Pvt. Joseph Raymond Lambe 1898-1918

LAMBE

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 9/11/2010 at 09:17:32

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
27 Nov 1918
Page 1

He Died For Liberty

M. R., Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lambe, Meets Death in France.

Monday evening Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lambe of Vernon township received a telegram from the war department at Washington stating that their son, J. R. Lambe, was killed in action in France on October 2. It is, of course, strange that the report was so slow in reaching them. As he had been at the front for several weeks and had seen hard fighting, the sad news of his death is not surprising. Mr. Lambe was a Trinity College at Sioux City when he enlisted. He left for camp some time in February and did not have an opportunity of coming home to see his parents before he was sent across the water. He frequently wrote them and seemed to enjoy army life. He was, from the first, thoroughly imbued with the military spirit and was anxious to be placed where he could do his utmost in assisting to reach the enemy. His ardent request was granted and for weeks he was proud to be found in the thickest of the fighting. Definite details concerning his death may of course never be known. He was about twenty years of age.

Mr. Lambe was a bright, clever, promising young man. He had a quick pleasing personality and was quick, ready and plucky. He had the true courage and the determination that make the capable, daring, successful soldier. We understand that when he made up his mind that his country needed his services he would not take any chances lest domestic influences which are so often used with success might prevent him from going to the front. In camp and in active, hard campaigning, he made a record that won for him the warm admiration of his superior officers. He would doubtless have been given well deserved promotion, had he come out of the struggle with his physical powers impaired. His habits were most pleasing to his associates and he was dutiful and obedient in his home life as well as in his record as a college student. He had just reached his years of manhood when his country asked for the consecration to the cause of liberty, his heart's blood, if necessary. That he unhesitatingly, proudly yielded must be a consolation to his parents, sorrowfully though they must have learned of his death. We can not yet of course appreciate fully the sacrifices made by him and the 52,000 or more American young men who have died on the fields of France for freedom and democracy. In decades to come the millions of Europe whose civil and religious privileges will be enlarged, whose encouraging opportunities will be multiplied, whose heavy burdens will be lightened, whose ennobling aspirations will be quickened and whose domestic happiness will be made secure will bless the names and the heroism of Ray Lambe and the thousands of other American young men who had the indomitable courage to meet unflinchingly despotism in all of his might and fury and hurl him from power. The realization of what the millions in arms behind those who fell could and would do, if given an opportunity, was of course equally as instrumental in bringing the great conflict to a close. This is the light in which Mr. and Mrs. Lambe and other parents of heroic, though fallen, sons will, we are confident, view their losses, far though they are from the scenes where their loved ones fell. The sympathy of the millions of our republic, and we might say the world, goes out to them in their sorrow.

Graettinger Times
Graettinger, Iowa
29 Nov 1918
Page 1

Ray Lambe Killed In Action In France

Another Graettinger boy has made the supreme sacrifice in upholding the ideals that civilization holds dear. A brief telegram from the war department Monday stated that Raymond Lambe, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Lambe of this locality, was killed in action October 2. No further details are known at the present time. The telegram conveying the sad news is all that the parents have received. However, they were in a way expecting news that their boy had been either killed or wounded as they had received no mail from him for some time. The last letter written home was dated in September. As the weeks wore by and they received neither letter or card they became anxious and worried and when he did not send his Christmas label home they had additional reason to feel uneasy. The telegram received Monday confirmed their worst fears.

Ray Lambe enlisted with the U. S. colors while attending Trinity college at Sioux City. His last visit home was during the holiday vacation and shortly after returning to college he answered his country's call for volunteers and he enlisted in the aviation service. He was later transferred to a headquarters company and served in the Seventh infantry. His post of duty in battle was in a trench mortar squad and he was in the thick of the fighting from Chateau Thierry until he met death. His regiment was a part of the American forces that routed the army of the Crown Prince on the Marne river in July. He was very enthusiastic about the army and in his frequent letters home he gave many details and incidents of the stirring life over there. During his weeks on the firing line he was in the front ranks of the battle, in that seething inferno of shot and shell and of flame and gas -- the crucial test between American and German arms in which the virile, patriotic boys of the U. S. A. were the victors and carried the stars and stripes to the battle-famed city of Sedan before the enemy hoisted the white flag of surrender. Ray Lambe's patriotism, love of country and devotion to flag prompted him to offer his services in defense of beloved America and he was among the first to advance the starry banner of the land of the free across the ramparts of the haughty Prussian foe. However, victory can not be bought without sacrifice. While the cost in money and material is enormous, it is nothing compared to human life. Of the thousands who enter the maw of battle many fail to return. Some are called upon to lay down their lives that their comrades may carry on. Ray Lambe was one of the khaki-clad boys who fell in battle, who made the supreme sacrifice for country, for home and for liberty and justice. His name will be forever enshrined in America's roll of honor and his memory fostered as a priceless treasure of those who were near and dear to him.

Ray Lambe was born in Graettinger, November 3, 1898. He was educated in the rural schools near the farm home of his parents. After completing the courses taught he entered Trinity college at Sioux City. He was attending this college at the time of his enlistment. During his boyhood years all his time, except while at school, was spent at home. He was the eldest son of the family and he had reached an age when he was assuming more of the responsibilities of the work and the management of the farm. He was not only a cheerful, willing worker, but he was a dutiful, loving son and brother. He was ambitious to succeed and it was his desire to secure a good education to fit him for the many trying trials of life. He was a good Christian young man and dutifully observed the spiritual and moral obligations of his religion. Ray was a good boy, a splendid young man in every way and he had the esteem and the good will of all. His death will be sincerely regretted by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Lambe and by three brothers, Leo, Charles and Francis and one sister, Miss Margaret. The sorrowing, grief-stricken parents, brothers and sister have the deep and sincere sympathy of the entire community in the sorrow that has come to the household.

Graettinger Times
Graettinger, Iowa
16 Jan 1919
Page 4

Ray Lambe's Lieutenant Sends Letter

Lieutenant Westphal of Chicago recently sent a letter of condolence to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lambe of this place, parents of Ray Lambe who lost his life in France last October. Lieut. Westphal speaks very highly of him.

1725 Wilson Ave.,
Chicago, Ill.
January 6, 1919.

My Dear Mr. Lambe:

One of my boys in France has just written me and informed me that Joseph was killed in recent fighting. I was his lieutenant in France and fought with him at Chateau Thierry, etc. I was with the 7th Inf. from March until the latter part of August, when I was sent to this country.

Joe was one of my best, a good sturdy soldier, fearless in combat, an example to the other men around him, in his quiet manliness. I was very fond of him and feel that I have lost a brave friend and companion. Sympathy is out of place. I shall not express it. but let me say he has fought a good fight and the glorious reward is his "God takes the soldier unto himself."

Believe me,
Faithfully yours,
Arthur E. L. Westphal,
Former 1st. Lieut. Hdq. Co., 7th. Inf.
(Regulars.)

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
29 Jan 1919
Page 8

From Capt. Robt. G. St. James

He Writes F. L. Lambe Concerning the Death of His Son, Joseph R., on the Argonne Front.

Andernach, Germany,
December 28, 1918
Headquarters Co., 7th Inf.

Mr. F. L. Lambe,
Graettinger, Iowa, U. S. A.

Dear Mr. Lambe,

Your son, Joseph R. Lambe, Private No. 2,395,333, was killed in action at Argonne front, between Montfauson and Cierges, France, northwest of Verdun and between Meuse river and Argonne forest, on the 2nd October, 1918, by shell fire. he was buried on the battlefield.

I cannot tell you the exact location of the grave because I was not with the company during the fight, though I was present with another organization. However, the enemy was driven back constantly and the grave was undoubtedly well taken care of because things become comparatively quiet there. No shelling except by the enemy's long range guns. The central records office A. E. F., probably has the complete data regarding the grave.

Molliter is still with the company and is a sergeant. Do not know whether Ryan is here now or not, but I intend to give your letter to Sergeant Molliter and ask him to write you. It was often impossible to gather personal effects and on the other front it was even impossible, at times, to bury the dead. Your son was a splendid soldier, always loyal, cheerful and willing in the performances of his duties. If he was with us now, he would surely have promotion.

He was not sacrificed for any trivial, unimportant work, but took part in a desperate struggle that lasted, for us, all of October. We attacked or counter-attacked daily until our bodies could endure no more, but we captured Montfauson, Cierges, Ivoiry, Nantillois, Cunel, Romague, Hill 299, and many bad woods thick with machine guns. The splendid qualities displayed by our fine, clear-eyed American boys there undoubtedly did much to hasten the end of this orgy of death and destruction. Surely a death for such a cause should be envied.

Here on the Rhine river I am beginning to receive many letters of inquiry such as yours and when I try to say something comforting I find I am helpless. Nothing that I can say or do can add to the immortal glory that surrounds our sacred dead.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."

Will be very glad to assist you in any way that I possibly can.

Yours very truly,
Robert G. St. James,
Capt., 7th U. S. Infantry,
Comdg. Headquarters Co.
A. E. F., A. P. O. 746.

Graettinger Times
Graettinger, Iowa
6 Mar 1919
Page 9

Particulars of Ray Lambe's Death

We publish below extracts from a letter from Capt. Westphal of Chicago to F. L. Lambe of this locality, giving the particulars of the death of Ray Lambe in the fighting last fall.

Extract from Sergt. Simpson's letter to Capt. Westphal --

"Ray Lambe was killed October 2, near the town of Montfaucon on the Argonne front. The Huns made a direct hit on his dugout. Smith (A new man) who was sleeping with him, did not get hurt."

Extract from Corp. Bengel's letter to Capt. Westphal --

"One of our old men, J. R. Lambe, was killed instantly when a big shell burst right near him while he was asleep. He never woke up."

Speaking of himself and the 7th. U. S. Inf. Capt. Westphal says --

"I joined the 7th. U. S. Infantry May 20, `1918, when they were undergoing an intensive training in preparation for their front line positions. They were a fine organization, one of the best in France, highly disciplined, efficiently trained and organized. In my platoon, in the fourth squad was your son, J. R. Lambe, a well built soldier and a well disciplined one. At this time we were at Autreville near Chaumont. On the 27th of May we left Autreville to take over a position on the Marne river with the French. The Germans had crossed the river and a strengthening of the touchy position was necessary. My platoon of trench mortars took up their position on the extreme front, training their guns on the bridge at Jaulgonnne and on the village of Barzy, occupied by the Huns. I am enclosing a post card picture of Vareemes, the village in which we were located. One gun position was in an intrenched position in the woods in front of the picture. We used cellars as dugouts. We held the Germans here and later were relieved.

"Here we went into reserve positions at Saacy-sur-Marne and later relieved the Marines at Belleau Woods. After this we went to rest areas at Villiers-neuve-sur Bellat. Our rest was just a day and a half. We were rushed into our position for the big Marne fight on the 2nd of July, near Fossoy, facing Gland, a village occupied by the Germans. In my diary I call July 14-15 the night of hell and July the 15th I call the day of hell. There are no other remarks. We withstood the German onslaught. We faced them and they failed. I remember Ray was slightly gassed but he was game. he had several narrow escapes, one bullet passing through a fold in his uniform, but he smiled. It was fun to him.

"We crossed the Marne July 22nd., the Germans having retreated under our attack on the 17th. After crossing we fought our way through the Le-Charmel where we were relieved. Virtually we were at the front from May 27th to July 30th, with but a day and a half of that time in the rest areas. The fight was all a regiment could stand.

"Through it all, Ray smiled. He was brave and always kind. The boys all liked him and so did I. Again, let me express my admiration of him."

(Note -- At the time of the above fighting Capt. Westphal was a lieutenant. After coming out July 30th he was returned to the United States and made a captain. He was not with Ray at the time of his death.)

Graettinger Times
Graettinger, Iowa
22 Sep 1921
Page 12

Large military Funeral Sunday

The remains of Ray Lambe arrived from France Saturday evening and were taken to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lambe of east of town. A military escort from Fort Snelling accompanied the body to this city. The funeral was held Sunday morning at ten o'clock. Services were held at the Catholic church, the Rev. Father Kelly officiating. The funeral was in charge of the American Legion and uniformed soldiers officiated as pall bearers. Members of the John Nelson Post in full uniform, in charge of Art Henningsen, marched to the church and also accompanied the remains to the cemetery where the final services were held. The customary salute was fired and taps were sounded in memory of the departed soldier. Many beautiful and costly floral decorations were in evidence at the funeral, the gift of sorrowing relatives and friends and of the boys of the American Legion and the Catholic Order of Foresters. The attendance at the funeral was exceptionally large. The spacious church was packed to capacity and hundreds had to remain outside during the services. Father Kelly preached a timely a patriotic sermon, paying a much deserved tribute to the memory of the departed soldier. He also referred briefly to the patriotism, the loyalty and the generosity of the American people as a whole and of the courage and valor of our defenders from the time of the Revolution until the close of the World war. Perhaps no greater compliment could be paid the American soldiers than the fact that their officers had to continually hold them back instead of urging them on and no greater tribute could be paid the fallen heroes than "they laid down their life for their fellow man." The pall bearers at the funeral were A. N. Jensen, Eugene Foster, Julius Skow, Joe Bannon, Clifford Spear, Joe Bradley, Wm. Lammers and John L. Conway. Ray Rousch was color bearer and Leo Christiansen and John G. Anderson were guards.

Joseph Raymond Lambe was born at Graettinger, Iowa, November 3, 1898. He died at Boies de Beuge, France, October 2, 1918. He grew to young manhood in this locality and was educated in our public schools. He attended the Graettinger High School for one year and later entered the Trinity college at Sioux City. He was a student of Trinity college at the time of his enlistment, February 9, 1918. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lambe, he is survived by one sister and three brothers. The sister is Miss Margaret and the brothers are Leo, Charles and Francis. He is also survived by numerous other relatives in the community. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters of this city.

Ray Lambe, as he was more familiarly known by his friends and companions, enlisted in the United States army at Sioux City February 9, 1918. He was sent to Fort Logan, Colorado and shortly afterwards was transferred to Camp Hancock, Georgia. He was transferred to the 7th infantry, 3rd division in March and sent to Camp Merritt, New Jersey. His regiment landed at Brest, France, April 15, 1918. On the 18th of April the regiment left for Autreville, France, and on the 31st of May they started to the front for active duty. On June 2 they took over the line at Varennes and on the 15th were transferred to Belleau Wood. The third division took an active part in the second battle of the Marne and this particular regiment was styled the "Marne Regiment." They fought through the heavy encounters that started the night of July 14 on the Marne sector. They were later brought to St. Mihiel and held in reserve for the drive that resulted in the reduction of that salient. On October 1 the third regiment went into the line at Boie de Bauge, two miles north of Montfaueon. During the afternoon the men dug in and while sleeping in a temporary shelter that night, or rather in the morning of the second, a shell struck the dugout and killed Ray Lambe. His companion, a solider named Smith, escaped without injury. Ray was a good and brave soldier and was highly complimented by the officers with whom he came in contact.

The following is taken from the Graettinger Times of November 29, 1918:

Ray Lambe enlisted with the U. S. army while attending Trinity college at Sioux City. His last visit home was during the holiday vacation and shortly after returning to college he answered his country's call for volunteers and enlisted in the aviation service. He was later transferred to a headquarters company and served in the Seventh infantry. His post of duty in battle was with a trench mortar squad and he was in the thick of fighting from Chateau Thierry until he met his death. His regiment was a part of the American forces that routed the army of the Crown Prince on the Marne river in July. He was very enthusiastic about the army and in his frequent letters home he gave many details and incidents of the stirring life over there. During his months on the firing line he was in the front ranks of the battle, in that seething inferno of shot and shell, of flame and gas -- the crucial test between American and German arms in which the virile, patriotic boys of the U. S. A. were the victors and carried the Stars and Stripes to the battle famed city of Sedan before the enemy hoisted the white flag of surrender. Ray Lambe's patriotism, love of country and devotion to the flag prompted him to offer his services in defense of beloved America and he was among the first to advance the starry banner of the land of the free across the ramparts of the haughty Prussian foe. However, victory can not be bought without sacrifice. While the cost in money and material is enormous, it is nothing compared to human life. Of the thousands who enter the maw of battle many fail to return. Some are called upon to lay down their lives that their comrades may carry on. Ray Lambe was one of the khaki-clad boys who fell in battle, who made the supreme sacrifice for country, for home and for liberty and justice. His name will be forever enshrined in America's roll of honor and his memory fostered as a priceless treasure by those who are near and dear to him.