Loyola University Maryland - Evergreen / Green and Gray Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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Liculenanl Hanlon is the first oilieer of the Cheinieal Warfare Serviee to he killed in aetion. He was an otiieer of unusual promise, great ability and high ideals, and one who, while every ineh a soldier, was loved by all who knew him. In his death the Service sutfered a serious loss, and as the experimental field typifies in its various activi- ties the very soul of the Chemical Warfare Service, it is most fitting that it should bear the name of one who in his youthful life typified all that is good in the Service. Commencement Day, June, 1912 JOSEPH HAXLOX (A.B., ’12) From the Major of the Regiment, George S. Watson. It is im])ossible at such a time to in any measure convey to you my sorrow and the sorrow of all my brother officers at the loss of Lieutenant Hanlon. At 4 P. M. of the 30th instant, he was examined for promotion, the recommendation had gone in and now where he had once been the life and sj)irit of his mess there is a vacant scat. If ever a boy was ujiright, fearless and loved by all, it was Joe. He was absolutely clean morally, in Ihought and in action. It was a ])leasure to hear the reverence with which he sjioke of his family, and he had enshrined in his heart the image of a girl, “His 24

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I hope some day that I can tell you and Joe’s splendid mother and sisters, and fiancee personally what I have tried to express in this letter — how I personally held and loved him. (Enclosure in preceding letter) Request for naming of Experimental Field after Lieut. Hanlon. From: Commandant Experimental Field, C. Y. S. To: Chief of Chemical Waifare Service, T. E. F. Subject: Name for Experimental Field. 1. On Tuesday night, July 31, Lieutenant J. T. Hanlon, Company B, 30lh Engineers, was killed in action near Villers-sur-Fcre, while en- gaged in conducting a carrying party to the site of a proposed Stokes Mortar Operation. 2. It is quite im])ossible to state in words how highH Lieutenant Hanlon was considered. He came as near representing that high ideal of an American soldier that it has ever been my good fortune to know. There never was any question about Lieutenant Hanlon, he was every inch a soldier. 3. Lieutenant Hanlon was the personification of the spirit of the regiment and likewise of the Chemical Warfare Service. By his death, I am further insiiired to do and give the little I have to make his death worth while. I know that this is the feeling of all officers and men who knew Lieutenant Hanlon. 4. It seems especially fitting to make the following request, that is that this field be called “Hanlon Field.” It would mean a great deal to every man on duty here to feel that any results that he might obtain would be to helj) make good the loss of this splendid young soldier. E. J. xLtkisson, Lieutenant-Colonel Engineers. Chemical Wareare Services, September 4, 1918. Special Order Designating C. IT. S. Experimental Field as “Hanlon Field.” C. W. S., A. E. F. Special Orders No. 9. Hereafter the Experimental Field, Chemical Warfare Service, will be known as Hanlon field,” Chemical Warfare Service, in honor of Lieutenant J. T. Hanlon, Company B, ist Gas Begiment, wlio was killed in action July 31, 1918, near Villers-sur-Fere, while engaged in con- ducting a carrying jiarty to tlic site of a proposed Stokes Mortar opera- tion in support of an infantry attack, when the Germans were being driven from the Marne to the Vesle. 23

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(rirl” he called her, and he confided to me that it was “the girl” that he saw in his dreams. Joe was awarded the Croix de Guerre with gold star on June 18 by General Passayu of the VIII Army, 32nd Corps, for work done for die French Army. The battle is still going on, but we brought Joe back to pay our last respects. He is leaving this evening for La Vide Aux Bois, far to the rear, where he will be buried with full military and religious honors. As a boy, we loved him; as an officer we admired him; as a man we respected him. His life was lost while looking after his men in action. Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Recommendation for Promotion. From: Commanding Officer, 30th Engineers, A. E. F. To: Chief Engineer Officer, A. E. F. Subject: Promotion to First Lientenant, N. A. 1. It is requested that Second Lieutenant Joseph Thomas Hanlon he promoted to a First Lieutenant, N. A. 2. Lieutenant Hanlon has proven his worth in actual front line work and is now carrying the responsibility of the higher grade. 8. The recommendation is based solely on observation of service. E. J. Atkisson, Lientenant-Colonel, 30th Engineers, N. A. From Major J. E. Mills. In looking over the files of the 1st Gas Regiment a few days ago, I came across a copy of the letter which I enclose, knowing that you would wish to see it, if it has not already been sent to you by some one else. The signer, T. Gilliland, was captain of the British Special Com- pany to which the platoon under Lieutenant Hanlon was assigned when we were on the British front. It is particularly gratifying to have such a letter from an experienced British officer who was in no way con- nected with our regiment. I admired and liked Joe Hanlon ])ersonally very much indeed — as in fact every one did who knew him. He was not only a hrave man, hut he was a clean man with high ideals, and always bright and cheery. I can assure you that none of us who knew him will ever forget him. No words of praise for him can lessen the loss, hut he left a record of which you may well be proud. 2.5