and a piccolo. The Red Cross also sent some "jazz band effects."
The regimental band was organized on the spot. As more instruments and music were obtained, the band almost reached its tubular strength. The band reached proficiency, almost, over night.
The following commendation for the work of the regiment was received: "The Chief Engineer desires to express his highest appreciation to you and to your regiment for the services rendered to the 1st Army in the offensive between the Meuse and Argonne, starting September 26, and the continuation of that offensive on November 1 and concluding with the Armistice of November 11,1918."
"The success of the operations of the Army Engineer Troops toward constructing and maintaining supply lines, both roads and railway, of the Army was in no small measure made possible by the excellent work performed by your troops."
"It is desired that the terms of this letter be published to all officers and enlisted men of your command at the earliest opportunity."
A soldier wrote the following letter to the "Crisis" newspaper:
"Our regiment is composed of colored and white officers. You will find a number of complimentary things on the regiment's record in the Argonne in history. We were, as you know, the fighting reserves of the Army and we were right on the front from September to November 11, 1918. We kept the lines of communication going and, of course, we were raided and shelled by German long range guns and subject to gas raids, too."
"We are now located in the Ardennes, between the Argonne and the Meuse. This is a wild and wooly forest, I assure you. We are hoping to reach our homes in May. We have spent over seven months in this section of the battle-front and we are hoping to get started home in a few weeks after you get this letter, at least. Our regiment is the best advertised regiment in the A.E.F. and its members are from all over the United States, practically."
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