The 3rd Battalion, 57th Artillery C.A.C.
Battery E and F

Battery F

Private Cpl. "Frank" Kiernan, Battery F,  57^th C.A.C.

Corporal Frank Kiernan was another man from Rockaway, New York in the 24th Company, C.A.C., and also was in Battery F, 57th Artillery.

Tom Fannin tells that his wife said her father had always told her that his father, Frank/Francis Leo Kiernan, had met General Pershing when he was in WWI in France. Tom Fannin goes on to tell the story, "When we cleaned out their house in Louisville a few years ago, I kept a set of old books which included General Pershing's Memoirs of WWI. As I read them, a newspaper clipping fell out. Very yellow. Seems a guy wrote into the Times to say that he had read an installment of the memoir published in the NY Times (1931) and recognized an incident where he and another soldier were surprised to find General Pershing, the highest ranking general we had, the President of France, Poincare' and the president's wife walking through a ruined estate. Their first instinct was to quickly disapper, but when the General told them who he was and who was with him, they took it as an introduction and quickly shook hands with a surprised French President. This was recounted in the book as an illustration of the naiveté and openness of the young American soldiers but the soldiers names were not given. This fellow, upon seeing the story, identified himself and Frank Kiernan as one of the two soldiers. He said that Frank was living in Far Rockaway, New York. This must have been about 1931. Just as described in the article, the account is in the book and the family story is proved out."

Frank Kiernan joined the Army on April 17, 1917. He sailed for France May 10th with the 57th Artillery, and did not leave until January 1919. Cpl. Kiernan participated i the following engagements: St. Mihiel Salient at Sampigny Sept. 12 to Sept. 19, 1918, Argonne Meuse Sector Sept. 21 to Nov. 25, 1918, at Montzelle, Avocourt, Malacourt, Iverny, Bois de Romange. Cpl. Frank Kiernan was the company clerk of Battery F.

Before the war, Frank lived with his parents John and Elizabeth Kiernan at 23 Kane Avenue, Rockaway Beach. John Kiernan was a policeman and next door lived his brother Francis Kiernan who was a fireman. Frank lived after the war at 260 Beach, 136th st. Belle Harbor until his marriage in 1922. After the 1929 crash, Frank had problems with depression and alcohol. The family split up and like many "black sheep" no one kept up with his story.

Left, Cpl Frank Kiernan, right Jack Kiernan

Battery F, 57th Artillery, C.A.C. in France. Cpl. Frank Kiernan is seated first man on the left with the hat on.

Images of Battery E while in France.

Above is one of Battery E's guns emplaced under camouflage net with shells and powder at the ready. (Cpl. Curtis collection)

Another gun of Battery E, this time set up in a line of trees. The gunners are using a ram rod to set the shell into the breech and then will place a bag of powder to finish the charge before closing the breech door. (Cpl. Curtis Collection)

Battery E on the road ready for the next emplacement. This is how the gun and carriage looked when in road position. The gun carriage is being transported by a truck. Sometimes a Holt tractor was used but here a covered truck is towing the rig. When a move was made the gun crews road on top of their gun and every thing they need for the next emplacement need to be carried with them, even if it was a chair to set on. You will note the chair hanging on the muzzle of the gun upside down. These guns were extremely heavy and used solid rubber tires due to the weight. (Cpl.Curtis Collection)

Battery E being moved into the next firing position. Now off road the extreme weight of the gun could be a problem in soft ground, so the crews have put on the mud lugs onto the solid rubber tires to help with mobility. Mud was the constant enemy of the gunner, note the knee boots each man has on. (Cpl.Curtis Collection)

Rockaway’s Own

By Andrew C. McTigue, Jr., Captain Coast Artillery Corps, New York National Guard

Reprinted from “Rockaway Review” June-July 1939.

Two days before Congress declared war against Germany and her allies in April 1917, “Rockaway's Own", a company of artillery, composed of residents of the Rockaway’s and vicinity was accepted, by the Regimental Commander, as the 24th Company of the 9th Coast Command. On May 7th 1917, they took the oath of allegiance and were mustered into service in the National Guard of New York.

The Rockaway Company had its own headquarters in an old hotel, since torn down, at Cornaga Avenue and James Street, Far Rockaway, and used the Ocean Country Golf course for drill maneuvers. The other eleven companies of the famous “Ninth New York", which is said to be the oldest regiment in the country with a glorious record of victorious engagements in past wars, had their headquarters and armory at 125 West 14th street, New York. The regiments, which with the Ninth, made up the Artillery Brigade of the New York National Guard, were the Eighth of the Bronx, Twelfth of Manhattan and the Thirteenth of Brooklyn.

In August of 1917 the Rockaway Company, having previously been mustered into Federal service in July, 1917, was ordered with the other companies of the Ninth, from Far Rockaway to Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to man the big coast defense guns there, which next to the fleet, were the main protection for New York Harbor and City.

As the 24th Company of 120 officers and men marched through the streets of Far Rockaway to entrain for Sandy Hook, they were given a rousing send-off by almost the entire populace, who lined the streets, cheering, weeping and calling encouragement to the, by then, well-trained soldiers, who, with the national colors at their head, stepped smartly and alertly to martial music, on their first lap to France and eventual participation in smashing the German army.

The organization of the 24th Company began in November 1916, when the writer, after a number of conferences, secured permission from the Lt. Colonel John J. Byrne, Commanding Officer of the Ninth, to form a detached unit of the regiment in the Rockaways.

In 1916, the Ninth had eleven companies numbered from 13 to 23, but as 12 companies were necessary to bring the regiment to full strength, the Rockaway’s were given the honor of raising the last or 24th Company. This honor almost went to New Rochelle, from which city there was strong agitation for permission to establish a company there, but the Rockaway’s won out, partly because Lt. Colonel Byrne owned a summer home in Far Rockaway and had a sentimental feeling for this section where he had spent so many happy years. In so far as I know, the Rockaway’s were the only community permitted to organize their own company for the purpose of participating in the World War.

The cream of the youth of the Rockaways were in this company; their esprit de corps was second to none; their personnel far above the average, and needless to say, their distinguished record in battle an honor credit to the Rockaways.

After permission for organization of the company was secured, the writer, who had been local correspondent for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and reporter for the Rockaway Journal, was able to give considerable publicity to the formation of the company. Lists were circulated for the signatures of those desiring to join, mass meetings were held in Nebenzahl’s Hall, which meetings were addressed by the Commanding Officer of the Ninth, members of his staff and prominent citizens, the Ninth Regiment band, almost a hundred strong, was brought to Far Rockaway, where, in the Depot Plaza they gave concerts of military airs, attracting large crowds; and personal recruiting was done by the writer and several others who volunteered to assist.

From the beginning, John C. Young, then editor of the Rockaway News, gave his enthusiastic and wholehearted support to the campaign writing and publishing articles for the News and other local and city papers and lending his efforts in every way possible to the formation of the company.

John J. McCarthy of Woodmere, a former Sergeant of the 69th New York, is another deserving special mention, for he gave considerable time and assistance in recruiting, and, through his zealous efforts, personally enlisted a number of young men from Woodmere and other branch villages.

Among the first to sign up were: Edward Lee, James Caffrey, Harry Nebenzahl, Anthony Marasco and Elias Brower. These first recruits immediately lent their efforts to securing other recruits. After a lull in recruiting, during the Christmas holidays, members signed up rapidly so that by mid-March, the full company strength of 120 officers and men had been pledged.

In the meantime, Harrison’s Hall had been leased by the State as an Armory, and physical examinations were begun under the capable supervision of 1st Lieutenant A. S. Tepper of Far Rockaway, who had been commissioned as a medical officer of the Regiment. The Commanding Officer designated the writer, as First Sergeant, Edward Lee as Supply Sergeant, and Harry Nebenzhal as Mess Sergeant, and they were detailed for a few days to Ft. Hamilton for instruction in their duties.

Three officers assigned to the Company by Regimental Headquarters, namely, Captain F. O. E. Knudson; 1st Lieutenant J. G. Davis and 2nd Lieutenant Walter Seligman. These experienced officers were well liked by the members of the Company and, in a short time; under their able guidance the raw rookies of the 24th Company became a well-drilled body of soldiers.

Early in June 1917, examinations for non-commissioned officers' vacancies were held and those receiving the highest marks were appointed on July 12, 1917. Sergeant Daniel E. Barry was promoted to First Sergeant, succeeding the writer, who was assigned to a vacancy as 2nd Lieutenant in the 21st Company of the Ninth.

The proficiency of a company unit depends to a great extent upon the ability of the First Sergeant. The Rockaway Company was fortunate in France such an outstanding leader as First Sergeant Daniel E. Barry, whose soldierly appearance, untiring work ability, patience and solicitude for the welfare of men earned him their sincere esteem, and, the highest commendation of his officers.

Aiding First Sergeant Barry, with exceptional ability and intelligence, were the non-commissioned officers of sergeants and corporals, who carried out the multiplicity of duties and special details imposed them in a manner meriting the highest praise.

At Sandy Hook, where the Ninth drilled and received instructions in the handling of the big guns while waiting for transportation to France, the men of the 24th became efficient artillerymen. On weekends and holidays, many residents of the Rockaways visited them at Fort Hancock bringing food delicacies, cigarettes, hand-knitted sweaters and other presents.

Lt. Colonel John J. Byrne, the Commanding Officer was in the meantime promoted to a full Colonel, later becoming a Brigadier General in command of the Artillery Brigade of the New York Guard and was retired with honors about three years ago [1936] as a Major General. He frequently visits Far Rockaway, renewing old acquaintances of war days.

Practically the entire Rockaway Company remained together through out the War, serving: in France under their new designation of Battery “F” 57th Heavy Field Artillery, A.E.F. They were classed as Army Artillery, attached to no division but used as heavy artillery for whatever divisions they were ordered to support.

However, a few of members of the company who chose to take the examinations, were promoted to commissioned officers and assigned to other units, so that there were representatives of the Rockaway Company in the Field Artillery, Trench Artillery, Coast Artillery and Railway Artillery and Quartermaster Corps.

The high quality of the entire personnel of the company was such that they would have distinguished them selves as non-commissioned officers or commissioned officers in the newly formed National Army, but so great was their esprit de corps, the majority preferred to serve together as unit.

Among those whose outstanding qualifications earned them promotions were Sergeant William H. Doolittle to 1st Lieutenant, Field Artillery; Corporal John Faber to 1st Lieutenant, Field Artillery; Sergeant Howard Sterne to 2nd Lieutenant, Trench Artillery; and Sergeant William Meissel to Sergeant Major Coast Artillery.

In May 1918, the Regiment sailed for Brest, France, on the S.S. Ryndam. After training at Libourne and Camp de Sourge where they were equipped with the famous French, tractor-drawn, 155mm guns, the 57th, including Rockaway’s Own, were sent to the front. Their first engagement was in the Battle of St. Mihiel, where they went into firing positions at Sampigny. In a surprise attack, the American Troops, in a few days’ time, completely routed the vaunted German forces opposing them, administering a serious defeat to the enemy by conquering the entire strongly fortified St. Mihiel salient of many square miles, capturing numerous prisoners taking quantities of guns, ammunition and other supplies.

Following this victory. Battery “F” saw heavy and continuous action with the American Army in Meuse-Argonne sector, where without being relieved from September 25th to November 11th, they fought valiantly against the picked shock troops of the enemy and over rough, hilly and heavily wooded country.

Although the “clam-diggers” as Rockaway’s Own termed themselves were out to raise "hell" in general when off duty or in camp and to give their officers many an uneasy moment with their horse-play, riotous good humor and minor infractions of discipline, which served to let off the steam of their high spirits, when it came time for serious attention to their job, they rose to the occasion, working as a team and giving the best they had in them.

Never once in the Argonne did the boys from the Rockaways yield ground but moved steadily forward, helping to drive the fiercely resisting enemy from Montzeville, Avocourt, Malancourt, Iovry, Mountfaucon and Bois de Romagne. At each of these places, Battery “F” fired shell after shell into the enemy lines, destroying ammunition dumps, wrecking concrete pill-boxes and fortified positions, blowing up roads, railroads and bridges, disorganizing supply services and laying down barrages on the enemy trenches to clear the way for the American Infantry.

While the Rockaway Company was at Bois de Romagne, the badly defeated and demoralized German Army gave up. The Armistice was the occasion for a joyous celebration in the front lines by the tired but happy boys of “Rockaway’s Own”, who with the tension over, gave vent to their pent up feelings, shooting off their revolvers and automatics, harmonizing with war songs and sentimental songs of Home Sweet Home, toasting their comrades with what wines of France were available and in general whooping it up as far as the facilities of the battle front allowed.

Ordered back to Brest, the regiment embarked for New York on January 2nd, 1919, on the United States Cruiser “Huntington.” A few weeks later Battery “F” was demobilized at Fort Sandy Hook, New Jersey. As each man was mustered out and given his honorable discharge, his happiness, at being free to come home again to his family and friends, tinged somewhat with sadness at the thought of parting from his buddies, who for more than a year and a half, had shared with him the pleasures and undergone with him the hardships and horrors of war.

But it was a gala and joyous day in the Spring of 1919, when the people of the Rockaway’s officially welcomed home their boys with a celebration and proudly presented to each one of them a medal, on which was engraved, “Awarded by the Citizens of the Rockaways to One Who Served the Nation with Honor the World's Great War – 1917-1918-1919”

Although the 24th Company was for many days under heavy enemy shell fire, and had two of their own guns accidentally explode while firing, excepting for a few who were gassed or slightly wounded, there was only one fatal casualty of a local member.

In the latter part of October 1918, Private Frank J. McGinn of Inwood was killed in action by enemy shellfire near Bois de Romagne, France. His genial disposition and soldierly qualities had endeared him to all his buddies, who were intensely shocked and saddened at his loss. In Regimental Headquarters of the Old Ninth on 14th Street, New York, a bronze tablet on which Frank J. McGinn’s name is recorded, together with the names of other members of his regiment who were killed action, has been unveiled, as an expression of the high esteem in which these heroes were held by their comrades-in-arms.

In this space limited article, written principally from memory, grown hazy with time, only a few high lights have been touched upon. It might, however, be mentioned that so well and favorably had the 24th Company made themselves known wherever they went in France, that even General Pershing in his book on the World War, recalls an amusing incident resulting from his counter with some the Rockaway boys at the front. It is with regret the writer omits stories of individual heroism, arduous and dangerous tasks meritoriously performed, hardships of war undergone without plaint, humorous encounters with the French language and people and numerous other anecdotes of camp and front line that will linger forever the memories of the "buddies" of the old 24th.

Neither does space permit the story of the company of the New York Guard composed of local residents, who replaced the 24th in Far Rockaway, when the latter left for war; nor the story of the presentation to the 24th Company in the hall of the Church of the of Good Counsel, Inwood, of the National Colors in silk, by a ladies committee headed by Mrs. Michael O’Rourke; nor stories of raising company funds by Private William Morrison and Corporal Gerald Ryan through benefits and personal appearances, assisted by prominent local citizens; nor does space permit recording the later history of the 24th Company, which after the War, continued in existence in the Rockaways for some ten-years longer with headquarters in an Armory at Rockaway Beach, except to state that the new and younger members did their best to carry on in peace time the splendid traditions and high standards set for them by their predecessors of the war period, gaining many honors and commendations for proficiency in infantry and artillery drill and for accuracy in the firing of sea-coast and 155mm guns.

Since this is a brief story of the 24th Company in War days, suffice it to say, in conclusion, that every one of the members were for and deeply appreciative of the enthusiastic and affectionate support given to them by the citizens of the Rockaways.

Date this page was last updated Monday, June 9, 2008 This page is owned by Joe Hartwell ©2007-2008