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"I am inclined to nickname my company "foot-cavalry" as we move so far, so
fast."
I wish to commend the 1sgt Morris who
assumed command when I
became incapacitated during the fight
on the 4th. I have recovered and
will be ready in the future. We
were honored to have Mike Patrick, Tim James, and Richard James fight along side us during the two days of fighting.
We must note with sorrow the lose of our own Wolfgang Alschner who has to return to his native country. His presence
is required and he will be detached from this unit. Once again my soldiers proved they can move fast, far, and outfight
the enemy on any day. We wait with anticipation for our next engagement!
$10.00
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Battle Report From Action on May 3rd -4th 2003
Carthage, Missouri
Sir,
I have the honor of reporting on the superb fighting
that the
my company did on 3-4 May, this instant. Over the two days we fought near Carthage, MO my men fullfilled every requirement
expected them. In fact, as usuall we moved further and faster than most. I am inclined to nickname my company
"foot-cavalry" as we move so far, so fast. We were blessed with few casualties over the course of the two days of fighting
and we will be ready for our next engagements.
On 3 May the battalion conducted a short march and found
the enemy deployed along a shallow creek. To their rear and on either flank were woods with a large field to their fron
that would soon become a killing ground. As we had halted behind a battery of our artillary we were unable to move forward
until they had completed their action agains the enemy. The artillary duel lastedfor quite a while but resulted in little
loss of life on either side.
Soon we were ordered forward through the guns and then into
line of battle as the enemy had crossed the creek on the one bridge available to them. We deployed as skirmishers
with the 2nd company and opened a steady and heavy fire
with the enemy. We were soon forced to return to the colors as the fighting intensified. By now the entire brigade
was in the fight and cavalry was seemed to be everywhere. My company was soon detached from the battalion and moved
out on the left flank to engage a small company of the enemy and placing us to the rear of the main force. The enemy
was forced to withdraw across the bridge closely followed by us and the combined weight of the brigade forced them to off
the field in much confusion. We returned to camp and readied for the fight we know would come on the 4th.
The 4th found the 1st ARK BN with my company again
first in line of march ahead of the remainder of the brigade and resting near an artillary battery when we received an unexpected
volley from an unseen enemy force. We were forced to withdraw, or skedaddle, and reformed on a creek out of range of
the enemy. Our orders were to hold the brigde and await the arrival of the 1st MO. We became ingaged in an intense
fight and were constantly force to give ground, reluctantly. We were soon withdrawn across the bridge and reformed only
to be moved to the flank to engage a small enemy force in a wood line. This action kept us fully
engaged for a while
and as were were able to push them we
again crossed the creek and bumped into a larger enemy force.
Orders soon
came to withdraw and I moved my company to the left flank of the 1st MO BN were were being pressed by a
determinded enemy.
We settled into line of battle and were then ordered to withdraw through a woodline and set up a reguard in the open field
beyond. The enemy declinded press his advantage and the fighting ended. We were again blessed with only light
casualities.
Your most humble servant,
Capt. David N. Alexander
Commanding, Company A
NW 15th ARK VOL
1st ARK BN
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