he
most conspicuous service. This unit of the brigade was commanded by
Colonel Wade H. Carpenter, a West Pointer.

Owing to the technical requirements, a thorough knowledge of mathematics
especially being necessary before one can become a good non-commissioned
or commissioned officer of artillery, this branch of the service appeals
to men of schooling. It has been claimed that the 351st regiment
contained the best educated group of Negroes in the American forces;
most of them being college or high school men. They were praised highly
by their officers, especially by Colonel Carpenter:

"When the regiment trained at Camp Meade," he said, "the men showed
the best desire, to make good soldiers. In France they outdid their
own expectations and shed glory for all.

"We didn't get into action until October 28th, but after that we
kept at the Germans until the last day.

"The men of the 351st were so anxious to get into service that
before they were ordered to the front they found it difficult to
restrain their impatience at being held back. However, their long
training in France did them a lot of good, the experience of being
taught by veteran Americans and Frenchmen proving of great value
when it came to actual battle.

"They never flinched under fire, always stood by their guns and
made the famous 155 millimeter French guns, with which we were
equipped, fairly smoke.

"I have been a regular army man for many years, and have always
been in command of white troops. Let me say to you that never have
I commanded a more capable, courageous and intelligent regiment
than this. It would give me the greatest pleasure to continue my
army career in command of this regiment of Negroes.

"Not only was their morale splendid but they were especially ready
to accept discipline. They idolized their officers and would have
followed them through hell if necessary.

"Fortunately, though many were wounded by shrapnel and a number
made ill by gas fumes, we suffered no casualties in the slain
column. About twenty-five died of sickness and accidents, but we
lost none in action.

"When the armistice came our hits were making such tremendous
scores against the enemy that prisoners taken by the Americans
declared the destruction wrought by the guns was terrific. On the
last day and in the las