157th Division Hqrs.
December 15th,1918.
Staff General Order No. 246.

On the date of the 12th of December, 1918, the 371st and 372nd R.I., U.S. have been returned to the disposal of the American Command. It is not without profound emotion that I come in the name of the 157th (French) Division and in my personal name, to say good-bye to our valiant comrades of combat. For seven months we have lived as brothers of arms, sharing the same works, the same hardships, the same dangers. Side by side, we have taken part in the great "battle of the Champagne", a wonderful victory has ended.

The 157th (French) Division will never forget the wonderful impetus, irresistible, the rush heroic of the colored American regiments on the "Observatories Crest", and in the Plain of Menthois. The most formidable defense, the nests of machine guns, the best organized positions, the artillery barrages most crushing, could not stop them. These best regiments have gone through all with disdain of death and thanks to their courage devotedness, the "Red Hand" Division has during nine hard days of battle been ahead in the victorious advance of the Fourth (French) Army.

Officers and non-commissioned officers and privates of the 371st and 372nd Regiments Infantry, U.S.. I respectfully salute your glorious dead and I bow down before your standards, which by the side of the 333rd R.I., led us to victory.

Dear Friends from America, when you have crossed back over the ocean, don't forget the "Red Hand" Division. Our fraternity of arms has been soaked in the blood of the brave. Those bonds will be indestructible. Keep a faithful remembrance to your General, so proud to have commanded you, and remember that his thankful affection is gained to you forever.

(Signed)

General Goybet,
Commanding the 157th (French) Division, Infantry.

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April 4, 1998