Transcriber's Note The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain. Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variations in hyphenation have been standardised but all other spelling and punctuation remains unchanged. Titles from the Contents, “Casualty List” and “Miscellaneous” have been added to Pages 81 and 85 respectively. [Illustration: CAPT. JOHN ALLAN PATON, U. S. A.] DEDICATION With love for him as a comrade, with respect for him as a leader, and with joy in the privilege that was his in serving his country to the utmost, this book is dedicated to the memory of— CAPTAIN JOHN ALLAN PATON, U. S. A. Killed in Action October 27, 1918. A HISTORY OF TROOP A Cavalry, Connecticut National Guard AND ITS SERVICE IN THE GREAT WAR AS Co. D, 102^{d..} Machine Gun Battalion [Illustration] EDITED BY A MEMBER OF THE COMPANY FROM DIARIES AND OFFICIAL RECORDS Copyright, 1919, by Robert John McCarthy All Rights Reserved CONTENTS Page Chapter I—Before the War 1 Chapter II—Mobilization 10 Chapter III—Preparation 14 Chapter IV—Going Over 19 Chapter V—Training 24 Chapter VI—Chemin des Dames 34 Chapter VII—Toul Sector 42 Chapter VIII—Chateau Thierry 51 Chapter IX—St. Mihiel 59 Chapter X—North of Verdun 66 Chapter XI—After the Armistice 73 Casualty List 81 Miscellaneous 85 [Illustration] FOREWORD It is hoped that this book will serve as a reminder to all D Company men and their descendants of the serious and frivolous, sad and happy moments of an experience which alone could be obtained in a great conflict. From the time of the first call to service to the final muster-out of the Company, theirs were the thrills of the silent secrecy of war-time movements, the glorious reception at home when the task was completed, the joy of seeing their comrades honored, the sorrow at their loss, and for those who remain, the satisfaction of knowing they accomplished the end toward which they were turned when the declaration of war against Germany was proclaimed.