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COMPANY H - 21ST U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT - SERVICE TIMELINES - INCLUDING PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION - 1905 - 1906
Sep 9, 1904 - James C. Willis enlisted at the age of 23 in the U.S. Army Regular Infantry, at Louisville, Kentucky. This was his second enlistment. His first term of service, beginning shortly after the Spanish-American War, had been Aug 20, 1901 to Aug 31, 1904, in 113th Company, Coast Artillery, most of which time was spent at Fort McHenry, Maryland. After his second enlistment, obviously looking for something a little more exciting than sitting at Fort McHenry, looking for enemy ships about to invade Baltimore, he was sent to Fort Snelling, Minnesota to join Company H, 21st Infantry Regiment.
Nov 5,1904 - Regiment sent to Presidio, San Francisco, California for embarkation to the Philippines. Feb 1, 1905 - Sailed for the Philippines aboard the U.S.A.J. Sherman. Feb 9, 1905 - Arrived at Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. Feb 11 - Left Honolulu. Feb 24 - Arrived at Guam. Feb 25 - Departed Guam. March 2 - Arrived at Manila, P.I. March 3 - Transferred to the U.S.A.J. Ingalls, departed Manila. March 5 - Arrived at Clorentte, Samar, P.I. March 6 - Arrived [Camp] Taft, Samar, P.I. March 28 - Company took a practice march to San Julien, and returned to Taft March 29, a distance of about 36 miles round trip. April 17 - 2nd Lieut Mullen with 30 men marched to Sulat. April 18 - Mullen and his men returned by way of San Vincente, distance marched about fourteen miles. April 22 - 2nd Lieut Mullen was ordered with 25 men to protect the town of Sulat from an attack threatened by the Pulajanes (Philippine Insurgents). Remained in camp at Sulat the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. April 26 - Returned to Taft, distance marched about fourteen miles. April 24 - 1st Lieut McLaughlin with Company (15 men) marched to Sulat and crossed to San Vincente, returned to Taft same day, distance marched 14 miles. Performed the usual garrison duties the remainder of the month.
May 1 - The Company (39 men) under command of 1st Lieut McLaughlin took a practice march from Taft, Samar, P.I. to Oras. Left Taft 6:00 A.M., May 2nd. Passed the barrios of Canabid and Dolores. Arrived at Oras, Samar 7:10 P.M., same day. Left Oras 7:10 A.M., May 3 and returned to Taft, Samar over same route. Arrived at Taft 8:15 P.M., same day. Distance marched about 45 miles. Upon a written request from Maj G. S. Hutton, P.O., dated May 4, 1905, calling for assistance, the Company (35 men) under the command of 1st Lieut McLaughlin embarked on the G.C.S. Cabia 10:00 A.M., May 5. Arrived at San Policarpo 3:30 P.M., same day. Disembarked and went into camp and remained in camp until 3:30 A.M., May 7, when the Company went into the interior for five miles and returned to camp 6:15 A.M., same day. At 6:30 A.M. the same day the Command embarked on the G.C.S. Troy and went along the east coast of Samar to Wugan, where it was reported the Pulajanes were in force and the scouts in need of assistance. Owing to high winds and very rough sea, it was impossible to make a landing, so the command returned to San Policarpo, arriving there about 3:30 P.M., same day. Left San Policarpo 6:10 A.M., May 8. Arrived at Oras, Samar 8:10 A.M., same day. Embarked on the G.C.S. Basilan 7:00 A.M. May 9. Arrived at Taft 10:30 A.M., same day, distance traveled 60 miles.
Upon written request of Gen Curry, Provincial Governor, dated May 23, asking for a relief expedition, the Company (39 men) under the command of 1st Lieut C. McLaughlin, embarked on the G.C.S. Basilan 3:30 P.M., May 24.
The P.I. were administered by U.S. Military Governors at this time, having been taken from Spain as part of the spoils of victory after the conclusion of the then recent Spanish-American War. Philippine Insurgents had battled the Spanish while under the occupation of Spain, and they battled the Americans while under U.S. occupation. Insurgents in Samar fought the Japanese while under Japanese occupation, and they are now battling the central government of the Philippines.
SERVICE TIMELINES - CONTINUED
Arrived at San Julian 5:10 P.M., same day. Shortly after the Company arrived, Col Taylor's Command returned and the Company assisted in loading the wounded (Col Taylor, Constabulary, and three enlisted men, Constabulary). Remained in the harbor of San Julian until 6:00 A.M. the following day when the Basilan left for Borongon, arriving at Borongon the same day at 8:00 A.M. Left at 8:30 same day. Arrived at Taft at 11:30 A.M., same day, distance traveled about 40 miles. Remained in Taft the remainder of the month and performed the usual garrison duties.
Lt C. McLaughlin, 21st Inf, with 41 men, Co H, 21st Inf, left post June 5 on expedition against Pulajanes for Nena, Samar, P.I., where it was reported the Pulajanes had burned the town of Nena and killed several inhabitants. Arrived at Nena same day and scouted the vicinity of Nena and San Julian and assisted in caring for the wounded inhabitants of Nena. The Company returned to post June 4, 1905.
1st Lt McLaughlin with 41 men, Co H, 21st Inf, left post June 7 on expedition into Pulajane Country. Went into the country southwest of Sulat and vicinity of Magtaeon. Scouted the country northwest of Magtaeon and located Pulajane camp, which consisted of from 40 to 50 houses and about 275 acres of ground under cultivation. Outpost were discovered and fired on. Uniforms found and large quantity of provisions. The Company returned to post on night of June 17, 1905. Total distance marched 160 miles.
This is not in the report, but I would be amazed if the men did not destroy the camp, and perform related "duties", probably under orders. Marching sixteen miles per day in mountainous Philippine jungle country in June, along with performing their military "duties", does not seem bad. Remember this is the infantry--not the coast artillery--and there is a hostile enemy present--other than greedy civilian Baltimorians and Fells Point tavern keepers in the vicinity of Fort McHenry.
2nd Lt George C. Mullen with detachment (14 men) Co H, 21st Inf, in company with Co F, 6th Inf, left post on June 19, 1905 on expedition into Pulajane Country. Arrived at Magtaeon (vicinity of Pulajane Headquarters) June 22, 1905. Camped and scouted for two days. Returned to post by trail along the Tubig River June 27, 1905. Total distance traveled about 160 miles. Remained at Taft the remainder of the month and performed the usual garrison duties.
July 5, 1905, 3:30 P.M. - 1st Lt McLaughlin with Company (35 men) left Taft, passed through the barrios of Montang and Maytaigboa, arriving at Sulat 6:00 P.M., same day. Went to San Julian and returned to Sulat same day, July 6. Returned to Taft July 7. Distance marched about 30 miles. July 13, 7:00 A.M. - 2nd Lt Mullen with 24 men left Taft and passed through the barrios of San Luis, Hubasen, and Canabid arriving at Dolores same day. Returned to San Luis July 14 and camped for the night. Arrived at Taft 7:10 A.M., July 15. Distance marched about 35 miles. July 20, 10:00 A.M. - 2nd Lt Mullen with 20 men left Taft and passed through the barrios of Montang and Maytaigboa, arriving at Sulat same day. Remained in the vicinity of Sulat and San Julian July 21 and 22. Returned to Taft 6:00 P.M., July 24. Distance marched about 40 miles. The Company performed the usual garrison duties the remainder of the month.
August 1, 2:00 P.M. - 1st Lt McLaughlin with Company (25 men) left Taft, Samar, P.I. Arrived at San Luis same day. Returned to Taft 4:30 P.M., August 2. Distance marched about six miles. August 3, 8:30 A.M. - 2nd Lt Mullen with 23 men left Taft repairing telephone line. Arrived at Dolores same day. Returned to Canabid August 4 and camped for the night. Returned to Taft 9:30 A.M., August 5. Distance marched about 30 miles. August 7, 2:45 P.M. - 1st Lt McLaughlin with Company (39 men) left Taft, arrived at Sulat same day. Remained in camp at Sulat August 8. Returned to Taft 11 A.M., August 9. Distance marched 16 miles. August 9, 6:00 A.M. - Sergeant Clevenger with seven men left Samar as guard for Detachment of Signal Corps to Oras, Samar, P.I. via Dolores and Dap. Returned to Taft on the U.S.S. Wright 8:00 A.M., August 12. Distance traveled about 46 miles. August 20, 2 P.M. - 1st Lt McLaughlin with 20 men left Taft. Scouted the country from Malinoa to Bologan passing around Magtaeon and Loquilocan. Arrived at Bologan 4:30 P.M., August 26. Left Bologan on bancos 11:30 A.M., August 27. Arrived at Canabid via Sulut River 10:30 P.M., same day. Returned to Taft 10:30 A.M., August 28. Distance traveled about 160 miles. August 28, 12:20 P.M. - Sergt Torstrup with nine men left Taft repairing telephone line. Arrived at Dolores same day. Returned to Taft 12:40 P.M., August 29. Distance marched about 30 miles.
The telephone had apparently replaced the telegraph by 1905 as the primary communications mode used by the Army Signal Corps. Infantry detachments, according to reports detailing activities of Co H, 21st Inf, spent a lot of time protecting the Signal Corps in their efforts to install and maintain the telephone lines. Presumably these same telephone lines were a tempting target for the Philippine Insurgents.
Sep 13, 1905 - Sergt Clevenger with nine men left Taft, repairing telephone line, arriving at Dolores same day. Returned to Taft 11:45 A.M., Sept 4, distance marched about 30 miles. Sept 11, 6:00 A.M. - 2nd Lt Mullen with five men Company H and 23 men 1st Company [Provost Guard] left Taft arriving at Dolores the same day. Returned to Taft (as escort for 1st Class Private Garley, Signal Corps, repairing telephone lines) Sep 12. Distance marched about 30 miles. Sep 13, 10:A.M. - 2nd Lt Mullen with five men Company H and 20 men 1st Company [Provost Guard] left Taft (as escort for 1st Class Private Garley, Signal Corps) to San Julian. Returned to Taft 12:00P.M., Sep 16. Distance marched about 30 miles.
Sep 22, 1:30 P.M. - The Company two officers and 66 men left Taft on the Carmen. Arrived at Camp Connell, Samar, P.I. 6:00 A.M., Sep 24,1905, and took station in compliance wilth General Order #36 Headquarters Department of the Visayas, dated Sep 7, 1905. Performed the usual garrison duties the remainder of the month.
The Company was engaged in Annual Target Practice from Oct 2 to 30 inclusive. Performed the usual garrison duties the remainder of the month. The Company performed garrison duties at Camp Connell, Samar from Nov 1905 through Feb 1906.
The Company was engaged in its annual Target Practice from Feb 2 to Mar 6, 1906. Mar 30/31 - one 1st Lt, five Sergeants, and two Musicians had their annual pistol practice for the season of 1906. Apr 10-27 - Several practice marches and field problems were conducted to including San Polycarpo, Sabong, San Marquite, and Pilot Knob, Samar. Jul 9-Aug 11 - Field problems and practice marches on Samar.
Aug 12, 1906, 10:30 P.M. - 1st Lt McLaughlin and 2nd Lt R. Hartz (attached) with the 21st Inf with Co H and 60 men, including Co G, Capt C. R. Howland, Commanding, left Camp Connell, Samar, P.I. for service in the field on Leyte, P.I. Aug 13, 7 A.M. - Traveling by boat on the Butuan the men arrived at Tacloban. Left 12 P.M., same day, arrived at Abuyog, Leyte, P.I. at 10:30 P.M., Aug 13. Distance traveled about 100 miles. Paragraph 1, Special Orders 129, Headquarters, Camp Connell, Samar, P.I., dated Aug 12, 1906, pertains. Aug 15, 1906 - 1st Lt McLaughlin and 2nd Lt Hartz with 40 men of Co H and 40 men of Co G, Capt Howland Commanding, left Abuyog at 6:20 A.M. Scouted the country in the vicinity of Lake Bito, returning to Abuyog 1:20 P.M., Aug 17. Distance marched about 29 miles. Sergt McCarthy with eight men from Co H, 21st Inf, along with a detachment from Co D, 8th Inf, and eight men from Co G, 21st Inf, 2nd Lt T. L. Minnigerade, 8th Inf, Commanding, as guard for Signal Corps, constructing telephone line to Mayorga, Leyte. Left Abuyog 5:30 A.M., Aug 17. Returned 10:00 A.M., Aug 20. Distance marched about 25 miles. Thirty men of Co H accompanied by Co G, 21st Inf, Capt Howland, Commanding, left Abuyog at 6:20 A.M., Aug 19. Arrived at Bay, Leyte 2:30 P.M., Aug 21. Left Bay 6:20 A.M., Aug 22. Returned to Abuyog via Tagabacca 3:30 P.M., Aug 24. Distance marched about 50 miles. 2nd Lt Hartz with 18 men from Co H and 18 men from Co G left Abuyog 7:00 A.M., Aug 23 in bancos, sketched the route to Tagabacca, returned in bancos 3:30 P.M., Aug 24. Distance traveled about 12 miles. 1st Lt McLaughlin and 2nd Lt Hartz with 20 men from Co H and 20 men from Co G left Abuyog 6:30 A.M., Aug 27, sketched the route to Taragona, returning 3:45 P.M., same day. Distance marched 11 miles. 1st Lt McLaughlin and 2nd Lt Hartz with 20 men from Co H and 20 men from Co G left Abuyog 10 A.M., Aug 29, as escort for Sgt Young, Signal Corps, while making an inspection of the telephone line to Mayorga. Returned Aug 30, 2:30 P.M. Distance marched about 25 miles.
The Company performed the usual camp and garrison duties at Camp Connell, Samar, P.I. from Jul 30 to Aug 12, 1906. Field service on the island of Leyte since Aug 13, 1906.
The Company performed the usual field duties on the island of Leyte from Sep 1 to 4, 1906. Embarked on the U.S.A.J. Bolinao at 2:00 P.M., Sep 14; sailed from Abuyog, Leyte, P.I. at 3:30 P.M., same day. Arrived at Tacloban 6:30 P.M., same day. Left Tacloban 9:30 P.M., same day. Arrived at Camp Connell, Samar, P.I. at 4:A.M., Sep 5. Disembarked and took station at 6:30 A.M., same day. Distance traveled about 100 miles. The Company performed the usual camp and garrison duties at Camp Connell, Samar, P.I. from Sep 6 to 12, 1906.
The Company embarked on the U.S.A.J. Kilpatrick at 4:30 P.M., Sep 13.; remained in harbor of Calbayog loading property until 4:00 A.M., Sep 16, the hour the boat sailed for Marvelieus. Arrived at Marvelieus at 7:30 P.M., Sep 17. Distance traveled about 313 miles. Disembarked and took shelter at Marvelieus at 8:00 A.M., Sep 18, 1906.
The Company was inspected and all clothing fumigated at 5:00 P.M., Sep 18, and boarded the U.S.A.J. Logan immediately afterward. The Company sailed on the U.S.A.J. Logan for the U.S. at 3:00 P.M., Sep 20, 1906. Arrived at Nagasaki, Japan at 9:00 P.M., the 24th. Left 5:00 A.M., Sep 27, 1906. Arrived at Honolulu, Hawaiian Territory 8;00 A.M., Oct 10. Left Honolulu, H.T. 5:00 P.M., Oct 10. Arrived at San Francisco, California 9:00 P.M., Oct 17, 1906. Left San Francisco 12:00 P.M., Oct 20, 1906 for Fort Logan, Colorado via the Santa Fe Route (presumably the Santa Fe Railroad), arriving at Fort Logan, Colo., 6:00 A.M., Oct 25, 1906. Performed the usual garrison duties since arrival at Fort Logan.
Sep 8, 1907 - Private James C. Willis was honorably discharged from military service at Fort Douglas, Utah. Character - Very Good. Marksmanship - First Class. Physical condition when discharged - Good.
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PRIVATE JAMES C. WILLIS - COMPANY H - 21ST U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT -
PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION - 1905 - 1906
This image depicts some of the men of Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry Regiment, who served in the Philippine Insurrection from 1905 to 1906. Private James C. Willis, my Grandfather, is kneeling on the right. These men, possibly members of the same platoon or the same squad within Company H, are young, as all soldiers generally are, and you can tell at a glance that they are U.S. Regulars. They have this look of proud confidence that says--"I am well trained and well drilled, and I have supreme trust in my comrades and in my own abilities."
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SUMMARY OF SERVICE FROM THE DISCHARGE PAPERS OF PRIVATE JAMES C. WILLIS - SHORTLY AFTER THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR - 1901-1904
James C. Willis enlisted as a Private in 113th Company, Coast Regiment of Artillery, Aug 20, 1901 at Leitchfield, Grayson County, Kentucky. Age - 19 1/2. Height- 5-7. Complexion - Ruddy. Eyes - Blue. Hair - Dark Brown. Occupation - Farmer. Company was organized and served at Fort McHenry, Maryland. This is the same Fort McHenry that provided Francis Scott Key the inspiration to write the Star Spangled Banner, the National Anthem, while he was a prisoner on a British ship during the bombardment in the War of 1812. May 11, 1903 - Company left Fort McHenry. May 13, 1903 - Arrived at Fort McKinley, Maine. James Willis was discharged at Fort Hancock, New Jersey, Aug 31, 1904.
PRIVATE JAMES C. WILLIS - 113TH COMPANY - COAST REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY - FORT MCHENRY MARYLAND - 1901-1903
This image depicts James C. Willis as a Private in 113th Company, Coast Regiment of Artillery, while stationed at Fort McHenry near Baltimore, Maryland, 1901-1903. The image was taken at Day’s Photography Studio, 1119 Light Street, in South Baltimore, as can be noted from the logo at the bottom of the photo. James is resplendent in his dress blue uniform and looks very young.
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