1919 Letter of Recommendation from Col. Dana T. Merrill

This document is a recommendation from Col. Dana T. Merrill regarding Col. Gerlach. The letter is dated July 2nd, 1919 and is found in the Frank Gerlach file.

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(copy)

WAR DEPARTMENT

MILITIA BURAEU

WASHINGTON

July 2, 1919.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Colonel F. C. Gerlach, 146th Infantry, served with great distinction as a field officer of the 37th Division from the period of the organization of the Division on August 5, 1917, until honorably discharged from the service with the Division after the Armistice.

He especially distinguished himself as a leader of men and an executive. He was designated by the division commander on account of his marked executive ability as the commander of the 4th Officers’ Training Camp at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, and the Divisional Instructional School at St. Barbe, France France [sic]. and performed these duties with marked ability. Colonel Gerlach was promoted to the grade of colonel while in the battle line in France for marked efficiency and gallantry in front of the enemy, and served with great credit as a regimental commander in the battle of Meuse—Argonne, and the Ypres—Lys offensive in Belgium.

He was awarded the Belgium War Cross and the French War Cross with palm leaves, for gallant conduct in battle.

I consider Colonel Gerlach as an officer of excellent attainments and marked ability, who performed his duty always with credit and marked efficiency, and to whom the United States is obligated for exceptional service on his part during the great war.

My acquaintance with Colonel Gerlach extends for a period of over two years, and my position as Chief of Staff of the 37th Division afford me an exceptional opportunity to form an opinion of his merits.

signed

Dana T. Merrill

Colonel, General Staff,

Former Chief of Staff, 37th Division.