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Remembering General Omar Bundy - by Ben Badgley

4/2/2011 1:35:00 AM
REMEMBERING: Gen. Omar Bundy

By BEN BADGLEY

It is said that the Henry County Historical Museum is the county's "best-kept-secret." Visitors come from elsewhere while locals regularly drive by, not realizing the treasure there. One fascinating story is about the county's greatest war hero, Major General Omar Bundy. He served in World War I, was decorated for his service, a great celebration honored his 1918 homecoming and Bundy Auditorium was constructed in his honor. He spent 42 years of world-changing service. He displayed courage developed in the jungles of Cuba, on the slopes of a volcano and on battlefields of France.

Born in 1861 off South Main Street where Bundy Court is now, Bundy is a graduate of New Castle's first high school and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. In 1889, he returned to New Castle and married Knightstown native Addie Harden who lived in New Castle at the corner of Indiana Avenue and 12th Street with her father, the county treasurer. Meanwhile, Lt. Bundy prepared to take a post on the wild-western frontier after six years engaged occasionally with Crow Indians and completing infantry and cavalry school. The couple was the first to marry in the new First Presbyterian Church at 12th and Church streets. Addie accompanied him to every post until the First World War. They had no offspring but adored children.

In 1890, Bundy was at the Cheyenne River in South Dakota near the Pine Ridge Reservation. According to Darrel Radford'sNew Castle: A Pictorial History,he "participated" in the Battle of Wounded Knee but verification has been difficult. It was a wild country and the army served as the only law. Bundy served from 1891-1898 at the Fort Snelling, Minn. garrison, the latter three years as post and regimental quartermaster.

Captain Bundy

Then came the sinking of the Maine and war: the Spanish-American War. He was promoted to captain of infantry and transported to Cuba. Bundy, although less famous than Theodore Roosevelt, distinguished himself by earning a Silver Star for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States" by racing up the slopes of El Caney. Also on July 1, 1898 three miles away, the Rough Riders were taking San Juan Hill. After aiding the siege of Santiago de Cuba, Bundy returned to the U.S. only to ship out to the Philippine Islands where duties included battling insurgents and serving as inspector general and provost marshal in two of the islands' three geographic divisions. This was the time of the Philippine Insurrection, 1899-1902, and Moro Rebellion, 1899-1913.

Stories survive of his courageous actions. In 1906, then-Major Bundy was chosen for the Battle of Bud Dajo on the Island of Jolo. He led four companies of U.S. soldiers and 50 native scouts against 1,300 Moros (Muslims in the southern Philippines) who were fortified in the extinct volcano crater of Bud Dajo, a mile across and 200 feet above sea level. After three days of scaling the steep mountain side, a 60-degree incline, under constant bombardment, a final dash for the top was made. On March 7 the entire Moro force was wiped out. Nearly half of Bundy's men were injured or lost.

Major General

Bundy returned to the U.S. in January 1907 where he remained 10 years, going from major in 1907 to major general in 1917. Bundy served under General John J. "Blackjack" Pershing, first in San Francisco and then near the Mexican border where the notorious Pancho Villa was pursued. War broke out in Europe in 1914. When the U.S. entered the fray three years later, Pershing headed operations and he took with him the new Brigadier General Bundy who was soon a major general and third in command of all American Expeditionary Forces in France.

Bundy saw action in May 1918, at Chateau Thierry as the German Spring Offensive attempted to gain Paris before American troops were in place. As French troops fell back, orders were given to Bundy to follow suit and reestablish the front on the outskirts of Paris. Bundy's Second Division gave some ground but then this famous reply that made headlines throughout all the Allied countries was issued: "We regret being unable to follow the counsels of our masters, the French, but the American flag has been compelled to retire. This is unendurable, and none of our soldiers would understand not being asked to do whatever necessary to reestablish a situation which is humiliating to us and unacceptable to our country's honor. We are going to counter attack."

German forces were stopped and a counterattack executed. In June, Bundy's men drove the enemy out of Belleau Wood where the Germans were entrenched for months and repeated attempts to dislodge them by allied forces were costly and fruitless. This unexpected victory sparked Field Marshall Ferdinand Foch, leader of all Allied forces, to order a massive counterattack all along the Western Front. More than 9,000 soldiers were wounded or killed at Belleau Wood while regaining three miles of French real estate. The battle constituted the first allied offensive victory in over a year. The drive continued until the armistice with Germany on Nov. 11, 1918.

'Open Secet'

Even though the French awarded him the Croix de Guerre with palm as a commander in the Legion of Honor (France's highest commendation) the U.S. failed to bestow any commendation. Newspapers regarded this snub as an "open secret." Not until 1934 was the error corrected. Bundy never indicated that he minded. As one who never cared for individual honors, Bundy would redirect the focus and shower praise upon his "boys."

President Coolidge had the matter investigated, which led to the Second Division medal being awarded. From reviewing period newspapers, it is clear to see that integrity, virtue, a soldier's duty and welfare of his men were Bundy's priorities. The respect and awe the people held for him were evident. It amazed Bundy that he was looked at as anything other than an ordinary guy. To him, he was only performing his duty.

In December 1918 Bundy was 57. He returned here. Although it had been over three years since he was here, he remained in continual contact with friends and family through letters. Many letters were published by his nephew, Walter S. Chambers, editor ofThe New Castle Courier. Bundy requested treatment as another citizen with "no fuss." A compromise was reached and an informal reception and parade were scheduled. Bundy did concede to homemade pumpkin pies and apple preserves, which were his favorite Indiana treats.

Bundy Day

By mayoral proclamation, "Bundy Day" was declared for Dec. 2, 1918 with everything closed for the afternoon. All trains and interurbans were delayed and streets were filled with automobiles because of so many people trying to get to New Castle. The parade stretched over two miles with delegations from across Indiana The famous Maxwell band, which performed at the 500 Mile Race in Indianapolis, and Fort Benjamin Harrison's military band, marched and played for the general's pleasure. What drew the most satisfaction from Bundy and his wife were the school children carrying flags and saluting. For one day the population of New Castle ballooned from 14,000 to 50,000.

Later, a letter written by Bundy from his post at Fort Lee, Va., captures his gratitude and love for New Castle. In it Bundy confessed his distractedness in learning new duties stemmed from his thoughts and heart being elsewhere: In Henry County, the place he would always lovingly call home.

At 78, the general died in Washington, D.C., after a paralytic stroke two years earlier. His wife, who lived until 1953, said at his passing, "General Bundy was a wonderful man-husband and soldier." On her death Addie Bundy left more than $400,000 to the city of New Castle to honor her husband, resulting in Bundy Auditorium.

Bundy displayed perseverance, integrity, courage and kindness. An interview was conducted with a corporeal from Bundy's Second Division who had lost both legs at Belleau Wood. Bundy had exhibited such outstanding leadership that the soldier's only regret was that he was wounded so early in the engagement. He said "We had thousands of casualties but we whipped those Germans. The fighting was so fierce that some French general told General Bundy that we had better fall back, but General Bundy knew us well enough to reply that there would be no backing out with such a crowd. Well we didn't quit until those Huns were licked."

This is why we strive to keep Omar Bundy's memory alive; to serve as a role model; to remind everyone that the ordinary person can accomplish extraordinary feats. We can still make a difference by displaying these same noble qualities in the battles we fight daily.

Ben Badgley is director of the Henry County Historical Museum.