1913

This is the story of a classmate who had a most distinguished military career in both world wars.

Harry Hodges Semmes, who died in 1962, served with the district national guard on the Mexican border in 1916. He joined the regular army in 1917 and volunteered for the newly formed tank corps. He served as captain, commander of Company A, Ist Brigade Tank Corps under General George S. Patton Jr. Our records contain the following account of his performance in World War I:

"In September he went to the front for St. Mihiel, and in three weeks of that time he was again in action for Argonne. He was wounded at Argonne and 'shipped back wounded on the Saronia - result, tin ear right side, no hearing that side.'

"For 'extraordinary heroism' in the 'Treat 'em Rough' corps, he was awarded by General Pershing the Distinguished Service Cross and the bar to be worn with it. He won the cross while with his outfit in action near Xirry, France, on September 12, 1918. His citation reads, 'During the operations along the Rupt de Mad, Captain Semmes' tank fell into the water and was completely submerged. Upon escaping through the turret door and finding that his driver was still in the tank, Captain Semmes returned and rescued the driver under machine gun fire.' General Order G. H. Tank Corps, A.E.F., 17 December, 1918, goes on to say, 'For extraordinary heroism in action near Vanquois. France, 26 September, 1918, Captain Semmes is awarded a bar to be worn with the Distinguished Service Cross. This officer left his tank under rifle fire and personally reconnoitered a passage for his tanks across the German trenches, remaining dismounted until the last tank had passed. While so engaged he was severely wounded.'

"He was awarded the Purple Heart and retired for disability."

At the outbreak of WW II, Harry was disqualified for service because of wounds he had suffered. But after two years of persistent efforts, he was reinstated a lieutenant colonel and assigned as commander of the 3rd Armored Team, 2nd Armored Division for Landing in North Africa. He led six U.S. tanks against overwhelmingly superior forces in the first amphibious landing of the war and was awarded a third Distinguished Service Cross for valor. He was made a colonel in 1944 and later received the star of a brigadier general. General Semmes subsequently served in the 4th Corps during the Italian campaign under Lt. Gen. Willis D. Crittenberger. His other military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Order of the British Empire, the Cross of Military Valor from Italy, and the Medlha de Guerra from Brazil.

Harry was the author of the highly-favored book Portrait of Patton published by Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc.

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