March 19, 1919
The Loss of Brother Carr
Cuthbert Fraser '19, barred from military service on medical grounds he angrily disputed, proved invaluable to Omicron Zeta during and in the immediate aftermath of World War I, coordinating communication of brothers scattered around Europe and North America and watching over 614 Stewart Avenue. Here he has forwarded a letter to the national secretary of Lambda Chi Alpha concerning Bro. Joseph Alpheus Carr '13 O-3, the very brother who had brought Lambda Chi to Cornell via correspondence with Albert Cross. Joe was killed in action near Cheppy during the first phase of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of 1918.
5 Burt Avenue
Auburn N.Y.
109 Catherine St.
Ithaca New York
Auburn N.Y.
March 5, 1919
[Receipt acknowledged and information forwarded to [Bruce] McIntosh [at the National Office] 3/10/19]
Mr. C. B. Fraser109 Catherine St.
Ithaca New York
Dear Sir,
Your letter of February 21st received asking for the war records of my brother Joseph A. Carr, who enlisted in July 1917 at Santa Barbara Calif. in the California First Field Artilllery. Stewart Edward White was officer of that co. he went in training at Tanforan and was transferred to the Officers Training Camp in August 1917 training at the Presidio receiving his commission as First Lieut. in November and on Dec 10th he was attached to the intelligence section of the 364th infantry at Camp Lewis and later was made Regimental Intelligence officer of that co. and left for France in July 1918 and was in action soon after arriving there. The battle in which he was killed was the now famous Meuse Argonne offensive. The Major wrote he had been indefatigable in gathering information and had rendered especially valuable service to the entire 91st division for two weeks before the battle. During the six days they were in action before his death, and facing the best troop of the German army he had hardly slept but had kept the command constantly informed concerning the enemy's activities.
On the afternoon of Oct 2nd he was crossing fearlessly a bit of open field constantly swept by heavy artillery fire, with his sergeant when a high-explosive shell struck in the vicinity and he was hit by a large fragment. Death was instantaneous the man with him was just stunned and rolled in a ditch. Joseph is buried in the little village churchyard at Eclisfontaine, Department of the Meuse. I sent his photo the only one I have to E.W. Lewis to be returned, with it I enclosed some clippings. Sorry I haven't one to send you now but may be able to get one later.
Very sincerely
Paul F. Carr