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| | 1ST CL. PVT. EMANUEL CRIBLEY
Serial No. 2,048,401
Ravenna, Mich.
Inducted at Camp Custer. He was short and stocky of stature yet of great strength for his height.
At Coetquidan, Cribley, along with Private Everett Wolfe, were put in charge of the water cart and at times in reviews would drive the rolling kitchen.
On the march from Liverdun into the lines the horses played out on the road, holding up the whole formation in the Puvenelle Woods until removed. As the water everywhere about had been poisoned by the Boche, this water was the only available for the men, and an absolute necessity. The officers were very anxious and excited over the delay. Water was run out of the tank to lighten the load but even then the horses’ strength was inadequate, so the water-cart was regretfully ditched and left behind, the men having only their canteens to depend on for water. The following day the horses released from the limbers and piece were given Cribley to go after the water-cart. He obtained the cart and went back to the flowing spring established by the command. On the road returning with the water for which the men and kitchen were greatly in want, Cribley was overtaken by Colonel Hopkins in his Dodge touring ear. The Colonel found his radiator required water. There was plenty around which would have done just as well for the car, but, much to Cribley’s disgust, demanded that the radiator be filled from the cart. This was an instance of, we will say, an amazing lack of vision, especially in a man whose business or profession was the regular army and who should have known the stern requirements of the men fighting in the position. The two gallons which he took might not look or sound as very much, but, considering that it meant a trip of five miles to get it, and two gallons would mean a lot to the men, it was an act on the part of the Colonel which the men have refused to condone.
While relieving the thirst of the men, which was Cribley’s special duty, he was tireless and devoted to his task.
He was made Reserve Gunner by the Captain while we were in the lines.
Cribley was well liked and will also be remembered as one of the Six Section Bouncers. There was a rivalry between the Sixth and Fifth Sections and a contest between Cribley and Paasch sometimes decided which was the best section. These encounters were staged something after the manner of the Spartans.
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