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THE GEORGE S. ROBB CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THE GREAT WAR AT PARK UNIVERSITY Â VOLUME 1, NO. 1
WHO WAS GEORGE ROBB?
FIRST LIEUTENANT URBANE F. BASS, M.D. A Historic Move The First Unknown The Crispus Attucks Circle
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CONTENTS There's no expiration on valor. 3 Message from President Gunderson 4 Message from Director Westcott 5 Who Was George Robb? 6 Journal of George Robb 8 Student Army Training Corps (S.A.T.C.) Cadets 9 Valor Medals Review Project and Task Force 10 National Defense Authorization Act 11 First Lieutenant Urbane F. Bass, M.D. 19 A Historic Move 20 The First Unknown 21 The Crispus Attucks Circle 22 Research Updates 23 Sponsorships
11 First Lieutenant Urbane F. Bass
24 Contacts
Medical Reserve Corps 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment, 186th Infantry Brigade, 93rd Division VALOR MAGAZINE | 2
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT GUNDERSON
Whenever I am called upon to offer tangible examples of Park University’s support of our nation’s military, I have several present-day proof points to reference. Park’s Campus Center locations on 33 military installations across the country; our nationally-renowned Global Warrior Center, which supports the unique needs of militaryaffiliated students; and our consistent “military friendliness” rankings are easy examples to share. However, it gives me a deeper sense of pride to dig into our history and show that our military relationship extends far beyond recent initiatives; it is woven into the fabric of our institution. Park supported the military in the early 1900s, when we established a Park College Military Department; in 1918, when we hosted a
detachment of the Student Army Training Corps; from 1943 to 1945, when we were included among the schools selected by the U.S. Navy to function as a Naval Cadet Training Center for its V12 program; and in 1962, as we launched degree completion programs for servicemembers. Today, with the Valor Medals Review, led by the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War at Park University, this legacy continues. Through strategic research and compelling storytelling, it is our endeavor to properly honor a group of heroic servicemembers who served during World War I but may not have received Medals of Honor due to the racial and/or religious discrimination of the times.
the institution leading the research, I can think of no better way to prove that serving those who serve our country is more than just a guiding principle at our University—it is a solemn vow. As a proud American, I can think of no better project to express the fullness of patriotism. Very respectfully, Greg R. Gunderson, Ph.D. President, Park University
The time is right for a study such as this. As the proud president of
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MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR WESTCOTT Placing our research in current perspective
“The past is messy . . .” writes historian John Fea in Why Study History? Reflecting on the Importance of the Past. Fea’s comment could underscore the recent events that have encapsulated our national Iliad. While individually one confronts that past and the present in their own way, as the Robb Centre Team continues to research the minority servicemembers that served valiantly during the Great War, not only do we confront the racism of the early twentiethcentury, but the vestiges of a longer history. Examining the life stories of an African American from the southside of Chicago; a Native
American from the Yakama Tribe (State of Washington); an Asian American from a New York City borough; a Hispanic American from an El Paso barrio; or a generational Jewish American from Russia residing in a Philadelphia quarter, these brave Americans encountered cultural, educational, economic, and nativist sentiments a century ago that remain barriers. Each narrative contains its own complexities, but these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines served and died for a nation with promise, but imperfections. Our research tugs at that messy past for understanding and resolution. There is no promise
that our research will result in recognizing one of these servicemembers for our nation’s highest valor—the Medal of Honor, but we conscientiously bare and unmask the truth. Historian Margaret MacMillan, greatgranddaughter of former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, recently wrote “It is possible to break free of the past . . .” which the Robb Centre Team is committed. The individual narrative of each servicemember researched will be chronicled for future generations to examine, and hopefully appreciate them as warriors of peace, truthfulness, and reconciliation.
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WHO WAS GEORGE ROBB? 1st Lieutenant, Co. D, 369th Infantry, 93d Division Robb was born in Assaria, Kansas, on May 18, 1887, a small farm community in central Kansas. In the early 1900s, he attended the Park College Academy, a preparatory school, which instilled the "formation of habits of application of study." Following his Academy years, in 1908 he begun his studies at Park College (now Park University) and graduated in 1912. Robb continued his education by attending Columbia University (New York City) and graduated in 1915 with a master's degree in American History. Robb was an instructor in American History for four years before the war and elected Principal of the Great Bend High School (Great Bend, Kansas) in the spring of 1917 but resigned to join the U.S. Army. He attended officer training at Fort Sheridan (Illinois) between August 27 and November 26, 1917. He was brigaded with the 4th French Army commanded by General Henri Gourand. Robb was engaged in the Champagne-Marne, AisneMarne, and Meuse-Argonne theaters with members of the "Harlem Hellfighters." Less than a week prior to the engagements at Sechoult and Rosiers, where he was severely wounded, his promotion to First Lieutenant was bestowed. Robb returned to Kansas following the war and served as Postmaster of Salina, Kansas from 1923 to 1935. In 1935, he was appointed Kansas State Auditor and was re-elected in that position until 1957. He was married to Winona McLatchey and they had two daughters, Mary Jane Sage and Georganne Welty. He died on May 14, 1972 in Topeka, Kansas.
"He could not help but wonder as he set forth . . . when he would see that home again and what experiences he would meet with in the mean time but he could not help but feel that what ever they might be he would move equal to them. He must move equal to them for his home folks sent him forth with expectations and full confidence that he would be a real soldier and home folks are under no circumstances to be disappointed."
His military decorations include: Medal of Honor Purple Heart w/two bronze oak leaf clusters World War I Victory Medal w/four bronze service stars Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur degree of Knight (French Republic) Croix de Guerre w/bronze palm (French Republic) Croce al Merito di Guerra (Italy) Орден Књаза Данила I degree of Knight (Kingdom of Montenegro)
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JOURNAL OF GEORGE ROBB George Robb commenced writing a journal in late December 1917 as he departed Kansas and traveled to New York City for departure to Europe. Unfortunately, his journal writing was short lived. Thursday, January 10, 1918 This is a red letter day. I went onboard the steamer Olympic . . . at Pier 59 North River. The destination of the steamer was Liverpool, England. It took some time to get onboard as there was a long line of officers ahead of us. Troops were also going onboard. They were under heavy packs and most of them had two pair of shoes over their shoulders. Was assigned to stateroom 140 C deck, three bunkers . . . Lieutenants. All the help onboard is English. Ship has been carrying troops from Canada to England and the Mediterranean Sea for two years. Was once chased by a submarine but ran away from her. This is the first load of American troops it has carried. The boat is elegantly furnish and the lunch was fine as was also tea at 7 p.m.
RMS Olympic
At 4 p.m. a meeting was called of all officers onboard in the main saloon. The O.C. [Officer in Charge] . . . talked. Don't fail to salute him when you meet. Friday, January 11, 1918 Had a fine nights sleep and an excellent breakfast at 8:30. Took a walk around C deck but it was too crowded for comfort. Later meet the O.C. and did not fail to salute. In the saloon a colonel tried to get away with my campaign hat. Put on his and carried off mine in his hand. I was scared as it is only hat I have. He was an honest man for later he brought it back and apologized.
Grand staircase of the RMS Olympic
At 4:30 p.m. everyone was called below deck and the vessel began to move. It is evident that we are off for France. Everybody put on their life savers. It is a beautiful ornament to wear night and day for seven days. Think I will learn to love mine.
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JOURNAL OF GEORGE ROBB Tuesday, January 15, 1918 Got up in the morning not feeling exactly good, sea seemed very rough, and the boat was pitching a great deal. Went to breakfast but did not enjoy it much. After breakfast went up to the gym and tried exercising, but it did not improve that feeling down in the pit of my stomach. Tried fresh air on the boat deck, wind was blowing hard and water very rough. Fresh air did not improve my health so went down and went to bed, got up in time for lunch, but it did not taste right however did not give it to the fishes, after lunch put on overcoat and went to saloon to wait for boat call none came. Played poker most of the afternoon with Cox, Grantland, and another Lieut. This is by for the worst day we have had. Have not fed the fishes yet. Thursday, January 17, 1918 Feel real decent today, the first time for some days. Were informed that we were getting into the danger zone and the fact was impressed upon us when at 1 p.m. four small specks showed up in the distance. They developed into four torpedo boats or U-boat destroyers flying the English flag. Two took position on the Port side and two on the Starboard. Feel safer from subs than have for some time. Were informed in the evening that it would be well to bed in uniform. Spent most of the night and early hours of morning playing Pitch and Rummy, turned in at 3:30 a.m. At midnight clock went forward 74 minutes. Friday, January 18, 1918 Slept well in uniform and awoke still afloat. We are in the Irish Sea, heavy fog and rain, occasionally can catch a glimpse of the coast of Ireland on the Starboard side and Scotland on the Port. English full dogs still with us. It begins to look as if the skipper has put another trip across on the Germans. It is said that many vessels have been sunk by subs where we are going. One of the men saw the mast of one sticking out of the water some five or ten feet. Late in the evening we anchored out side of the Harbor of Liverpool, practically safe from subs. Saturday, January 19, 1918 Awoke in the morning to find the Olympic at dock in the harbor of Liverpool. An English fog was on and one could scarcely see the buildings at the water edge. Dock different from the ones in New York, it is an open one and appears to be floating. Liverpool is on the Havery River, many tugboats and ferry boats plying back and forth. Much smaller than the ones in New York harbor, they seem to have propellers at each end, and are easily handled. Troops unloaded early, we were told we would stay onboard until 8:00 p.m. This was postponed from time till time finally at seven p.m. after roll call we landed on English soil saying good by to the Olympic, she looked like a huge monster in the fog and darkness. Identified our baggage and finally at 8 p.m. were put on board an English passenger train. It was some train.
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STUDENT ARMY TRAINING CORPS (S.A.T.C.) CADETS Park University has had an educational and service connection with the U.S. military for over a century. The first connection was during World War I when then Park College hosted a detachment of Student Army Training Corps (S.A.T.C.) cadets. The War Department, on February 10, 1918, formed the Committee on Education and Special Training to evaluate the needs of the nation's military branches. In order to meet these needs. SATC was created on October 1, 1918, providing "special training for men entering the service through voluntary induction". Park was one of 525 educational institutions that hosted SATC cadets. The cadets were "soldiers in every sense of the word". The schedule consisted of ten hours of weekly military drill which included rifle, shooting, bayonet, physical and close order drill training. In addition, the cadets' academic schedule was composed of English, Physics, Geography, French, Chemistry, Meteorology, German, Biology, Geology, Mathematics, Mineralogy, Astronomy, Hygiene, Satiation, Mechanical and Free Hand Drawing, Surveying, Accounting, Economics, History, International Law, Military Law, and a War Arm's course. The approximately 130 cadets at Park University were housed in the uncompleted Copley-Thaw men's dormitory. U.S. Army regulations stipulated that each cadet was to receive "three wool blankets, two bedsacks with thirty pounds of straw, or two mattress covers".
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VALOR MEDALS REVIEW PROJECT AND TASK FORCE Established by Resolution of the United States World War I Centennial Commission in June 2018, the Valor Medals Review Task Force leads the investigation of World War I veterans, who, despite deserving deeds, may have been unjustly denied high-level valor awards due to racial or religious backgrounds. The Task Force is systematically reviewing World War I service records to identify veterans who, based on research, may warrant a Medal of Honor but failed to receive one due to bias, discrimination, or confusion by changing standards surrounding Medal of Honor awards during World War I. While the United States military has conducted systematic reviews for Medal of Honor awards to minority servicemembers in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and all subsequent American wars, no such systematic review has been made for World War I minority veterans. Only seven of the 121 World War I Medals of Honor were or have been awarded to minority Americans.
The national Valor Medals Review Task Force (Left to Right): Dr. Jeffrey Sammons, New York University; Dr. Timothy Westcott, Park University; Mr. Christopher Isleib, previously at the National Archives; Ms. Bridget Locke, Park University; Dr. Dwight Mears, Independent Historian; and Mr. Zachary Austin, Yale Law School.
The George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War at Park University is leading the research into the minority (African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Jewish American, and Native American) servicemembers who may be eligible, with additional research and documentation, for consideration by the appropriate military service Secretary. America has a sacred bond with those who serve to defend her, and there is no more powerful manifestation of that covenant than the Medal of Honor.
The Robb Centre Team (Left to Right): Mr. Joshua Weston, Senior Military Analyst; Dr. Timothy Westcott, Director; and Ms. Ashlyn Weber, Associate Director of Research and Initiatives. Weston (U.S. Army) and Westcott (U.S. Marine Corps) are veterans.
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NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT SEC. 584. REVIEW OF WORLD WAR I VALOR MEDALS (a) REVIEW REQUIRED--Each Secretary concerned shall review the service records of World War I veterans described in subsection (b) under the jurisdiction of such Secretary in order to determine whether any such veteran should be awarded the Medal of Honor for valor during World War I. (b) COVERED WORLD WAR I VETERANS--The World War I veterans whose service records may be reviewed under subsection (a) are the following: (1) African American war veterans, Asian American war veterans, Hispanic American war veterans, Jewish American war veterans, and Native American war veterans who were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross or Navy Cross for an action that occurred between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918. (2) African American war veterans, Asian American war veterans, Hispanic American war veterans, Jewish American war veterans, and Native American war veterans who were awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm (that is, awarded at the Army level or above) by the Government of France for an action that occurred between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918. (3) African American war veterans, Asian American war veterans, Hispanic American war veterans, Jewish American war veterans, and Native American war veterans who were recommended for a Medal of Honor for actions that occurred from April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918, if the Department of Defense possesses or receives relating to such recommendation. (c) RECOMMENDATION BASED ON REVIEW--If a Secretary concerned determines, based upon the review under subsection (a), that the award of the Medal of Honor to a covered World War I veteran is warranted, such Secretary shall submit to the President a recommendation that the President award the Medal of Honor to that veteran. (d) AUTHORITY TO AWARD MEDAL OF HONOR--The Medal of Honor may be awarded to a World War I veteran in accordance with a recommendation of a Secretary concerned under subsection (c). (e) WAIVER OF TIME LIMITATIONS--An award of the Medal of Honor may be made under subsection (d) without regard to-(1) section 7274 or 8298 of title 10, United States Code, as applicable; and (2) any regulation or other administrative restriction on-(A) the time for awarding the Medal of Honor or (B) the awarding of the Medal of Honor for service for which a Distinguished Service Cross or Navy Cross has been awarded. (f) DEADLINE--The review under subsection (a) shall terminate not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. The conferees note that the Valor Medals Review Task Force, jointly established by the United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars and the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, has identified World War I veteran service records for potential review by the Secretaries concerned. The conferees encourage the Secretaries of the military departments to consult with the Valor Medals Review Task Force to identify those service records that warrant further review to determine such veteran should be recommended for an upgrade to the Medal of Honor for valor.
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FIRST LIEUTENANT URBANE FRANCIS BASS, M.D. BORN: April 14, 1880 DEATH: October 6, 1918 (Killed In Action) HOMETOWN: Richmond, Virginia RACE: African American BRANCH OF SERVICE: Medical Reserve Corps, U.S. Army UNIT AT TIME OF ACTION: 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment, 186th Infantry Brigade, 93rd Division Attached to: French 157th Division, French Fourth Army, French XXI Corps LOCATIONS OF SERVICE: Fort Des Moines (Iowa); Camp Funston (Kansas); Newport News (Virginia); Bellenvue Signal Ridge (France); and Monthois (France). MILITARY HONOR: Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously awarded November 7, 1918). "Realizing that patriotism and loyalty should be paramount in the breasts of all American citizens at this time, and feeling (although a negro) that loyalty for my country and the desire to serve her in this critical period, I am herewith offering my services for the army Medical Corps, should there be a need for a negro physician for that branch of service." (1) Writing to Secretary of War Newton D. Baker on April 5, 1917, the day prior to Congress officially declaring war and three days following President Woodrow Wilson's war address to that same Congress, Dr. Urbane Francis Bass offered his medical expertise to the nation. J.B. Morris, a friend commented "Dr. Bass was dedicated to serving his country in a time of critical need. He knew our men were going to die in France and told me he would give his life to save them, if he had to. I could see the sincerity in his eyes. He was committed to the end." (2) Born to Richard and Rosa Bass on April 14, 1880, Bass grew up in a segregated south still recovering from the ravages of civil war. He was one of six children within the household on East Duval Street. His father's occupations included selling shoes, clothes and insurance. Bass graduated from Virginia Union University in 1902 and the Leonard Medical School of Shaw University in 1906. (3) He remained in Richmond starting a small medical practice on William Street, but within three years had closed the practice and moved to Fredericksburg to open a larger practice on Amelia Street and two years later a pharmacy on Commerce Street. His new practice was well received by the African American community, although local hospital privileges were denied. He "often treated . . . patients in their own homes, doing surgery on kitchen tables if necessary." (4)
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Civic duty and community engagement seemed to be a foundation for Bass as he was a founding member of Richmond's Astoria Beneficial Club in 1901, serving as vice president, while still an undergraduate student. The objective of the Club was "to inspire the members to a higher religious, moral, intellectual, civic, and social standing and to relieve the distressed members." (5) Following the nation's official entry into World War I, U.S. Surgeon General William C. Gorgas, in July 1917, declared that it was "not desirable" to train African American and white doctors at the same training facilities, thus stationing African American medical trainees at Fort Des Moines where they would be "with whom they will later serve." (6) Bass reported in mid-August 1917 to Fort Des Moines and received military training at the Medical Officers' Training Camp.
U.S. Surgeon General Gorgas Courtesy from the United States Army Center of Military History
Training focused on drill and ceremonies, administrative tasks, and medical issues. "Living conditions were poor . . . because the non-medical African American officers . . . had taken the better buildings and the medical personnel were relegated to converted stables . . . with only four showers for all the medical personnel." (7) By early November 1917, Bass reported for duty at Camp Funston and eventually departed Newport News aboard the USS Susquehanna on March 30, 1918 for Europe. (8)
http://www.navysource.org/archives/12/173016.htm Bass was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division which was attached to the French 157th Division, French Fourth Army. (9) In late September 1918, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was operational. Under the cover of darkness on September 24-25, 1918, as the 369th Infantry was positioned forward, the 372nd was held in reserve near Somme-Bionne. The following evening the Regiment was forwarded to Butte du Mesnil where they remained until September 29, 1918 when removed to a ravine southwest of the Bellevue signal station approximately three miles north of Monthois (Longitude: 4.710662/Latitude: 49.303520). On October 1, 1918, the 2nd Battalion relieved the 3rd Battalion, 371st Infantry on the front line at Trieres Ferme and within hours "heavy enemy fire rendered advance difficult" but eventually they were positioned a half-mile from Monthois. (10)
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The weather conditions during the week's battle averaged 48 degrees with four days of rain. The rain made the already uneven and hilly terrain muddy and slippery. Enemy forces had artillery, mortars, machine-guns, concrete machine-gun emplacements, small-arms, trench knives and clubs, underground shelters, barbed-wire entanglements, and trenches to thwart the allied forces. October 1st: On 1 October at 0500 (5 a.m.), the 2nd Battalion of the 372nd Infantry Regiment relieved the 3rd Battalion of the 371st Infantry Regiment North and West of Trieres Farm, while the 1st and 2nd Battalion of the 372nd Infantry Regiment moved into support positions 3 kilometers North of Sechault (on the Sechault Monthois Road) and the French 333rd Infantry held both banks of the 372nd Infantry Regiment. At 0700 (7 a.m.), the 372nd Infantry Regiment was issued orders to prepare for a three-phase attack to capture Monthois and Challerange with the 2nd Moroccan Division to its left. The Zone of Action was conducted between the Vertical Line Grid 281.5 and Vertical Line Grid 280 North of Sommepy, France. October 2nd: The rocket signal to commence the attack never took place, however, the 157th Division gave the order to attack regardless at 1350 (1:50 p.m.) behind a rolling artillery barrage. Heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire was taken by the 2nd Battalion of the 372nd Infantry Regiment from higher ground located southwest of Monthois. The 2nd Battalion reached a position around 800 kilometers south of Monthois where they stayed until they were relieved. October 3rd: At 0300 (3 a.m.) day operation orders were issued to the 372nd Infantry Regiment. Since the French 161st Division (to the right of the 372nd Infantry Regiment) had captured Challerange but the French 120th Division (to the left of the 372nd Infantry Regiment) failed to capture the slopes southwest of Monthois, the French 157th Division (and in conjunction with the 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment) were ordered to hold their position until the French 120th held the vicinity of Croix de Saingly. At 0545 (5:45 a.m.), the French 157th Division issued updated orders assigning specific missions for if/when the French 157th Division (in conjunction with the 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment) should attack if the French 120th Division succeeded in holding the vicinity of Croix de Saingly. However, the French 120 Division was unable to hold said position, and the French 157th Division issued orders for the 157th Division to continue to hold their position.
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October 4th and 5th: No changes were made these days and the French 157th Division, 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment continued to hold their position around 800 kilometers south of Monthois while engaging in combat with German forces. Daybreak, on October 5, the "German guns opened up strong. In the afternoon their counterattack materialized, a hand-to-hand combat ensued. . ." (11) German forces again, on October 6th, open an artillery barrage in which Bass would be mortally wounded. (12) October 6th: The German forces, following a German artillery bombardment on the 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regiment launched a counterattack which was repulsed by the 372nd Infantry Regiment. October 6th and 7th: No line changes were made during the day until the night of October 6th/morning of October 7th when the French 125th Division relieved the French 157th Division (and in conjunction the 372nd Infantry Regiment).
https://www.abmc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Section5.pdf
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https://www.firstworldwar.com/maps/graphics/maps_65_german_drives_4.jpg
Noted African American journalist and war correspondent Ralph W. Taylor stated, "He (Bass) was directing the https://www.abmc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Section5.pdf affairs of his temporary aid station just behind the crest of a hill, while the battle was raging, when a shell from the enemy's gun combed the hill and struck among the group of workers being directed by him, tearing off both legs of the physician. Lt. Bass, with remarkable fortitude, as calmly instructed his hospital corps how to give him first aid as if he was back writing a prescription for one of his patients back in the Virginia office. He died a few moments later, from blood hemorage [hemorrhage]. Thus went a most promising colored physician who, although beyond the draft age, volunteered his services; left behind a splendid practice, wife, and children, to serve his country in France, and by doing so helped to advance the interests of his race in America." (13) . VALOR MAGAZINE Â | Â 15
Frank E. Roberts notes that "An artillery shell blasted the forward section of the aide station he [Bass] was placed in, severing both of Lt. Bass' legs around the thigh region resulting in Lt. Bass dying within minutes of the explosion from shock and blood loss." (14) The Richmond Planet commented upon notification of his death that he was "highly respected by both white and colored." (15) Bass was initially buried at the La Cheppe Cemetery, Marne, France on October 7, 1918. Military records note that Bass was buried in his uniform and covered in a blanket. Identification of the remains was complicated because records note different grave numbers. Eventually identification was by "means of adjacent graves and officer's insignia" including an officer's braid on sleeve and collar ornaments "U.S.R." on his blouse. The "Report of Disinterment and Reburial" notes that his left leg was missing below the knee, right leg was broken at the ankle, there was a shot into the face, and the cheek bone was missing." (16) Family members, in late December 1918, wrote the Grave Registration Services requesting that Bass' remains be returned to the United States for burial. The response was "no requests for the transfer of the bodies of our dead can be favorably considered at the present time . . . nothing will be done until the matter of removal shall have been taken up as an entire project." (17) Bass' remains would not be returned to the United States for another two-and-a-half years. The last moments of Bass' life were expressed by friends and others that encountered his bravery and valor in October 1918. The citizens of Fredericksburg, though, did not forget the heroism of one of their own. On July 23, 1921, Dr. Urbane Francis Bass' remains returned home to be reburied in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.(18) The U.S.A.T. Wheaton departed Antwerp, Belgium on 19 June 1921 and arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey on July 2, 1921, with his remains. (19) The death of Bass devastated his family. He had married a classmate's sister Maude Lillian Vass in June 1907 shortly after completing medical school. They had four children together prior to Bass departing for Europe, the eldest approximately 10 years, while the youngest was just months old. Maude became depressed and mentally impaired by her loss. (20) She was hospitalized, for a short time, at the St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital, Washington, D.C. Maude never re-married and lived over one-hundred years (March 28, 1886October 22, 1986). She eventually taught music at the State School for the Blind and Deaf in Morgantown, NC.
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St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital Washington, D.C. National Photo Company Library of Congress Digital ID chp.3c04691
"Main Building for the North Carolina School for the Deaf" from the Third Biennial Report of the Board of Directores of the North Carolina School for the Deaf, 1896 (2). Government & Heritage Library, State Library of NC from Raleigh, NC http://digital.ncdcr.gov/u?/p249901coll22,163376
First Lieutenant Bass' service, heroism and valor epitomized what Colonel Charles Ballou, Fort Des Moines' commander remarked when issuing the oath of enlistment to the first candidates, "Success . . . must result from your own zeal, your own intelligence, your own industry, your own behavior and character." (21)
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NOTES 1. Free Lance Star, April 6, 1917, U.F. Bass Background Collection, 2001-051-001, Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, Fredericksburg, Virginia. 2. Joann Buckley, “Fredericksburg war hero, Dr.Urbane Bass, Remembered 100 Years Later,” www.fredericksburg.com, accessed October 28, 2018, https/www.fredericksburg.com/opinion/columns/column-fredericksburg-war-hero-dr-urbane-bassremembered-years-later/article_ed717a7b-df8a-5bad-a72c-7b420bae2a49.html. James B. Morris enlisted in the U.S. Army's 17th Provisional Training Regiment at Fort Des Moines, graduating as a second lieutenant in the first black officer class. Morris was in the Army Intelligence Service, 3rd Battalion, 92nd Division, 366th Infantry. Following the war, he returned to Des Moines, Iowa, practiced law and then purchased the Iowa Bystander newspaper which he operated for 50 years. 3. “Men of the Month,” The Crisis, February 1919, 177. His studies included Bible, English Language and Literature, Physics, Geometry, Latin, University History, Rhetoricals, Physiology and Hygiene, Civil Government, Ethics, Zoology, and Psychology. Bass delivered an address titled “The Companionship of Books” at his graduation ceremony from Virginia Union University. “Virginia Union University Closes,” The Richmond Planet (Richmond, VA), June 7, 1902 and “Colored Men Make Good Addresses,” The Times (Richmond, VA), May 22, 1902. 4. W. Douglas Fisher and Joann H. Buckley, African American Doctors of World War I: The Lives of 104 Volunteers (Jefferson, NC.: McFarland & Company, 2016), 29. 5. “Astoria Beneficial Club,” Founding Fathers, accessed October 28, 2018, https//www.astoriabeneficialclub.org/founding-fathers.html. Additional information related to his association is included in The Richmond Planet (Richmond, VA), January 11, 1902. 6. Sanders Marble, “African-American Medical Personnel in the US Army in the First World War,” Journal of the National Medical Association 110, no.1 (February 2018): 31. 7. Ibid. 8. Headquarters Port of Embarkation, “Passenger List of Organizations and Casuals” Mar. 30, 1918. 9. Robert Ewell Greene, Black Defenders of America, 1775-1973 (Chicago: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., 1974), 171 and Frank E. Roberts, The American Foreign Legion: Black Soldiers of the 93rd in World War I (Annapolis, MD.: Naval Institute Press, 2004), 149. 10. American Battle Monuments Commission, 93d Division Summary of Operations in the World War (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, n.d.), 22. 11. Monroe Mason, Thoughts of an American Soldier and a Brief History of the 372d U.S. Infantry (n.c: n.p., 1919), n.p. 12. Frank E. Roberts, The American Foreign Legion: Black Soldiers of the 93rd in World War I (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2004), 149. 13. Emmett J. Scott, Scott’s Official History of the American Negro in the World War (n.c.: Emmett J. Scott, 1919), 270-271.
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14. Frank E. Roberts, The American Foreign Legion: Black Soldiers of the 93rd in World War I (Annapolis, MD.: Naval Institute Press, 2004), 149. 15. “Lieut. Urbane F. Bass Killed in Action in France,” The Richmond Planet (Richmond, VA), November 9, 1918. His death was listed nationally in The Oregon Daily Journal (Portland, Oregon) and Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) of December 26, 1918 and the Washington Post of December 27, 1918. 16. Urbane F. Bass File, National Archives and Records Administration, St. Louis, Missouri. Military records indicate burial at grave numbers 39 and 133. In addition, there was no cross nor tag attached to the body. 17. Ibid. 18. The remains departed Jersey City, New Jersey on July 21 at 2145 via the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. He is buried in Grave 10, Officer’s Section, National Cemetery, Fredericksburg, Virginia. 19. List of Military Personnel Returning to the United States. 20. Urbane F. Bass File, National Archives and Records Administration, St. Louis, Missouri. 21. Adam P. Wilson, African American Army Officers of World War I: A Vanguard of Equality in War and Beyond (Jefferson, NC.: McFarland & Company Publishers, 2015), 52. A short video of Bass’ life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTO5zcGFC6U.
Photographic Credits: Cover: History of Medicine, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894. Story: Ancestry.com. Page of Claudia Dawkins.
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A Historic Move Ever thought about moving a 1845 structure? Park University, following months of consultation and fundraising, on August 7, 2019, undertook the task of moving the George S. Park house 400 yards across campus. The move was necessitated to begin building the new Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center and to relocate the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War. "Park House either had to be moved or destroyed," said Carolyn Elwess, '71. Built in 1845, Park House was the original home to George Park, co-founder of Park University and the City of Parkville, Mo. The quaint home sat at the campus entrance and served many purposes over the years, including Park faculty and alumni staff offices. The early 1960s, Frances Fishburn, college librarian and historian, began a movement to convert the house into a museum. Shortly after opening of the museum, the college was informed, in 1966, by the Missouri Highway Department that plans were underway to widen Highway 45 in front of the campus. The proposal took college officials by surprise. Following a series of letters back and forth, Park administrators submitted a list of damages that would occur to the main campus and the estimated cost of making subsequent improvements. Finally the move commenced on August 7, 1967 . . . fifty-two years to the day of its second move. The museum closed in 1989. Two years later, the City of Parkville and the Parkville Chamber of Commerce converted the house into a visitor's center. Over these past many years, the house has had additional uses. "Preserving the original structure and completing the recent renovations inspire a continued link to our history" commented Dr. Timothy Westcott, associate professor of history and director of the George S. Robb Centre. The structure would have been a fixture George Robb saw everyday while a student attending the Academy and College. "I truly believe George Park and George Robb would be very proud of us saving a small item of history to now be used to continue the narrative of our local identity" stated Westcott.
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The First Unknown
First Lieutenant George Seanor Robb returned to his home in Salina, Kansas at the end of the Great War in 1919 physically exhausted; recovering from four separate wounds incurred in combat in late September of 1918, he learned of his recommendation for the Medal of Honor whilst still in the hospital at Fort Riley, Kansas. Even after the publishing of his official nomination, he resisted attending his own Medal of Honor ceremony in Topeka, Kansas, requesting the medal be simply mailed to his address instead. Though 1st Lt. Robb was by all means deserving of the honor, he, like many others, seemed weary of the weight it brought in later years, keenly aware that there were dozens of others of minority background that were not dually represented. Nonetheless, two years later, George S. Robb was one of the 40-45 Medal of Honor recipients to help escort the very first Unknown Soldier on the way to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 1921. At the ceremony, thousands of civilians and retired military personnel flocked to watch the procession attended by then--President and First Lady Harding, Vice President Coolidge, John J. Pershing, Supreme Court Justices, and President Wilson (via carriage), along with French and other foreign dignitaries, in the hopes of catching a glimpse at the casket that had just arrived home from France. Only in recent years have the identities of many individuals involved in the ceremony become public knowledge, including the names of many honorary pallbearers, to give the impression that all who walked with the Unknown knew him, in some form. The concealment of those who walked alongside in an Army, Navy, or Marine Corps uniform was not so much an effort to obscure each of their stories and sacrifices, but to show to the crowd that everyone who served was to be equally represented. The man in the casket could have been anyone's son, brother, husband, or father, and those in his procession would be no different--including the eight pallbearers who carried his body to the vault. One of those bearers, the last carrier in the right-row, Corporal T.D. Saunders, Cheyenne, American Indian, is one of the Valor Medals Review’s Native American servicemembers applicable for review, walking in the same ceremony with half a dozen other confirmed by the George S. Robb Centre for the same process. In this rare instance, the American veterans of World War I were no longer separated by branch, rank, or race, but were equally escorting their brother to his place of burial, together. This, the first Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Ceremony and all who participated, is a direct representation of the George S. Robb Centre’s core assertion that there is no expiration for valor; regardless of background, everyone was to be honored for their service.
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The Crispus Attucks Circle In the early 1900’s, America was in a time of unprecedented racial violence; though the plague of racism affected all social institutions, the George S. Robb Centre consistently handles the issue through one particular light- the United States Armed Forces. Among the regularly unbalanced treatment of minorities in the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps, more often than not, roles, awards, and benefits were denied to minority servicemembers that Caucasian servicemembers were consistently provided. Evidence has shown that basic benefits of compensation and medical treatment were denied to dozens of African American veterans currently being examined by the Valor Medals Review Project. To challenge the inadequate options for basic medical treatment, the Crispus Attucks Circle for War Relief was created through the support of white and black American philanthropists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1918. The Circle named itself after Crispus Attucks (1723-1770), a former slave, soldier, and colonist of African and Native American descent, whose name had become synonymous with the “Hero of the Boston Massacre” (March 5, 1770) where he was the first victim of British gunfire. He is now considered as the first casualty of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The Circle provided veterans a second chance at life through post-war relief programs and basic healthcare, two opportunities not typically available to African Americans. The organization swiftly collected funds to establish Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia, as a war recovery center operated by black doctors and nurses; a paradigm of inclusion during a time of segregation and intolerance.
(Source: National Museum of American History) Through the Crispus Attucks Circle of War Relief, thousands of servicemembers were able to receive the firstrate medical services and support they so justly deserved, in doing so, outright promoting to American society the training and hiring of individuals regardless of race or background. The George S. Robb Centre is inspired by the Crispus Attucks Circle and their bold support of minority servicemembers in the fight against discrimination and inequality. We believe in seeing every person as an individual and not as a representative of their demographic. In our efforts, through the Valor Medals Review Project, we hope to overturn past injustices on those who were marginalized by others, and promote equality, inclusion, and recognition to those that were denied it in the past as well as the present.
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RESEARCH UPDATE Associate Director, Ashlyn Weber Each member of the George S. Robb Centre Team had entirely different introductions to the Valor Medals Reviews Project; though all of use have been involved since its infancy, each has had to face a different mountain of defeat in attempting to recount lives and incidents on the battlefield with materials over a century old. My confidence that information already collected on our subject at hand would be copious--not just in regard to Valor Medal Award recipients, but even steady numbers of each minority group who served-was very swiftly ended within the first few months of research. One would think that being 100-years-out would allow the best opportunity for accuracy--statewide document collections, declassified military afteraction reports, and federal-level correspondences have been available to the public for fifty years . . . but it has allowed for the equally worst to happen. Documents that have mishandled, mislabeled, or just plain thrown-away are nothing compared to resources that have faced the cruelest enemy of all--time. Handling vital information that has burned, ripped, or disintegrated, or hearing from descendants that they have never heard of the servicemember you have tracked through time, are the greatest reminders of how stubborn our task is. Even with materials that have survived for this long, we have encountered more setbacks with historical reports (accepted as accurate for over a century!) than successes. In many cases, our hopes of one day "finding" missing pieces of information--a map, a personal photograph, or an absent name on a Census report--have been concluded that in order to succeed, we may have to rely only on our abilities as researchers and our faith in the importance of this Project in order to truly bring these servicemembers back to life, regardless of a complete paper trail. Senior Military Analyst, Joshua Weston Currently, my team and I are finishing the Series of Engagement Events of the 92nd and 93rd Divisions, which has equaled to hundreds of pages in research notes, maps, pictures, and documents to provide historical evidence and a clear story of the movements and operations of the individuals involved in the Review. The Series of Engagement Events include detailed accounts from a plethora of resources; the Summary of Operations printed by the United States Army on each division, books published by noted historians, accounts from historical volumes printed by the U.S. Army Center of Military History, firsthand accounts via correspondence and journals, French and German maps and correspondence, and collections acquired from the National Archives in Washington D.C., to name a few. We have established a timeline to complete the military research of our African American servicemembers for the end of September 2020, when we will begin on another chosen group of servicemembers. The Centre has established its YouTube channel under the name of “George S Robb Centre”, where we have uploaded videos of our appearances on local and national television, as well as a panel discussion at the National World War 1 Museum and Memorial located here in Kansas City, Missouri. The George S Robb Centre YouTube channel will also provide videos covering our groups of servicemembers, biographies of chosen individuals, histories of units involved in our research, and the engagements they participated in during the Great War. The George S Robb Centre YouTube channel will also post video updates throughout the project and give insight to our research and daily tasks.
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SPONSORSHIPS Nathan Marticke, Chief Advancement Officer
Research Investors The George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War invites research investors to join the Valor Medals Review effort to properly recognize our service members. While the research is supported by legislation (S. 1218/H.R. 2249) signed within the National Defense Authorization Act on December 20, 2019, no federal appropriations are funding the project.
To discuss investing in the project, please contact: Nathan Marticke, Chief Advancement Officer, Park University 816-584-6844 nathan.marticke@park.edu Give Today! advancing.park.edu/valormedals Strategic Partners Partners are critical to advancing the mission of the Valor Medals Review. Endorsement, research support or other non-financial support of the successful completion of the Valor Medals Review is invited. The American Legion Army Aviation Association of America AMSUS, the Society of Federal Health Professionals Association of the United States Navy Commissioned Officers Association of the US Public Health Services, Inc. Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust Fleet Reserve Association Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Jewish War Veterans of the USA Marine Corps League Military Officers Association of America Military Order of the Purple Heart Naval Enlisted Reserve Association Reserve Officers Association Service Women's Action Network The Military Chaplains Association of the USA Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors The Retired Enlisted Association USCG Chief Petty Officers Association US Army Warrant Officers Association Vietnam Veterans of America Wounded Warrior Project
To discuss becoming a strategic partner, please contact: Dr. Timothy Westcott, Director, George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War at Park University 816-885-2345 or tim.westcott@park.edu
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CONTACTS
Dr. Timothy Westcott Director Park University CMB 117, 8700 NW River Park Drive Parkville, MO 64152 Email: tim.westcott@park.edu Website: https://gsr.park.edu Facebook: George S Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War LinkedIn: George S Robb Centre at Park University Twitter: @CentreRobb YouTube Channel: George S Robb Centre
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