Funkhouser Memorial
Albert Craig Funkhouser
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• MAJOR GENERAL LEONARD WOOD, Chicago
  
• CAPT. CLAUDE A. ADAMS, Crowell, Texas.
  
• SGT. L. H. BELLAH, [Photo] Hollis, Okla.
  
• JAMES BROWN, Rome, New York.
  
• LIEUT. HANNIBAL H. CHANDLER, [Photo] Company F, 144th Infantry, Highland Park, Ill.
  
• CAPT. GEORGE C. GRAETER, Vincennes, Ind.
  
• MAJOR HARRY M. HENDERSON, [Photo] Eastland, Texas.
  
• LIEUT. LESLIE W. JOYCE, [Photo] Columbia, Tenn.
  

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MAJOR GENERAL LEONARD WOOD

Newport News, Va., June 9, 1919.

First Lieutenant Albert C. Funkhouser, 875th Casual Company, Infantry, arrived
from overseas, this hospital, today, and is now seriously ill with lobar
pneumonia.

APT. REPP,

Adjutant's Officer Embarkation Hospital.

MAJOR GENERAL LEONARD WOOD, Chicago

* * * I cannot tell you how deeply I sympathize with you in the great loss which
has come to you. * * *

COLONEL CLARK M. MULLICAN, 144th Inf., Dallas, Tex.
[Photo]

Please allow me to express to you and yours my very deep sorrow in the death of
your son and my comrade, 1st Lieutenant Albert C. Funkhouser. No expression of
my sympathy can heal your wounded heart but perhaps you can find a measure of
comfort in the fact that the sufferings of your bereavement strike a responsive
chord of pain and sadness in the breasts of the many friends of your soldier
son.

Lieutenant Funkhouser served the whole of his assignment to the 144th Infantry
in the 2nd Battalion. He served with Companies H and F during the period
from October 10th to 28th 1918, inclusive, when the Regiment was in action. In
the memorable advance from Blanc Mont Ridge to the River Aisne in the Champagne
where the 2nd Battalion was the Front Line troops, it was my privilege as
Battalion Commander, in each successive engagement, to observe personally the
conduct of Lieutenant Funkhouser and it is a pleasure and a pride to state that
he exhibited, at all times, an utter disregard for personal danger and hardship
and by his gallant example greatly inspired his men to deeds of heroism.

The ties of friendship that bind together those who have faced a common danger
and undergone a common hardship can not be severed by death. Vivid will ever be
my recollection of the fact that he who is gone and I have shared the same
canteen. 'Neath the dripping leaves of a little rain-soaked, shell-torn
woods in far off France we once shared our coffee and the same mess-kit while he
told me of his home in Indiana. Innumerable are the jottings of memory could I
but here make them of record. But you, who knew him better than I, know too
well the pleasant smile and genial nature of your stalwart young son. His death
is a distinct personal loss to me. In his death you have lost one beloved, but
in the loss in a cause so noble you have achieved a distinction and have
suffered the supreme sacrifice. The everlasting gratitude of your country and
his will stand out in reward to you and to the many other fathers and mothers
who gave their all for what they knew was right.

Allow me again to express my deep sympathy for your sorrow. It may seem a
doubly cruel cross is yours when he was permitted to return safely from the
dangers of war only to be snatched from your arms as his feet touched his native
soil, but I have found all the works of Divine origin are strange and hard to
understand. His sleep is but for a time and when God wills a fitting reward to
those who chose to give their lives in the faithful discharge of duty, and He
causes to be sounded the "Reveille" that shall awake those whom he loves, be
consoled with the consolation of his many friends that among those first to
answer the call will be he, among us, who was, first to die, your soldier son,
Lieutenant Albert C. Funkhouser. * * *

It was not my fortune to know your other son, Paul, but the same parentage that
gave Albert to his country must have found a counterpart in Paul. To have lost
both your sons was indeed a hard blow. You, truly have "Given until it hurts."
If the Mother of two such boys lives, please convey to her my heartfelt
sympathy.

MAJOR HARRY M. HENDERSON, Eastland, Texas.
[Photo]

* * * * Words cannot express my surprise and grief at the news of the death of
your son, Albert Funkhouser. This was the first information I had had of Al
since leaving the Division in France. Allow me to extend to you and your family
my sincerest sympathy.

I always considered your son to be one of the very best officers in my
battalion. Shortly after assuming command of the battalion I became intimately
acquainted with Al, and he soon became one of my favorite officers, in fact, for
a period of over six months he was a member of my staff in the capacity of
Battalion Liaison Officer. My attention was first drawn to him by his soldierly
traits, and the fact that he possessed all the qualifications of an officer and
a gentleman. He was tireless in his work, absolutely loyal, and possessed that
one thing which all real officers aspire to, the confidence of the men under his
command.

The battalion was in support positions when I assumed command and
never went up on the front line again, consequently I did not have the
opportunity of observing your son under fire. However, in the many trying
conditions incident to marching troops from the battle zone, of maintaining
discipline and training troops in the back area I can truthfully state that
your son was never found wanting.

One marked characteristic was his devotion to his deceased brother - after the
armistice was signed he secured two leaves of absence, one to find his brother's
grave, and the other to place a suitable monument thereon.

Al possessed that rare trait of making every one like him. He was one of the
best liked officers in the regiment and the best proof of that is that nearly
every officer called him "Al."

Mr. Funkhouser, you have certainly suffered, and have paid more than your share.
Your son was a man that any father would be proud of. However, the sacrifice has
not been in vain, if it were otherwise, I know you would not be able to bear
your grief.

I again assure you of my deepest sympathy, and kindest personal regards.

LIEUT. W. B. MERSHON, Co. F, 144th lnf., Saginaw, Mich.
[Photo]

The news of your son's death was a great shock to me. Albert was one of the
closest friends I had in the army and I had looked forward to many years more of
friendship with him. I have been with him since last September, including the
time we were together on the front. At different times we shared billets
together and in that way learned to know and admire him as few people have had
this most intimate chance. The exposure of last fall's campaign and the shock of
his brother's death seemed to have affected his health, as he was not overly
well all winter and spring. * * * * *

The 144th Infantry reached France on July 30, 1918, and at once went to the
training area in the department of the Aube. Lieut. Albert C. Funkhouser was
then serving with "H" Company, which was stationed at Fuligny. Shortly after
reaching this place he was sent to Gondrecourt to take a course in advanced
military science. Here he met his brother, who was likewise at school. He
rejoined the regiment about September 24 and was assigned to Company "F." We
were then getting ready to go to the front and I was absent on advance billeting
work. I first met Lieut. Funkhouser at Vreaux, just west of Chelons sur Marne.
where we were in reserve. I and he shared the same billet and began our
friendship. After a few days we moved forward into the Champagne sector. On the
way up to the front, Albert and I shared the same "pup tent." He was commanding the
First Platoon and I the Second. Lieut. Sadler was in command of the company and
Lieut. Jamar was second in command. On the ninth we marched up to the Blanc Mont
Massif, which had been taken only a few days before by the Americans. We were
then under shell fire. The next day I was assigned to Battalion H. Q. as
munitions officer, and for the next few days was rather out of touch with the
company, though with them most of the time and close all the time.

On the evening of October 10 we went over the top to relieve the front line,
then held by the 142d Infantry of our division. We were in regimental support
and were subjected to heavy shell fire and gas. We did not advance far owing to
the confusion of darkness and ignorance of the terrain, so took up a position
just south of St. Etienne to await daylight. When daylight came it was easy to
see that Lieut. Funkhouser had proven the stuff he was made of as his platoon
was well organized and in hand ready to advance. This advance was soon taken up
and with our battalion in the assault. "F" Company was in battalion support and
on the left flank of the division and next to the French. An advance of two
kilometers was made with no opposition. After crossing a timber ridge north of
St. Etienne and upon coming to an open plat, we were met by machine gun fire
accompanied by artillery. It fell to Company "F" to make a flanking movement,
which it accomplished, and in a short time the position was captured. In this
action Lieut. Funkhouser handled his men with ease but had no opportunity to do
anything spectacular. He himself, however, had a rather close call as he took up
a position unnoticed just to the rear of a pile of German gas-shells. A stray
bullet coming in contact with these would have been fatal. The advance was soon
taken up and ran into resistance at Machault. This was soon overcome, but the
shell fire was terrible. We "dug in" north of the town for the night. The next
day the advance was resumed and we took the towns of Dricourt and Vaux Champagne
without resistance. We camped for the night near the latter town. The next day
the first battalion of the regiment "leap froged" us and took up the assault
while we stayed back 1,000 meters as support. Close to the Aisne River the
Germans put up a spirited resistance as we were in the tip of a salient we
organized our position and remained where we were. About this time Lieut. Sadler
was sent to school, leaving Lieut. Jamar in comand of the company with Lieut.
Funkhouser as his only officer. However, Lieut. Funkhouser was able to give all
the needed assistance and this trying time was passed very successfully.
It frequently happened that Lieut. Funkhouser with his platoon would be holding
a wide sector on the extreme front, and this he did under constant sniping,
machine gun fire and artillery fire. At one time he was hit by a shell fragment,
but never left the line. On the 21st of October 1 left for the hospital and did
not rejoin the regiment until Christmas. The regiment was relieved on October
28, and went back to rest and was getting ready to leave for the Argonne when
the armistice was signed.

The regiment was ordered to the training district in the department of Yonne,
and marched a distance of over 200 miles to reach it, and Company "F" was
located at Rugny for the rest of the time Lieut. Funkhouser was with it. While
at the latter place he gave valuable service as battalion liaison officer and
teacher of civics at the post school. This was in addition to his regular
company duties.

Upon hearing of his brother's death in battle he obtained permission to hunt for
his grave. In this search he was successful, but the shock of this and the
exposure of the campaign left him in a run down condition and made him an easy
prey to the pneumonia which carried him away.

Lieut. Funkhouser was very popular with both officers and men, due to his
cheerful disposition and marked ability in many lines. He died as much from the
war as if he had been killed in battle, and his memory will long be cherished by
the 144th Infantry.

SERGT. L. H. BELLAH, Hollis, Okla.
[Photo]

The news of Albert's death came to me as a great surprise and as a real shock. I
cannot realize it after seeing Albert a perfect soldier on May 10.

I really cannot give you a full account of Albert's service in the lines, for I
was not with him up there. We have talked many times of the days under fire, and
I have from him most of his experiences.

I first met your son in Ft. Worth when he was a Q. M. sergeant, of a truck
company, but did not come to know him intimately until last winter in France. I
was sergeant in F. H. 140, 111 Sanitary Train, 36th Division. I was billeted in
Epineulin, Tonnerre Department of Yonne. Albert was on detachment service in
our village and I was with him constantly. He accompanied us up to Le Mans in
May, and there I saw him last. * * *

Generally I can give you the action of the regiment. The 144th slipped into the
lines the night of Octobcr 9, via Chalonssur Maine, Attigny highway. On that
date the Boches were holding between Somme Py and St. Etienne. Between the 9th and
the 14th of October the Germans put up their stubbornest resistance against the 36th,
when we were relieved it was a running skirmish.

Up to Ainse River we were doing little but jump from one fox hole to another
and it was there Albert received his shrapnel in the hand. * * *

Albert was one of the very small percent of officers of the 144th to go
through the twenty-three days with his command, never once quiting it. He was
recommended for the French War Cross (Croix de Guerre) to my certain knowledge.
* * *

We spent many evenings last winter playing a southern game (coon can), and
talking of home, of civil life and longing for our day of release from the
service.

As an enlisted man in the Army I can truthfully say that Albert C. Funkhouser
was the "whitest" officer I met during my three years of service.

Since my discharge I have been trying to forget the war and everything, but it
is impossible - too many of my best friends have given their lives - now that Albert
is added to that list. You have given two sons, Mr. Funkhouser, I sincerely
sympathize with you for the loss of one and join you in mourning for the other - one
I knew and loved so well.

It seems to me - I have spent the summer alone - no one at home understands an A. E. F.
returned man, and few you meet from over there appreciate the meaning of the
service. * * *

Your letter brings to my mind a prayer I have heard, uttered at the grave of the
ancient master, Hiram, the widow's son. From Albert I know you will understand
my meaning, and are in possession of that prayer.

If ever I can be of service to you do not hesitate to call upon me, for I will
gladly do my best for you.

LIEUT. LESLIE W. JOYCE, Columbia, Tenn.
[Photo]

* * * I was indeed sorry to learn of Albert's death, and you may be sure it was
a surprise to me as he looked so well the last time that I talked with him and
that was only a few days before I sailed for the states. He had been on duty at
division headquarters for a week or so.

You ask about his service in France. As you know he went to France with the
National Guard troops of Texas and Oklahoma, the 36th Division. All of these men
were volunteers and were the pick of the two states, so we were all proud of our
division. We landed at the port of Brest, France, on the 31st of July, '18, and
moved from there to the department of Aube. where we went through our final training
before going to the front. We were located near the town of Bar Sur Aube; on the
26th we started for the lines marching a great deal of the way, **md on October 6 the first
of the division went into the fight; then, on the
night of the 9th, the balance went into the lines. We had three days of fighting
and advancing all the time. Albert was in this fight; he was with Company F,
144th Infan try. We made a total advance of twenty-one kilometers; we then took
up position and held that for eighteen days longer, when we were relieved by the
French.

Albert was with the regiment all through this and come out without receiving any
wounds and was recommended for a Croix de Guerre or French War Medal. * * *
During the month of January he had a twelve-day leave and visited different
cities of France.

SERGEANT HARRISON A. THOMPSON, Sherman, Texas.

* * * Lieut. Albert C. Funkhouser * * * was a man. I never asked him
for a favor that he did not grant if he could * * * he did me many favors. He did
his duty as faithfully as any man in France. * * He was my friend indeed. I
was a member of his company. * * * We marched together when we came back from the front.
tic handled the company properly all the time, and was always THERE. * * He always gave
us as much freedom as he could.

SERGEANT WILLIAM REED, Los Angeles, Cal.

* * * Lieutenant Funkhouser and I went through the third officers' training school
together and were fast friends for practically two years afterwards. We were in
the same regiment and battalion but not the same company; therefore, I was not
with him when in the lines, but was with him very soon afterwards. I was
transferred to his company but never reported, as I was sent on special duty to
Paris and was a casual when he was and met him in Brest.

He was in command of Casual Company No. 875 when I was first sergeant of the
same casual company. I last saw him as he was carried from the boat on a
stretcher, but was unable to see him later~as no one was allowed to see him in
the hospital. When he became ill he turned the casual company No. 875, over to
me, and the company was discharged.

I regret that I cannot give you any personal details of his service at the
front, except that I know he served for twenty 69

six successive days in the Champagne sector, the division being brigaded with
the French. * * *

I know that Lieutenant Funkhouser was the best liked officer in the battalion,
being popular with both officers and men. He stood by his men, having their best
interests at heart always. * * * I have the highest regard for Lieutenant
Funkhouser's memory.

Source:
Funkhouser Memorial
c. 1920
pp. 59-76

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Christopher D. Myers
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September 14, 2000