At Blanc Mont the Germans occupied heavily fortified positions that they had held against all French attacks since 1914. They had every intention of continuing to hold. In October 1918, the 6th Marines led the assault and within 2 hours had occupied the German positions. There were fierce counterattacks and continued fighting for the next 3 days, but the Marines had set a new standard of tactical skill.
This private is marked as a battalion runner, a "dog robber," by his red brassard which allowed him free movement throughout the divisional area. Unfortunately it also marked his dead body as worth searching for undelivered messages. This runner is lightly equipped so as to be unencumbered, carrying only a gasmask, pistol, trench knife, and canteen. He wears the standard Army AEF overcoat, but in this case cut short for ease of movement and to keep its skirts out of the mud, which could add extra pounds to its weight. Most U.S. officers were not allowed to have soldier servants or batmen, instead runners, unit buglers, and drivers were often employed in this capacity to some degree. These soldiers were referred to as "dog robbers." It's not clear as to where this term originated, but according to military lore an aide de camp was willing to steal a dog's dinner to feed his captain. |
