A few years ago, after my grandmother, Lucile Harris, passed away, our family uncovered some paperwork that shed new light on the life of my great-grandfather, Benjamin Dallas. We had always known he served in World War I and was wounded, but we had little understanding of the full extent of his service. With the help of a historian and historical records, we’ve recently been able to trace his remarkable journey.
In April 1917, the United States entered World War I, declaring war on Germany. On June 5, 1917, known as National Draft Day, Private (PVT) Benjamin Dallas enlisted in the United States Army and answered the call to serve. The following spring, at the age of 22, he left his family farm in Hayden, New Mexico, and traveled to Camp Cody, New Mexico, for his initial Army training.
Meanwhile, in Europe, General John J. Pershing was leading the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) into what would become the largest and final major offensive of the war—the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which began in September 1918.
Assigned to K Company, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Division, PVT Dallas departed from Hoboken, New Jersey, bound for France. On October 13, 1918, he boarded the White Star Line transport ship, the S.S. Talthybius, for a 10-day trip arriving in Liverpool, England. After crossing the English Channel, he arrived in La Havre, France, where he was reassigned to H Company, 308th Infantry Regiment of the 77th Division—one of the most illustrious units in American military history.
By the end of October, PVT Dallas was serving with his new unit, the 308th Infantry. This unit had 3 weeks earlier endured harrowing combat during what is now known as the story of the “Lost Battalion,” when the German forces cut off and surrounded them in the Argonne Forest for six arduous days.
The final push of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was grueling. PVT Dallas and the 308th Infantry fought bravely in Abri du Crochet, in the heart of the Argonne Forest. He and his fellow soldiers battled not only the Germans but also endured freezing rain, muddy conditions, and scarce food supplies. German artillery shattered the forest around them, and machine gun fire constantly tore through the trees and their ranks. Despite the harsh circumstances and close-quarters combat, American forces pressed forward, ultimately securing the Argonne Forest and the Meuse River—both pivotal victories that contributed significantly to bringing the war to a close.
The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the fighting on the Western Front. The 308th Infantry Regiment returned to America in the spring of 1919. PVT Dallas and all those serving in the 77th Infantry Division proudly marched in the Welcome Home Parade in New York City—a fitting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
After completing his service, PVT Dallas returned home to New Mexico, where he married Stella Ruth Polk, with whom he had written postcards during the war. In Maxwell, NM, they raised six children, one of whom was my grandmother. PVT Dallas spent his remaining days living a quiet, devoted life working as a carpenter. His favorite pastime was sitting on the banks of Charette Lake, simply fishing the day away. He passed away peacefully in Raton at the age of 91.
Today, as we celebrate Veterans Day, let us honor the memory of service members like PVT Benjamin Dallas, who wore the military uniform with integrity and quiet humility, bravely answering America’s call to serve. We also recognize, with grateful hearts, our current service members serving in the United States Armed Forces, defending liberty and freedom around the world.
May we always value and honor those Americans who place service to our nation above self. Enjoy the fruits of their labor today as we recognize the contributions of American veterans to this great American story!
Happy Veterans Day!
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