Sergeant joyce kilmer biography of william hill

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Poet Joyce Kilmer, most famous for the poem “Trees”, was killed over 100 years ago while serving as a sergeant in the New York National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment scout section during World War I.

But a reminder of Kilmer is still with the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry today, as Task Force Wolfhound serves in Africa as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The crucifix belonging to Kilmer, reportedly taken from his body by Medal of Honor holder Maj.

William “Wild Bill” Donovan after Kilmer’s death on July 30, 1918, has been taken to war and overseas deployments by the battalion commander ever since.

Today it is being carried by Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, the commander of the 69th Infantry and the 1,100-member Task Force Wolfhound.

“The Kilmer cross is one of the legends of the 69th,” said Tabankin.

“It is part of our history and part of our lineage.”

Normally the Joyce Kilmer: New Brunswick’s Soldier-Poet NOROD