Croix de Guerre Ceremony Reenactment

Members of the public, veterans and distinguished guests attended a reenactment of the awarding of the Croix de Guerre to the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Yankee Division at Apremont Park in Westfield, Massachusetts, April 29th, 2017.

The Croix de Guerre is a French decoration given to members of the military for acts of bravery.

The reenactment held at Apremont Park, was recreating the award ceremony that first happened near Boucq, France on April 28th, 1918 for their heroism in combat during World War I.

During a battle near Apremont, France 104th Infantry Regiment was heavily bombarded with artillery and small arms fire, but persevered and held their position. The French military was so impressed with the valor of the 104th Infantry Regiment, they awarded them the Croix de Guerre for their bravery fighting against the German Army.

The 104th was the first foreign unit to be awarded the Croix de Guerre for their bravery fighting against the German Army during World War I.

At the ceremony, Sec. Francisco A. Urena, the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services, Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, Brig. Gen. Frances B. Magurn, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, spoke about the impact of the 104th during World War I, and the importance of honoring their accomplishments.

The actions of the 104th that happened 100 years ago has inspired generations of soldiers and airmen in the Massachusetts National Guard.

Story and photos by Sgt. Dave Wilkinson, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs

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