 210 
rushed through the breaches and wire entanglements on each side of the 
salient, their general objective barrage in the forefield having lifted 
for a moment. The Germans went into the trenches at several points. They 
met with stout resistance. Pistols, grenades, knives, and bayonets were 
freely used.

   For many minutes there was considerable confusion in the trenches, the 
Germans stalking the Americans, and the Americans stalking the Germans. In 
one section of the trench, an American private engaged two Germans with 
the bayonet. That was the last seen of him until after the raid, when a 
dead American was found on the spot. 

Page 28

Another was killed by a blow on the head with a rifle butt from above.

   Some of the Americans, apparently at the beginning of the attack, did 
not realize just what was going on. One of the wounded, a private, said, 
"I was standing in a communicating trench, waiting orders. I heard a noise 
back of me, and looked around in time to see a German fire a gun in my 
direction. I felt a bullet hit my arm."

   The Germans left the trench as soon as possible, taking their dead and 
wounded with them. An inspection showed, however, that they had abandoned 
three rifles and a number of knives and helmets.

   The raid was evidently carefully planned, and American officers admit 
that it was well executed. As a raid, however, there was nothing unusual 
about it. It was such as was happening all along the line. There is reason 
to believe that the Germans were greatly surprised when they found the 
Americans in the trenches instead of the French.

   The French general in command of the division of which the American 
detatchment formed a part, expressed extreme satisfaction at the action of 
the Americans, for they fought bravely against a numerically superior 
enemy, the handfull of men fighting until they were smothered.

   The officer who had charge of verifying the accounts of this raid says, 
"I am proud to say that 

Page 29

our men engaged in the fight did everything within their power. They 
jumped into the fight and stuck to it. In the first place, the troops had 
been in the trenches less than three hours when the barrage of the Germans 
began. They had marched a good part of the previous night and were tired. 
Some of them were allowed to go to sleep in a dugout 25 feet under ground. 
When the barrage began, these men did not hear the racket. It is apparent 
that the first they knew of it was when the Germans started throwing 
grenades down upon them. It was these men who were taken prisoner, but 
they fought well, even when surprised that way, for the dugout was covered 
with blood, especially the top half, showing that the Germans there must 
have been hit. The entrance to the dugout also gave indications of close 
hand-to-hand fighting.

   "From the dugout through the trenches and over the top through the 
barbed wire and well into No Man's Land there was a wide, red trail. How 
much of it was American and how much German blood is not known."

   It was during this raid that our hero, Sergeant Hallyburton, was the 
first American soldier to be captured, but never conquered, by the 
Germans. After his capture, Sergeant Hallyburton was sent to various 
prison camps in Germany. The treatment that he and his companions received 
at the hands of their captors is enough to make the blood 

Page 30

of any true American boil with undying and eternal hatred for the German 
officers. Sergeant Hallyburton summed up in a few words the kind of food 
they received. "It was nothing more than slop. We would have fed it to the 
hogs at home. I passed seven months at Tuchel. It was a strafe camp and a 
hell-hole in every sense of the word. We were hitched to a wagon like 
horses and forced to draw wood fourteen kilometers (about seven miles) all 
day long. Dirty German guards were constantly insulting us at the point of 
bayonets. We wore wooden shoes, and for socks we used a winding fabric and 
paper. Scantily clothed and half-starved, we pulled our wagons through 
snow last winter that was about to our knees. There were eighteen 
Americans in Tuchel. I had written Post Cards to the Red Cross from each 
town we had been in previously, but they could never have been sent, for 
no answer was received until four months after we reached Tuchel. It was 
then (March 12, 1918) that the first Red Cross parcels arrived. These 
parcels saved our lives. If we had been forced to continue two months 
longer on the prison food and under the harsh treatment, I am certain most 
of us would have died of starvation."

   Sergeant Hallyburton and his companions were transferred to Rastadt on 
August 14, 1918. There were about 500 American prisoners in the 

Page 31

camp at that date. When Sergeant Hallyburton and his companions first 
reached Rastadt, they organized and demanded that the Sergeant be given 
command over all the American prisoners. They were so persistent that the 
Prussian general gave his consent. At this point they also decided to 
demand better treatment. They had noticed that the Germans had a distinct 
treatment for prisoners of each nationality. Russians and Roumanians were 
treated like dogs, or worse, and were being slowly starved. British were 
treated somewhat better, and the French best of all. Americans were new in 
Germany, and no standard of treatment had been established for them. The 
Germans had started the Americans on the same plan as the Russians. 
Hallyburton and his comrades began establishing an American standard. They 
made him leader, and agreed to stick by him in anything. They summed up 
their position thus: "We'll soon die on this anyway; we should have died 
at the front, and we can't die better than by demanding that we be treated 
as Americans."

   Hallyburton first ordered them to clean up as best they could, then he 
demanded in the best military way, to see the camp commander. He saw him, 
and declared that the Americans must be treated better, and refused for 
them to do further wood-hauling. He told the Prussian he could either line 
the Americans up and shoot them or 

Page 32

comply with their demands. The commander was furious, but the Americans 
hauled no more wood. They were moved to Rastadt, and their food improved, 
Red Cross packages arrived and were distributed evenly. Ultimatums and 
demands were made in a soldierly way, with increasing force as the 
Americans established their standing. The Americans were careful to be 
diplomatic and just in their demands.

   Their camp became a model. Hallyburton had a commander of each barracks 
to see that every American kept his clothes cleaned and his shoes blacked. 
Every salute had to be snappy and correct. The Americans gained a special 
barracks by demanding them. Under Hallyburton's orders, these were cleaned 
twice a day. They were better than those of the German guards.

   Then came the fight against German propaganda. They were publishing a 
paper in Berlin called "America in Europe." It was distributed in the 
prisons and over American lines. The sheet was written by Germans who had 
lived many years in America and who could use American slang. When the 
first issue appeared, the editor came to Rastadt, and interviewed 
Hallyburton, representing himself as appointed to look after Americans 
because of his sympathies for them. He was told the paper would be welcome 
if it would cut out the propaganda and print sporting news. 

Page 33

This was agreed to by the "friend of Americans."

   Next week he appeared with the new issue somewhat revised to suit the 
Americans. The German's clumsy efforts were amusing, but Hallyburton saw 
danger in the propaganda still in the paper. He forbade its circulation 
among those under his command. For this our hero was taken to a punishment 
camp. His stay was short. The Germans placed an incapable American in 
charge of the Rastadt camp, who immediately muddled affairs. The several 
hundred prisoners struck, and insisted that Hallyburton be returned. The 
German commander complied with the request.

   On his return, Hallyburton was called up before General Von Kalteureit, 
the hard-hearted old Prussian in charge of prisoners. Several hundred new 
Americans had been gathered at Rastadt, and the general granted 
Hallyburton charge over them, leaving the old group under the incapable 
substitute. Hallyburton refused, but offered to take charge of the entire 
camp. The old Prussian argued, but ended with, "Ach, Gott, go ahead. If 
you don't get along all right, let me know." The general had given himself 
away with that statement made before the prison officers. Hallyburton and 
Geohegan went to the General, or threatened to, for everything they needed 
after that. Again our hero had propaganda plans to fight. The Germans had 
treated certain captives well in order to 

Page 34

influence them to write letters saying they had not been mistreated. Some 
letters were too favorable to the Germans, so Hallyburton established a 
censorship pen. He knew the Germans were waiting for favorable letters to 
publish.

   Another battle against propaganda was against an individual named 
Enders, who claimed to be American, and the correspondent of an American 
news agency. He appeared several times at the camp saying he was gathering 
data to prove that Americans were not mistreated in Germany, and that he 
had been "permitted" to do so by the German government. Hallyburton told 
Enders he had better leave camp before some of the "dough-boys" "insulted 
your German friends by telling the truth." Enders left, and never returned 
for more data.

   When the armistice was signed, the German guards suddenly left the 
camps. Those who remained were lenient, and told the Americans that 
prisoners were free to go to towns and do as they pleased. Hallyburton saw 
danger in this, if the men became mixed up in revolutionary measures. It 
would also further complicate their food arrangements with the Red Cross, 
and so orders were issued for every man to stay in camp and do his work.

   By this time each man had been assigned to some sort of work for which 
he was adapted. There were tailors, shoe-makers, barbers, cooks, 

Page 35

and practically every type of industry needed in camp, including a staff 
for the camp paper, which was copied by hand, cartoons included, and 
posted for reading.

   The order was difficult for many men to understand, but it was adhered 
to by practically every one. Next came the organization of trainloads of 
men to leave for France. One by one these problems were met, and the 
soldiers were assisted by Red Cross men who arrived from Switzerland. The 
Red Cross men were amazed at the organization the doughboys had 
accomplished in every camp, and found the native population in districts 
around the American prison camps full of admiration for the way our boys 
had handled themselves under difficulties and without authority. The 
reader will find numerous citations from various sources describing in 
detail the experiences of Sergeant Hallyburton before and during his 
captivity. As will be seen further on, Sergeant Hallyburton lost no time 
after the armistice was signed before he left that blood-soaked and 
devastated land for the peaceful and happy home of the pure and the brave.



Page 36

CHAPTER IV. INTERESTING MATTERS

   SERGEANT Hallyburton's first letter home reads as follows:

Darmstadt, Germany, 
December 31, 1917. 

"Dear Father:

   "Will write you a few lines. I am well and all right.

   "Write the First National Bank of El Paso, Texas, and tell them to put 
my money on interest in savings department until they hear from me.

   "I will see you after the war is over. Tell Jim and Mae to write me. 
Also Bub.

   "Also tell the bank I am here and don't know when I will get back, but 
to put all my deposits to my credit on savings, and give them my address 
and tell them to send me a statement of balance.

   "Well, I will close for this time, and will write you again soon.

"With love to all, 
"Your son,
"Edgar M. Hallyburton, 
"20th Company, 5th Battalion, 
"Darmstadt, Germany."

Page 37

   While at Tuchel, West Prussia, Sergeant Hallyburton on June 10, 1918, 
wrote his father a short message on a post card used by prisoners of war, 
as follows:

"Dear Father:

   "Am well and getting on fine.

   "I receive mail from you regular, and write you once every week. Do you 
hear from me regular? Will close for this time, hoping to hear from you 
soon.

"With love, 
"Your son."


GERMANS TAUNT US.

   The news comes from Berlin that the German news-papers "played up" in 
headlines the capture of the American soldiers; one news-paper, the "Lokal 
Anzeiger", published in Berlin, under the caption of "Good morning, boys," 
the following:

   "Three cheers for the Americans! Clever chaps they are, it cannot be 
denied. Scarcely have they touched the soil of this putrified Europe when 
they are already forcing their way into Germany. Before long they will 
cross the Rhine, and also enter our fortresses. That is express-train 
speed and American smartness.

   "It is our good fortune that we are equipped to receive and entertain 
numerous guests, and that 

Page 38

we shall be able to provide quarters for these gentlemen. However, we 
cannot promise them doughnuts and jam, to this extent they will be forced 
to recede from their former standard of living. They probably will become 
reconciled to this, for soldiering is a very risky business. Above all, 
they will find comfort in the thought that they are rendering their 
almighty President, Mr. Wilson, valuable services, inasmuch as it is 
asserted he is anxious to obtain reliable information concerning 
conditions and sentiments in belligerent countries. In this way he will 
obtain first-hand information about things in Germany.

   "As Americans are always accustomed to travel in luxury and comfort, we 
assume that these advance arrivals merely represent couriers for larger 
numbers to follow. We are sure the latter will also come and be gathered 
in by us. At home they believe they possess the biggest and most colossal 
everything, but such establishments as we have here, they have not seen.

   "Look here, my boys! Here is the big firm of Hindenburg & Co., with 
which you want to compete. Look at its accomplishments, and consider 
whether it would be better to haul down your sign and engage in some other 
line. Perhaps your boss, Wilson, will reconsider his newest line of 
business before we grab more of his young people."

   The above bit of news was no doubt edifying 

Page 39

to our boys, and clearly showed them how dense was the fatal ignorance of 
the German government so far as its knowledge of the wonderful part 
America and American soldiers were to perform in the great World War. An 
ignorance which was not only inexcusable but fatal to the hopes, aims, and 
aspirations of the Kaiser and his horde of infuriated and war-maddened 
followers who knew nothing but what had been told them, by their superior 
officers, concerning America, which was then the greatest country on earth 
and the one to crush Germany.


RED CROSS SENDS FOOD.

   In the issue of May 1st, Red Cross Briefs, the bulletin of the Southern 
Red Cross Division, published three times a month at Atlanta, there was an 
item with regard to food for American prisoners. "Prisoners arriving in 
German camps should find Red Cross emergency food parcels awaiting them, 
if arrangements are carried out. The Red Cross has secured permission to 
store emergency supplies at the prison camp at Tuchel, West Prussia. Three 
hundred and sixty ten-pound parcels have been shipped there for the relief 
of American prisoners newly arrived from the front. Sergeant Hallyburton 
and Corporal Upton, American prisoners, have been delegated custodians of 
the emergency food supplies and a store room has been assigned to them in 
which to keep the parcels that have been 

Page 40

forwarded, says a cable from the Red Cross headquarters at Berne, 
Switzerland."


DALLIN'S STATUETTE.

   The soldier whose picture, after he had been captured by the Germans 
during the first successful raid on the American lines, served as the 
guide for Cyrus E. Dallin, the sculptor, in the production of his 
statutte, "Captured But Not Conquered," which was used to help the third 
Liberty Loan campaign, has been authoritatively identified. It was at 
first thought that the picture, which had been sent out by the Huns to 
show that they really had taken a few Americans, was that of Sergeant 
Leith of Schenectady, N. Y., and was so announced officially from 
Washington. Later, however, a brother of Leith received a letter from him 
saying that he had not been made captive. Now it turns out the man is 
Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton, son of Mr. Geo. B. Hallyburton and Mrs. 
Prudence Hallyburton of Stony Point, N. C., who had served nearly ten 
years in the army.

   The first intimation that the statuette had been modelled from 
Hallyburton's picture came to Mr. Dallin in a letter from Charles O. 
Carrier, in which he says: "Having seen a reproduction of your statuette 
'Captured But Not Conquered', I wish to pay you a compliment, but am at 
loss for words. With the original of the photograph, I am personally 
acquainted, and you have not only reproduced 

Page 41

the features and expression, but his actual character is embodied in the 
same. I thought perhaps you would be pleased to learn his name which is 
Edgar M. Hallyburton, son of Mrs. Prudence Hallyburton of Stony Point, N. 
C., to whom I have mailed a copy."

   This letter finally reached Mr. Dallin at Springville, Utah, and he 
submitted it to Mr. John K. Allen, publicity director of the Liberty Loans 
in New England.

   "Our use of the statuette", said Mr. Allen, in a letter to the 
sculptor, "struck a high note in publicity, and those which were sent to 
the various cities in New England have found their way either into the 
public libraries or art museums, and the New England Liberty Loan 
Committee has received appreciative letters acknowledging their receipt." 
Mr. Allen also informed the scculptor that he had authorized the New York 
Liberty Loan Committee to make use of the statue in its next drive.

   On June 26th, Mr. Allen wrote Mrs. Hallyburton as follows:

   "Chas. O. Carrier of Irving, Ill., has written to Mr. Cyrus E. Dallin 
stating that the original of his statuette, "Captured But Not Conquered", 
is your son, Edgar M. Hallyburton. When the reproduction of the picture, 
originally published in the German illustrated papers, was produced in the 
American newspapers, the soldier was identified as 

Page 42

Sergeant Leith of Schenectaday, N. Y., Later we found the identification 
was inaccurate, as a letter was received from Sergeant Leith to his 
brother, stating that he had not been captured. It is very desirable that 
we establish the identity of the subject of this statuette. It played an 
important part in the Third Liberty Loan Campaign in New England. Will you 
have the kindness to write me if the young man is your son, and I will be 
happy if you can send a photograph of him which I can place beside the 
statuette which is now on my desk. I trust that I am not asking too much 
of you, and that you will co-operate with us in this important historical 
incident."

   Mrs. Hallyburton replied as follows:

   "We are glad to answer your letter. Sergeant Hallyburton is our son, 
and was captured on November 3, 1917, in the first fight for World 
Liberty. We would be glad to know more about the statuette. We would like 
a copy of it. We are glad to know that our son has in any way helped in 
the Liberty Loan. Please give us the details. We are sending, as you 
requested, his photograph. It is the only kind we have, and it has been 
taken sometime, as he has been in the service nine years. He is now 28 
years old, and joined the army at nineteen and one-half years old. We 
would be glad to hear from you again, and will be of any service we can."

Page 43

SEES STATUETTE OF HIMSELF.

   Visitors to Governor Cornwell's office noticed on his desk a three foot 
statuette of an American soldier, done in plaster paris, a rather striking 
figure. It shows a Sergeant in an American uniform, with right hand in his 
pocket, his left hand clenched, while his jaws are set, and a bull-dog 
expression on his face. On the base of the statuette are the words 
"Captured But Not Conquered."

   The governor had had to explain to innumerable visitors that it was 
presented to him by John J. Slipper, who purchased it in Boston during the 
last Liberty Loan Campaign; that it represented Sergeant Hallyburton whose 
home was at Stony Point, N. C., and who belonged to the regular army in 
the first division to go abroad; that fate decreed that he should be the 
first American captured.

   On Monday, there came into the Governor's office, Major Coulter and 
Colonel Ryder of the First Division, who were in Charleston with the 
regular troops now stationed there. Major Coulter glanced at the 
statuette, and said to the Governor, "That face looks familiar. Who is 
that?" The Governor replied that it was the first American that the 
Germans captured.

   "Why, yes, that is Sergeant Hallyburton of the 16th Company. He is 
right here in town."

   The governor asked that he be brought in, 

Page 44

whereupon Major Coulter took up the telephone, communicated with 
headquarters, and made arrangements for Sergeant Hallyburton to come up to 
the governor's office at ten o'clock Tuesday morning to meet the governor, 
and to see himself in a plaster of paris statuette.

   Governor Cornwell had been asked many times whether that first American 
prisoner came out of the war, and was never able to answer the question 
until that Monday afternoon when he learned from the officers referred to 
that the Germans put Hallyburton in charge of the American prisoners in a 
large camp in Germany. There were a number of American officers among the 
prisoners, but Hallyburton had absolute command, and ruled with an iron 
hand. After the armistice, he was in command of a large hospital at Toul. 
This hero who was "Captured But Not Conquered" had been walking the 
streets of Charleston for days.


RECEPTION TO GENERAL WOOD.

   Following his return from Kanawha City, where at 9:30 o'clock he 
conferred the distinguished service cross upon a member of the First 
Division, General Leonard Wood and his staff were tendered a reception in 
Gov. Cornwell's office at which many of the state and city officials and 
other prominent citizens of the city were made acquainted with them. With 
the general, were Col. C. B. Baker, Capt. 

Page 45

J. B. Campbell, the general's son, and his aide, Lieutenant Osborne C. 
Ward.

   James W. Weir, Gov. Cornwell's secretary, made an effort to get as many 
of the state and city officials present as possible. They included State 
Auditor, John S. Dart, Secretary of State, Houston G. Young, State 
Treasurer, Wm. S. Johnson, Attorney General, E. T. England, Superintendent 
of Schools, M. P. Shawkey, Commissioner of Agriculture, Jas. H. Stewart, 
Judge E. F. Morgan of the public service commission, former State Senator, 
W. P. Hawley, Mayor Grant P. Hall, Walter E. Clark, proprietor of the 
Charleston Mail, Jesse V. Sullivan, former secretary of the state council 
of defence, J. G. Bradley, Pres. of the W. Va. Coal Association, and a 
number of others.

   Decidedly the most interesting incident of the impromptu reception was 
the presentation of Sergeant Hallyburton, of the 16th Infantry, to Gen. 
Wood.

   As the sergeant entered the presence of Gen. Wood and his staff this 
morning, he presented a fine picture of a soldier. Extending his hand in 
greeting, General Wood advanced a step to meet him, and Sergeant 
Hallyburton, bringing his heels smartly together in soldierly fashion and 
standing straight as an arrow, shook hands with the general.

   Sergeant Hallyburton is about six feet tall, is 

Page 46

well proportioned physically, without an ounce of superfluous flesh, and 
is of the "lean" type of soldier whose countenance shows plainly the value 
of his experience in the war.

   General Wood asked the sergeant many questions, and Hallyburton 
answered modestly, giving a very brief recital of his life as a captive in 
a German prison camp.

   "How did you get along when the Boches tried to get information out of 
you," asked the general. "Treated pretty badly?"

   "That was a pretty hard matter," replied Hallyburton. "They used us 
pretty badly for a while, but when they found they couldn't break our 
spirit, they let up a little. They seemed to want information about 
aeroplanes more than they did about America's purpose in the war. They did 
ask me whether America was in the war in earnest, and whether many troops 
were to be sent, but I told them I had not been in the States for 
sometime, and really had no information on that point."

   "That was the best way out of it," commented General Wood.

   Hallyburton explained in answer to the questions of the general how he, 
with ten other soldiers, happened to be captured, and in reply to another 
query, said his imprisonment lasted from November 1917 to December 1918.

Page 46a

[image caption: MR. AND MRS. GEORGE B. HALLYBURTON]

Page 47

CHAPTER V. BACK HOME

   SERGEANT Hallyburton lost no time after his release as a prisoner of 
war behind the German lines before setting sail for America. He landed at 
Camp Mills, Long Island, and soon secured a sixty-day furlough, and left 
on the first train for "home sweet home" to see his parents, relatives, 
and friends. On his arrival at home, he found a letter from Adjunct-
General Harris notifying him that he had been awarded the Distinguished 
Service Medal of which a detailed account is given elsewhere. This medal 
was sent to Camp Dix to be presented to Sergeant Hallyburton a few weeks 
later.

   When the great crowd had assembled on the athletic field of the south 
parade grounds, Major-General Charles P. Summerall, after reading the 
letter from Adjunct-General Harris, said:

   "This Distinguished Service Medal has never been more worthily bestowed 
than upon Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton. The records show that he is the 
only enlisted man to receive such a decoration in the World Far, and the 
First Division is proud 

Page 48

of him as a comrade. His services, for which the grateful President of a 
grateful nation awarded this coveted decoration, showed that however 
restricted, whatever the limit of movement, a soldier and man may yet 
contribute to the glory of his country and to the honor of his army. He 
was taken a prisoner by the enemy in an honorable manner in a time of 
terrific danger known only to those who have experienced the test, and 
only by the narrowest margin escaped with his life. By his dominant 
personality, he compelled the enemy to treat humanly our American 
prisoners. By thus remaining faithful to his nation, even though in 
captivity, Sergeant Hallyburton strengthened the resolution of his 
comrades, and increased their buoyancy and fortitude."

   The Division Commander thereupon pinned the decoration upon him, and 
congratulated him upon his good fortune. The 16th Infantry Band furnished 
the march, and played exceptionally well.

   Not only before, but more especially after, his return to American 
soil, Sergeant Hallyburton was the happy recipient of all the praise and 
honor it was possible for a patriotic and patriot-admiring people to 
lavish upon him. This praise was spontaneous, out-spoken, unselfish, and 
unstinted. He had won it worthily.

   It will not be out of place just here to give a few extracts from the 
news-papers to show how 

Page 49

this praise was bestowed upon him while he was yet a prisoner of war 
within the German lines.

   The Charlotte (N. C.) Observer mentions the following: "The war picture 
which is going the rounds of the papers as the 'first photograph to reach 
this country of Pershing's men in the hands of the Germans' was received 
with peculiar interest in the home of Mr. Geo. B. Hallyburton of Stony 
Point, Alexander County, for in the central figure in the picture,--that 
of the bare-headed soldier being questioned by German officers,--Mr. 
Hallyburton recognized his son, Sergeant Edgar Hallyburton. The protograph 
gave his parents the satisfaction of knowing that he is alive and not 
wounded, and they properly want their happiness given reflection through 
The Observer."


A FATHER'S TRIBUTE.

   Mr. George B. Hallyburton, when he heard of his son's capture, in the 
simple, truthful language of his people, only said, "The German's didn't 
get Edgar without a fight, I'm sure; Ed is the fighting kind."


FROM HIS TEACHER.

   "It can already be said of our boys, 'He hath done what he could', for 
after a heroic stand and desperate fight, Sergeant Hallyburton was 
captured by the Germans last fall. This band of boys, the first American 
prisoners taken during the war, is 

Page 50

now in Darmstadt, Germany. Young Hallyburton's fine military record has 
won for him lasting honor, and given great impetus to the cause for which 
he was fighting, all over the country. We are justly proud of these boys, 
and feel sure our side must win when supported by such manly fellows as 
these."

   "Armistice Day, or North Carolina in the World War", which is a book 
published by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in mentioning 
Sergeant Hallyburton says:

   "It is a soldier's duty not only to fight in battle, but also to serve 
his country wherever he may be. This is what Edgar M. Hallyburton did. 
Edgar M. Hallyburton was born near Stony Point, Iredell County, North 
Carolina. He volunteered in the regular army and became a sergeant in the 
16th Infantry. This regiment was a part of the First Division, and was one 
of the first regiments to go to France.

   "In November, 1917, the Germans raided the American trenches and took 
Sergeant Hallyburton prisoner. Sergeant Hallyburton was carried into 
Germany and kept as a prisoner of war from November 1917 till November 
1918. He was in many German prison camps and in none of them was he well 
treated. As the war went on, other American prisoners of war came to these 
camps. The Germans tried to break their spirits, and make 

Page 51

them give valuable information about the American armies. They kept the 
American prisoners in dirty houses, and did not give them enough to eat.

   "Many a soldier's spirit would have broken down had it not been for 
Sergeant Hallyburton. He organized the prisoners and found comfortable 
places for them to stay in. He saw that all food and clothing due them was 
fairly divided among all prisoners. He organized officers and made rules 
to prevent Americans from getting discouraged and giving Germans 
information about our armies.

   "Finally, in November 1918, the Armistice was signed, and Sergeant 
Hallyburton and other prisoners of war were sent back to the American 
army. Here it was learned how he had served his country even while in 
prison. The government thanked him publicly for these fine services by 
giving him a medal called the Distinguished Service Medal. Many generals, 
colonels, and other men of high rank received this medal for fine work 
they did in training and leading soldiers. But none of them deserve more 
credit than Sergeant Hallyburton. He was not trying to win a name for 
himself. He was only doing his duty where he was. His was the spirit of 
service."

   The following verses were used in the Fourth Liberty Loan campaign of 
New England:

Page 52

TO EDGAR M. HALLYBURTON
A prisoner of war in Germany.
By his Aunt, Mrs. Ella Lackey, Hamlet, N. C. 

O, little boy, that used to roam
Among the peaceful hills of home,
With none of fear, so wild and free,
In dreams you often come to me.

These dimpled hands were my delight,
These fearless eyes were closed each night
In gentle slumbers; on my breast
This baby form was lulled to rest.

O, little boy that used to be;
O, captive son beyond the sea;
Who smoothes for you your prison bed?
Who pillows now your weary head?

Your soul is free! No prison bars
The spirit of the stripes and stars,
And those who stand for liberty
Will bring my soldier back to be. 


BY H. E. C. BRYANT.

   Washington, November 9.--The War Department issued this statement today:

   "By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of 
Congress, approved, July 9, 

Page 53

1918, (Bulletin No. 43, War Department, 1918) a Distinguished Service 
Medal is awarded the following man: Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton, (42848) 
Company F, 16th Infantry. For exceptionally meritorious and conspicious 
services."

   "Sergeant Hallyburton, while a prisoner in the hands of the German 
government from November, 1917 to November, 1918, voluntarily took command 
of the different camps in which he was located, and under difficult 
conditions, established administrative and personal quarters, organized 
the men into units, billited them systematically, established sanitary 
regulations, and made equitable distribution of supplies; he established 
an intelligence service to prevent our men giving information to the 
enemy, and prevented the enemy introducing propaganda. His patriotism and 
leadership under trying conditions were an inspiration to his fellow 
prisoners, and contributed greatly to the amelioration of their hardships."


FROM A SOLDIER'S RELATIVE.

   A few days ago, a soldier's relative contributed to The New York Times 
a short letter of appreciation behind which there is a story of interest 
to the people of North Carolina. The Times' contributer wrote to this 
effect:

   "Relatives of American soldiers detained in prison camps in Germany owe 
grateful thanks to 

Page 54

Sergeant Hallyburton, president of the camp at Rastadt, Duchy of Baden, 
for his kind offices in endeavouring to acquaint anxious mothers, wives, 
and sweethearts of the whereabouts of their captured loved ones." It is 
then briefly related that in many cases no official record whatsoever gave 
the fate of the lads who had ceased writing, but by some method of his 
own, Sergeant Hallyburton managed to convey at least the information that 
they were alive in some place in Germany, which was relief of a sort. "As 
we cannot reach this excellent man and friend," the writer continues, "we 
relatives take this method of placing on record our gratitude to him and 
his efficient secretary, Corporal Geoghegan, who, in the midst of their 
own misery, could take thought of ours and attempt to mitigate it by at 
least a ray of hope. God bless them both, is our earnest wish."


HIS PICTURE.

   The Associated Press dispatches carried the following article." "In the 
picture section of The New York Times of Sunday was a splendid picture of 
three American soldiers, taken prisoner by the Germans, being questioned 
by German officers. In addition to the group picture, the photograph of 
the three Americans was given separately. The photographs were obtained 
from German papers, passed by the British censor. The names of the 
prisoners did not appear, but acquaintances of 

Page 55

Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton of Iredell County, North Carolina readily 
recognized his photograph,--the soldier with his hair brushed up in front. 
Sergeant Hallyburton was captured when the Germans raided the American 
trenches, November 3. These were the first Americans captured, and the 
Germans have made much of the event, apparently putting the captives on 
exhibition."


FROM EDITOR WADE HARRIS.

   "The Observer's idea of an intertaining story is that which tells how 
Sergeant Hallyburton, the Alexander County boy (this should have been 
Iredell County boy--the Author) who was the first German captive, figured 
in the campaign of the Liberty Loan Committee of New England, which is 
presented elsewhere. The idea of the Committee itself should come in for 
first endorsement. It distinguished the North Carolina Sergeant by 
commemorating him in statuette. This art work was given display in the 
leading cities of New England with a placard reading: 'The first American 
soldier captured by the Germans. How long shall we allow him to remain a 
prisoner? Buy Liberty Bonds and set him free!' The statuettes and the 
appeal worked wonders in the success of the campaign, in New England, and 
for one, The Observer is proud of the distinctive part the Stony Point boy 
played in it. Incidentally, the story of the mistake in identity first 
committed by the New England 

Page 56

committee, and how it was adjusted, adds to the human interest of the 
story. The Observer feels inclined to thank this Boston organization in 
behalf of the state for its signal contribution to the fame of Sergeant 
Hallyburton. It will be recalled that a few weeks ago a young man with a 
squint in his eye, and who had been rejected by the army for that reason, 
appeared in Charlotte and underwent an operation for the taking out of the 
squint. This young fellow was a brother of Sergeant Hallyburton, and he 
was determined to get to France 'to take Bud away from the Germans.' 
Possibly it may come to pass that the happy mother in the mountain home 
back in Stony Point may have a second statuette to adorn her mantlepiece, 
for the younger brother is quite sure to have a hand in the rescue of 
Sergeant Hallyburton, in case the rescue is accomplished."


PRAYER FOR SERGEANT HALLYBURTON.

   The Charlotte (N. C.) News carried the following item just after the 
capture of Sergeant Hallyburton was made public:

   "The General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of the 
South, in late session at Fayetteville, Tenn., engaged in special prayer 
for Sergeant Hallyburton of Stony Point, this state, reported as being 
captured by the Germans in the first clash between the two lines. Sergeant 
Hallyburton is a "Seceder", a member of the Amity 

Page 57

Church in Iredell County, and, therefore, a Psalmsinger."

   Commenting on the above Associated Press dispatch, one of his home 
papers has this to say: "There is no way to tell, perhaps, nor will be, 
that the prayer of this body of consecrated ministers of the Gospel is 
ever answered for Sergeant Hallyburton. It is not allowed us to know 
whether or not a safe deliverance will come to him because of the 
supplications which have been sent up, but we have no doubt that if he 
could be made aware of the fact that back here in his home country he has 
been made a client of these pious ministers before the Courts of God, 
encouragement would come to his soul. Faced with the red waves of war's 
destruction, he is a fool who will not seek the side of heaven."


THE RED CROSS.

   The American Red Cross today, February 8, paid Sergeant Edgar M. 
Hallyburton, whose home is at Stony Point, Alexander County, North 
Carolina, a handsome compliment by sending broadcast the story of his 
splended work as American prisoner of war in Germany. "Elected by the vote 
of his 2,400 fellow Americans, who were prisoners at the German prison 
camp at Rastadt, as Commandant", the Red Cross says, "Sergeant 
Hallyburton, who for months fought to secure decent treatment for the 
American captives, is recognized as an authority 

Page 58

on their treatment." Although certain rights were finally wrung from the 
German military jailors, Sergeant Hallyburton says the Germans were guilty 
of many offences against the prisoners, in particular the regular stealing 
of American Red Cross food and clothing boxes sent to the Americans.

   "The American Red Cross is wonderful," exclaimed Sergeant Hallyburton, 
suddenly. "It supplied us so well that a prisoner received his regular 
weekly box never had to touch German stuff." This bulletin of the Red 
Cross carried a picture of Sergeant Hallyburton. This North Carolina boy 
is coming out of the war with much honor.

   Mr. Fred A. Olds, the versatile writer and amiable curator of the North 
Carolina Hall of History, writing in The Orphans Friend, under date of 
Friday, September 9, 1921 says:


A REAL HERO.

   "Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton stood the acid test and assayed pure 
gold.

   "Taylorsville, the county seat of Alexander, is not a big place, but it 
is the home of a full size Hero of the World War, and the writer got a 
great deal of pleasure from a visit to this 100 per cent. American, who is 
Edgar M. Hallyburton, late sergeant in Co. F, 16th Regiment, U. S. 
Infantry. He is the worthy wearer of one of the most coveted distinctions 
in the army, the Distinguished Service Medal, and his letter from General 
John J. Pershing, 

Page 59

he considers as great a distinction as the medal.

   "One sees the Distinguished Service Cross quite often, but not one man 
in a thousand has ever seen a Distinguished Service Medal. In fact, 
Sergeant Hallyburton was the first enlisted man to receive it. He was also 
the first American soldier captured by the Germans. It was not alone his 
bravery in action which won him the medal, but his wonderful head-work, 
inspirational always, and his American manhood while a prisoner in German 
camps, which kept his fellow prisoners together, secured for them respect 
and standing. In other words, this enlisted soldier, by sheer force of his 
personality, was the chosen head of all the American prisoners in Germany; 
chosen by them, and not by the Germans.

   "He is a quiet man, this Sergeant Hallyburton, but determination and 
utter fearlessness are written large upon his face. His home village was 
Stony Point, and from it he joined the regular army in 1907. He was in 
several branches of the service, went into Mexico with General Pershing in 
the persuit of Villa the bandit in 1916, and in June, 1917, went to France 
with the first American contingent, the First Division, all regular 
troops. The special training for the World War began at once.

   "November 3, 1917, his regiment was at the front, in the Luneville 
sector, in France, and had 

Page 60

just marched in. He and about twenty of his Company were in a dug-out 25 
feet under ground, that first night at the front. A little before 
daylight, the Germans laid down a heavy barrage, and rushed this advanced 
post, and entered the dug-out. They were met by rifle-fire and several 
were killed and one captured, but they used grenades, killing three 
Americans; Merle D. Hay, of Des Moines, Iowa; Thomas F. Enright, of 
Pittsburg, Pa.; and James B. Gresham, of Evansville, Ind., these being the 
first United States soldiers killed. Five others were wounded, and twelve 
taken prisoner by the overwhelming force of Germans. The latter were 
anxious to capture some Americans, hoping to get from them some first-hand 
information as to the strength of the United States force. The Germans 
questioned the captured men after they had taken them into their own 
lines, across 'No Man's Land', and made a photograph of this scene of 
questioning. These photographs they used as propaganda, and sent them 
through Switzerland, so newspapers could get them. The three Americans 
killed were buried with most imposing ceremonies by the French army. The 
captured men, including Hallyburton, were set down as missing. When the 
German photograph of the questioning reached the United States there was 
quite a sensation. No names were given, but the faces were clear. Mr. Geo. 
B. Hallyburton saw the picture, and his 

Page 61

wife and he at once gave notice to the War Department that it was their 
son who was the central figure in the picture. Bare headed, with one hand 
in a pocket, he looked fearlessly at the Boches, one of whom is laughing 
in a sneering way. One may be sure that the questioners, for all their 
arrogance, got nothing from Hallyburton, who is as firm as flint. The 
German intelligence officer bombarded him with questions, but the up-
standing American neither cringed nor told any secrets. The picture was 
put to a use of which the Germans never ever dreamed. As soon as Cyrus 
Dallin, a Massachusetts sculptor, saw it, he made a plaster statuette of 
Hallyburton, not then even knowing who he was. Then smaller statuettes 
were made, and those were used in the great Liberty Loan drives. The large 
statuette was later sent to the parents of Hallyburton. He showed to his 
captors the true spirit of Americanism and it astonished and puzzled them. 
He hated them with such a deep and abiding hatred that he would never try 
to learn or use their language. The next move by the Germans was to put 
their captives in a sort of cage on a truck, and send them to Germany and 
hand them from town to town, telling the people these appeared to be all 
the Americans who had arrived in Europe. The German populace looked at 
them and treated them as if they were wild beasts on show. Next, the 
Americans were sent to a prison camp in Tuchel, 

Page 62

West Prussia. Six more Americans arrived there a little later, bringing 
the number up to 18. The Germans hitched them to wagons and forced them to 
haul firewood 7 miles. Their good clothing had been taken by their cruel 
captors, and they were given wooden shoes, paper fabric socks, and 
wretched clothes. The snow was above their knees, they were half-starved, 
but their spirits were never broken. From town to town where they had been 
hauled in their cage and exhibited, Hallyburton, chosen as their leader, 
had written post cards to the American Red Cross, but these cards the 
Germans withheld, so that it was not until January 12, 1918 that upon 
demand of the Red Cross in Switzerland their names were given, and the 
first packages arrived. These supplies saved their lives. Hallyburton says 
otherwise they could not have endured over two months longer. The Germans 
made a regular practice to steal from the Red Cross boxes and to 
appropriate the articles. Once, when 100 pairs of shoes arrived, they 
stole 96. The American prisoners at Tuchel camp were well organized by 
Hallyburton, and they stood up for their rights. They were, August 4, 
1918, sent to a miserable camp at Rastadt. It was known as a "propaganda" 
camp, as the Germans tried in every way to undermine the morale of the 
Americans. There were 550 Americans in this camp when Hallyburton arrived. 
Pro-German traitors, who had enlisted in 

Page 63

the army with this purpose in view, were the spreaders of the vile 
propaganda, working hand-in-hand with the Germans. Of the Germans, the 
chief was Capt. von Tauscher, who tried to dynamite a bridge at Detroit, 
was caught with the dynamite in his suit case and was driven out of 
America, instead of being properly hanged. He was trying to introduce the 
two propaganda newspapers the Germans published, "The American In Europe" 
and the "Continental Times," but he was told point-blank that the 
Americans would not stand for it. The Americans again chose Hallyburton as 
their leader, and demanded this and the German general consented. At once 
the pro-German traitors were ousted. Hallyburton had a hand-picked 
intelligence staff of 150 men when the armistice began, and the Americans, 
completely turning the tables on the Germans, did the propaganda work 
themselves among the younger Boche soldiers, to good purpose, for 
something happened. The German "revolution" broke out, and it struck 
Rastadt November 3. The revolutionists opened the prison camp gates and 
asked the Americans, by that time 2,500 in number, to step out as free men 
and go into the town. A lot of them did so, but the influenza was raging 
in town and 83 cases developed among the Americans, three dying of it. At 
once Hallyburton put on iron-clad discipline, closed the prison camp 
gates, put on an American provost guard to take 

Page 64

the place of the German mutineers, and so kept perfect order until the day 
in December when the Americans left for home by way of Switzerland. Then 
he went to Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, and there rejoined his regiment. 
His outfit at Rastadt actually had cleaner quarters than the German 
guards, the American barracks being cleaned, or "policed", twice a day. He 
had a short stay in a horrible German prison at Heuberg, in the Grand 
Duchey of Baden, this being known as a "Strafe" camp. There he and an 
"adjunct", a soldier named Geebegan, were closely confined, worked hard, 
and half-starved.

   "Sergeant Hallyburton has placed in the State Hall of History two 
albums with photographs of his eventful prison life, and a great many 
newspaper articles and illustrations covering all sorts of phases of it. 
He also deposits there his Distinguished Service Medal and two letters of 
intense human interest which he prizes most highly. They are letters any 
American might well be proud to read and more than proud to have received. 
One is from Col. W. L. H. Godson, U. S. Military Attache at Berne, 
Switzerland, and the other from General Pershing."


TRUE BRAVERY.

   Hon. F. M. Pinnix, Editor of The Orphan's Friend and Masonic Journal, 
commenting on the 

Page 65

sketch by Mr. Fred A. Olds, pays Sergeant Hallyburton the following 
tribute:

   "Cononel Olds' story of Sergeant Hallyburton in this weeks issue is an 
inspiring one. North Carolina has the distinction of producing one of the 
really heroic and useful figures of the war in this fine soldier who not 
only did his full duty, but did it in a manner and at a time when it 
counted heavily. Like all really brave men, Sergeant Hallyburton is modest 
and reserved. Colonel Olds, who knows a man when he sees one, says, "He is 
a quiet man, this Sergeant Hallyburton, but determination and utter 
fearlessness are written large on his face." There are various types of 
bravery; all good, of course, but this type of Sergeant Hallyburton, 
instantly recognized by his superior officers, is of first rank. Under 
strain of excitement, of exaltation, of anger, of love, men do prodigies 
of valor without counting the cost, which means that they do not fully 
realize the hazards. Weaklings have, for the moment, played the part of 
heroes. Men, under sudden strong impulses, exhibit stout qualities of 
heart they cannot summon under normal conditions, and just here is where 
the real hero is different from the man whose heroism is not stable.

   "Hallyburton's is the kind that does not flinch. It is the kind that 
remained at concert pitch during his full period of service, including all 
his months as a prisoner of war. It stood the test.

Page 66

   "But bravery does not seem to be the only stock in trade of this 
soldier. After capture, many soldiers are prone to conclude they have done 
their full duty and that nothing further need be expected of them. That is 
not the Hallyburton system of reasoning. A prisoner, and menaced by new 
hazards, cut off from communication with the world, and fed on lies and 
propaganda, it does seem as if a soldier, in such situation, could do 
little for his country, yet a high type of intelligence, plus sterling 
character, can always find something useful to do, and in his 
characteristic way, Hallyburton found it. By the discipline and high 
morale he maintained among American prisoners of war, he not only helped 
to keep them superior to intimidation, and proof against the pitiless 
questioning they had to undergo; he not only kept his comrades unaffected 
by enemy propaganda; but he turned the tables on the enemy and got a 
little bit of truth as to the war going in Germany. This was a dangerous 
and difficult business, but with the assistance of his comrades, the 
Sergeant put it across and won the recognition and respect of a soldier no 
less than the Commander-in-Chief himself. Hallyburton, captured, in an 
enemy camp, was worth more to his country than many good men armed from 
head to foot, unwounded, and in action on the battle front. Sergeant 
Hallyburton is a fine type of soldier, if anybody should happen to ask 
you."

Page 67

FROM COLONEL W. L. H. GODSON.

   Sergeant Hallyburton, when in Berne, Switzerland, received the 
following commendatory letter from Colonel W. L. H. Godson, cavalry, the 
military attache at the United States legation:

   "Before you leave Berne with the repatriated American prisoners, I 
desire to furnish you with this statement to make record of your services 
while a prisoner of war in Germany. Captured on November 3, 1917, under 
circumstances which were absolutely beyond your control, your whole 
conduct from that time until your release in December, 1918, reflects 
credit upon yourself and the regular army to which you belong. In Tuchel, 
your conduct saved your comrades from the worst that filthy hole 
inflicted. You organized and controlled them under great difficulties, and 
even succeeded in forcing recognition from the German authorities. I shall 
report all I have learned in this case to the Commander-in-Chief, and 
shall recommend you for a commission in the United States army. I should 
be glad to have you as an officer in any organization I might command."


GENERAL PERSHING.

   Shortly after the armistice was signed, Sergeant Hallyburton received 
the following letter from General John J. Pershing:

"Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton, 
My Dear Sergeant:--

Page 68

   I have just learned, with great pleasure, of your magnificent and noble 
conduct while you were a prisoner of war in the hands of the enemy. Your 
loyalty and self-sacrificing spirit of devotion to the interest of the 
American soldiers who were prisoners in Germany during the hostilities is 
worthy of the highest traditions of American manhood and patriotism. 
Confronted with the difficult and serious problem of discovering and 
exterminating the enemy propaganda, made in their efforts to stifle the 
morale of the Americans, you did not waver for an instant but remained 
steadfast to your purpose and accomplished a most commendable service to 
your nation. I am proud to have you under my command. Believe me, 
Sergeant, very sincerely yours,

JOHN J. PERSHING."


THE ADJUNCT GENERAL.

"Mr. Edgar M. Hallyburton, 
Stony Point, N. C., 

Dear Sir:

   Under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, 
(Bulletin No. 43, W. D. 1918) a Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to 
you by the War Department, for exceptionally meritorious and conspicious 
services, while a prisoner in the hands of the German government from 
November 1917 to November 1918.

   "It is requested that you use the enclosed 

Page 69

penalty envelope, which requires no postage, and inform this office to 
what address you wish this medal sent, in order that presentation of same 
may be made.

Very respectfully,
P. C. HARRIS, 
The Adjutant General."


FROM SECRETARY BAKER.

   Washington, Nov. 20.--Secretary of War, Baker, announced that the 
Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to Sergeant Edgar M. 
Hallyburton, Co. F, 16th Infantry, in recognition of service performed for 
American prisoners while himself held in a German prison camp. The 
citation in part follows: "Sergeant Hallyburton, while a prisoner in the 
hands of the German government, took command, and under difficult 
conditions established administrative and personal headquarters, organized 
the men into units, billeted them systematically, established sanitary 
regulations, and made equitable distribution of supplies. He also 
established an intelligence service to prevent our men giving information 
to the enemy, and prevented the enemy introducing propaganda. His 
patriotism and leadership under trying conditions were an inspiration to 
his fellow prisoners, and contributed greatly to the amelioration of their 
hardship."

   Satisfied beyond the shadow of a doubt that 

Page 70

my readers will agree with me when I say Sergeant Hallyburton deserves all 
the praise and honor bestowed on him--satisfied that each one will join me 
in wishing for him a long life of peace and plenty--it gives me perfect 
pleasure to announce that shortly after his resignation as a soldier was 
accepted by the War Department, he was happily married to Miss Jeannette 
Dutchkee, a charming and attractive young lady of Louisville, Ky., and 
with this announcement, my story of him comes to THE END.

Page 70a

[image caption: FRANK, BROTHER OF SERGEANT EDGAR M. HALLYBURTON, WHO HAS 
RECENTLY DIED FROM A SHELL WOUND INFLICTED IN A FIGHT ON THE HILLS OF 
FRANCE]

Page 71

CHAPTER VI. PRIVATE FRANK C. HALLYBURTON

   Born, August 16, 1895.
   Enlisted, September 19, 1917.
   Wounded, October 20, 1918.
   Died, April 5, 1922.


PRIVATE FRANK HALLYBURTON.

   THE subject of this sketch was born in Iredell County, North Carolina, 
August 16, 1895, and was a younger son of Mr. Geo. B. Hallyburton and Mrs. 
Prudence Hallyburton and a brother of Sergeant Edgar M. Hallyburton. He 
enlisted in the army on the 19th of September, 1917, and was stationed, 
while in training, at Camp Jackson, S. C., and Camp Forest, Ga. He served 
with distinction until April 15, 1918. He reached "somewhere in France" on 
May 3, 1918. He fought with courage, and won his spurs at St. Michael on 
the western front in France, at Argonne, and in the trenches. At the 
battle of the Argonne, he was struck on the 

Page 72

left temple with a piece of shrapnel which went through his helmet, 
blinded him, but did not knock him down, and he did not become 
unconscious. Two other soldiers who were with him were struck by the same 
piece of shrapnel. These three gallant soldiers walked to the first aid 
station, which was over a mile away, after being wounded. One of them had 
never been in a battle before, and consequently, was somewhat frightened 
and had to be led by Frank and the other soldier. On the way, Frank fell 
on his head while crossing some wire entanglements. Reaching the first 
aid, one of the soldiers was left and Frank was given something to eat, 
and received an injection from the physician to prevent blood poison. From 
this place he was sent to base hospital No. 2 in an ambulance, sitting on 
the fender of the ambulance over the front wheel. At eight o'clock that 
night, he reached the base hospital, and for want of proper care and 
attention, slept on the floor in wet clothes. At four o'clock the next 
morning he was called to get up and put on an operating suit. His hands 
and feet were tied, and two men held him, one on each side, while he was 
operated on, without being placed under the influence of an anaesthetic. 
At nine o'clock that day, he was sent to Vacuation hospital, which was 
about 200 miles away. He walked from the hospital to the train, and sat up 
all the way in a slow French train. After reaching Vacuation hospital, 

Page 73

he remained in his bed for a week, at the end of this week, he was 
transferred to another ward with no windows or doors, and had to sleep on 
the floor. Every day he would go to the surgeon and have his wound 
dressed. One morning, not long after, he went over and a nurse took off 
his bandage, examined his head, and told him he could go. At this 
juncture, the physician in charge examined his wound, and found he very 
nearly had blood-poison, and sent him to another ward where there were 
nurses, and here he was in bed for a month, and where he remained for 
three months. When the armistice was signed, he was sent to St. Aignan, in 
a box car, and assigned to casual Company. He remained at Brest a month, 
and then was sent to the United States. He was fourteen days on the 
journey and reached home in April 1919, having spent one year in France.

   In April 1920, he was sent by the U. S. government to a hospital at 
Richmond, Va., and was operated on. Discovering, by means of the X-ray, 
that the operation in France had left a piece of shrapnel in his head, and 
finding a piece of decayed bone. After recovering, somewhat, from this 
operation, he returned to his home at Taylorsville, N. C., where he 
remained until his death, which occured early Wednesday morning, April 5, 
1922. His was an untimely death which came as a relief after suffering 
much mental torture through convulsions. 

Page 74

Physicians did all that medical science could do to prolong his life, but 
without avail. Funeral services were conducted, Friday afternoon, April 7, 
at the Methodist Church by the pastor, Rev. A. R. Bell, assisted by Rev. 
Pearson of Stony Point. He was buried with full military honors. Members 
of the Hurst Turner Legion Post of Statesville, N. C., under command of 
Lieutenant Godfrey C. Kimball, composed the firing squad, while quite a 
large number of ex-service men from Alexander and adjoining counties, 
attended the funeral services.

   Writing of his death, Dr. W. LeGette says: "In the face of this 
splendid soldier, there were slight signs of the last grim struggle; for 
he died from the secondary effects of shrapnel head-wound received in the 
Argonne. His last fight for home and country began in far away France, and 
ended here. O, it hurts to lose young men like this, but, as I looked upon 
his firm and handsome face, as he lay dressed in uniform, a feeling of 
pride and appreciation, far greater than grief, arose within my heart,--he 
represents the thousands, who like himself, made the "Supreme Sacrifice", 
and the tens of thousands who were ready to do the same."

   The following beautiful and touching tribute first appeared in The 
Charlotte (N. C.) Daily Observer, and was written by his aunt, Mrs. Ella 
H. Lackey, of Hamlet, N. C.

Page 75

IN MEMORY OF FRANK C. HALLYBURTON 
FOUGHT IN THE ARGONNE, WOUNDED, DEAD.

"Lights out", dear comrade, you have joined 
The bivouac of the dead 
That still keeps watch on Flanders' Field, 
That cannot sleep, though poppies blow 
Above the crosses, row on row. 
Keep watch, keep watch; Let not the foe 
You died to conquer, win the fight. 
You've thrown the torch to comrade hands, 
But, oh, keep watch throughout the night! 
You cannot sleep, you must not sleep 
While children starve, and mothers weep. 

Carry on! Carry on! Lest we forget 
The cause for which he died. 
The War God shows his gory head, 
He is not dead, he is not dead! 
Oh, comrade, watch. Let not the bed 
Of peaceful slumber woo 
You from our ever thinning ranks. 
We still need soldiers, brave and true, 
God grant the day may quickly come 
When war shall sign a last release, 
Then may you gladly hear us say, 
"Lights on, dear comrade, rest in peace." 

   The following tribute from the pen of the Author was printed in the 
Taylorsville Times, Taylorsville, N. C., Thursday May 11, 1922:

Page 76

IN MEMORY.

   In the tragic play of life another bolt hath fallen and the hand of 
death has touched the once placid heart of Frank Hallyburton and he is 
sleeping in the silent city of the death beneath a wealth of flowers. Once 
he had high hopes, noble aspirations, and life seemed as bright to him as 
the afterglow of a summer sunset--as hopeful as the arched beauty of a 
rainbow--but he heard the sullen crash of shot and shell--sensed the 
deadly fumes of poisoned gas and aspirations faded, hopes grew dim and 
life nor anything else ever seemed the same again.

   Flowers? Yes, in magnificent profusion they adorned his tomb--but all 
the flowers on earth cannot lesson one moment of the grief of his going--
and it all emphasizes the uncertainties of life--the certainties of death--
so all we can do is to leave the soldier with the warrior's God--believing 
it is well with his soul.

   Following his honorable discharge from the army, he received the 
following official recognition.

   "Columbia gives to her son the accolade of the new chivalry of 
Humanity. Franklin C. Hallyburton, Private, Headquarters Company, 11th 
Infantry, served with honor in the World War and was wounded in action."

WOODROW WILSON, Commander-In-Chief.

Page 77

OUR HEROES.
TO THE MEMORY OF OUR BOYS WHO DIED FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD.

Winter saddens all the landscape; 
White mists rise along the seas, 
Silvery in the morning coldness, 
Purpling as the daylight flees 
'Till Night on her ebon tablets 
Writes with stars' grand mysteries. 

No greetings of familiar voices 
Fall in music anywhere, 
Each gale and wind and storm 
Breathes but a melancholy prayer; 
And the bird notes all have vanished 
From the dewey steeps of air. 

We have stilled our hearts' mad yearning 
As the lonely days sweep 'round; 
And we watch not for thy coming, 
Listen not for word or sound; 
But our souls with thine keep speaking 
In Love's mystic hush profound. 

How delusive was our dreaming, 
Blossom-like with sweetness rife, 
In the spanning rainbow's beauty 
We forgot the battle's strife, 
For a tide of Hope eternal 
Drifted in upon our life. 

Page 78

Still, like white pearls underlying 
All the moaning of the sea, 
Like to hidden gems enriching 
The deep mine's obscurity, 
'Neath our spirits' outward seeming, 
Live fond memories of thee. 

Fain we would throw off the fetters, 
Now so dim with earthly rust, 
Gather up Love's wasted jewels-- 
Scattered pearls of faithful trust, 
And drop down with Freedom's heroes 
'Neath the sod and into dust. 

Though our pathways are divergent, 
Thou where raptured angels stand, 
While we hear no strain but sadness 
With the dropping of Time's sand; 
Yet we oft are gliding closely 
For warm claspings of the hand. 

So is joy oft wrung from sadness, 
And I bless God's power divine 
That no lengths of grief are stretching 
To thy happy life from mine; 
And our own should be the brighter 
For the Fame that rests on thine. 

--C. W. HYAMS.

Page 79

   The author of the above tribute to the heroic dead of the World War 
takes heartfelt pleasure in especially dedicating it to the sacred memory 
of his friend, Frank C. Hallyburton.