A Career in Reflection
by David A. Anderson - published March 2007
As seen through the lens of Belleau Wood
In October 1983 I reported to Officer Candidates School (OCS) seeking a commission as a Marine Corps officer. I wanted to be a Marine for many of the same reasons as others who have gone before and who have come after me. The realities of becoming a Marine and what it meant where realized 2 short weeks after arriving at OCS with the Beirut bombing incident. I managed to get through OCS and learned enough at The Basic School to be allowed into the Fleet Marine Force for my baptismal-vectored to 2d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (2/5) for on-the-job training as a logistics officer. Formal schooling would come later. While awaiting my in call with the battalion commander, I was made keenly aware of the long and accomplished history of 2/5 through a series of photographs along the passageway leading to his office. These photographs, depicting battles in which the battalion fought and the commanding officers who led them, spoke to me louder than any words ever could. I was subsequently told by others of the battalion's illustrious history of success on the battlefield. The following letter was written during World War I (WWI) while fighting for the woods of Belleau, France:
At Headquarters, June 30, 1918.
VI Army Headquarters
693012
In view of the brilliant conduct of the 4th Brigade of the 2nd U.S. Division, which in a spirited fight took Bouresches and the important strong point of Bois de Belleau, stubbornly defended by a large enemy force, the General commanding the VI Army order[s] that henceforth in all official reports the Bois de Belleau shall be named 'Bois de la Brigade of Marines.'
Division General Degoutte,
Commanding VI Army
Throughout subsequent battles fighting with the 4th and 6th French Armies, the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments of the 4th Marine Brigade where awarded the French fourragere for continuous gallantry on the field of battle. This fourragere has been proudly worn by both regiments ever since.
The term "Devil Dog" that we so proudly use to refer to ourselves was given to us by the German Army during WWI out of respect for our fierce fighting and relentless determination. Marine legends, such as Dan DaIy, served with 2/5 during WWI fighting in France against the German Army. The words, "Retreat, hell we just got here!," attributed to Capt Lloyd Williams, Commanding Officer, 51st Company, 2/5, on 3 June 1918 to a French Army superior, are legendary. Future Commandants of the Marine Corps came from leaders of 5th Marines fighting in France. In fact, 2/5 remains the most combat decorated battalion in the most combat decorated regiment in Marine Corps history. I felt very privileged and honored to wear the symbolic fourragere during my tour with 2/5. At that time I did not understand or fully appreciate its significance to the Marines who fought and repelled the German Army's advance on Paris, France. Nor did I understand the gratitude of the French citizens living in the towns and villages between Paris and the advancing German Army, such as the town of Belleau.
More Recent History
Some 20 years later, while serving at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), near Mons, Belgium (where, ironically, WW I began), I, along with my 14-year-old daughter, Ashley, was able to attend an annual onsite battle study of Belleau Wood in conjunction with a memorial service commemorating the battle. This particular year marked the 85th anniversary of the battle. The battle study was superbly presented. It included a thorough walking of the entire battlefield led by Col Bill Anderson, USMCR(Ret), a brilliant Marine Corps historian working at SHAPE. The batde study included the German perspective, which was presented by a retired German Army colonel and German Army historian. That day I learned first-hand of the exploits of the 4th Marine Brigade. I was particularly moved by the bravery exhibited by the 5th Marine Regiment's attacks on 6 June 1918 across seemingly peaceful and picturesque wheat and barley fields spotted with beautiful red poppies that led into the woods. The Marines who fought their way through these fields had to know many would be killed or wounded by the heavily entrenched German machinegun positions along the edges of the woods facing out across the fields. Yet they attacked again and again until they were able to enter the woods.
The battle study concluded with a trip to the Belleau Wood U.S. military cemetery adjacent to the woods. It is a beautiful and emotionally moving place. I found myself walking along the endless rows of grave markers reading the names and home states of the Marines eternally resting there. Being from Minnesota I found myself looking for Marines from Minnesota who had served with 5th Marines. There where several, but for no apparent reason, I became fixated on one, CpI Charles Franklin MacConnell, 20th Company, 3/5, who died 6 June 1918. I felt CpI MacConnell most likely gave his life fighting across the wheat and barley fields that day. I took a picture of his headstone and committed to researching the circumstances of his death and anything else I could find out about him. Idealistically, I thought I would learn the details of his short career and death, find an old family member of his, learn more about him, and share my pictures and findings.
That same evening, my daughter and I attended a wonderful dinner with other Marines and their families in the quaint historic hotel we were sharing with then-Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Michael W. Hagee, his wife, and then-Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Alford L. McMichael. I was able to introduce my daughter to them, and all of us enjoyed a relaxed conversation together. Gen Hagee was scheduled to speak at the memorial service the following day. I will always fondly remember the camaraderie shared that evening by Marines and their families. Sharing that experience with my daughter was absolutely priceless. For that day and evening, and during the events to follow the next day, my daughter bonded with me as her father, the Marine.
The following morning we all prepared ourselves for the memorial service. The service was very moving and well attended by the local French community. The French military personnel participating in the ceremony were very respectful, polished, and professional, marching smartly and rendering sharp salutes to every Marine officer in sight.
The French people around the town of Belleau have a deep appreciation for Americans-especially Marines. I had a personally touching moment at the conclusion of the memorial service. Throughout the service I was standing close to an elderly Belleau woman (approximately 100 years old) sitting in a lawn chair and closely tended by four generations of progeny. I frequendy noticed her staring at me (in my dress blues), and we occasionally exchanged smiles. At the conclusion of the service I noticed her struggling, trying to quickly lift herself from her chair. I found myself stepping toward her to assist. Unbeknownst to me, she was doing so to be able to speak to me. Two of her grandchildren got her to her feet, at which time she took two shaky steps toward me and grabbed my arm, squeezing with all her might. She began thanking me profusely in French while giving me a very long and tearful hug. It choked me up, as well as all those around us. At that moment I was her Marine. I was the lucky one to receive her deepest gratitude for the heroics of the Marines who saved her 85 years ago, ensuring her the possibility of a full and fruitful life. I am fairly certain this was not her first Belleau Wood memorial service, just maybe the service when opportunity met gratitude in the twilight of her life. If the Marines who gave their lives that fateful June 1918 could see the impact their ultimate sacrifice had in her life alone, I am sure they would do it all over again.
Twelve months of investigation uncovered that Charles Franklin MacConnell was born on 6 July 1893 in Metcalfe, Ontario, Canada. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 21 April 1917 at Mare Island, CA. He was promoted to the rank of corporal on 1 April 1918 and was subsequently assigned to 20th Company, 5th Marine Regiment. He deployed to France with the 20th Company aboard the USS Henderson (Transport #1, later AP 1), arriving in St. Nazaire where he and his fellow Marines began training in preparation for the fight against the German Army. Cpl MacConnell most likely died of wounds incurred in his first combat engagement while crossing the wheat field on 6 June 1918. His death report/investigation leads me to believe he was medically evacuated but died later that day. He never married. His next of kin was his rather, Benjamin S. MacConnell, whose address was the Crown Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. Unfortunately, my investigation revealed nothing else. In fact, it left me with even more questions. When and where in Minnesota did Cpl MacConnell live? Why was the Crown Hotel given as his fathers address? Did his father accompany him from Canada or Minnesota to California for his enlistment? Are there any surviving relatives?
Further investigation may never uncover any more information about Cpl Charles MacConnell. He is not from a famous family and was never the recipient of any personal decoration. He appears to have been an ordinary man-likely the son of Irish immigrants by way of Metcalfe, Ontario, Canada-but with an extraordinary sense of patriotic purpose, conviction, and duty, a man willing to give his life for the betterment of others.
As my active duty career came to a close, I couldn't help but feel that it had run full circle through Belleau Wood, France-"the woods of the Marines." I feel privileged to have served my country, honored to have served it as a Marine, and humbled by and grateful for Marines like Cpl MacConnell, whose selflessness have earned the gratitude of so many and who continue to inspire ordinary Marines to do extraordinary things to this day.
