viblbv01802Battle, Marion S., PapersA Guide to the Marion S. Battle Papers, undated Ms.2015.038A Collection in Special CollectionsRyan MairSpecial Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield DriveNewman Library, Virginia TechBlacksburg, Virginia 24061Business Number: 540-231-6308specref@vt.eduURL:

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-05-01 07:00:30 -0400.English Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Marion S. Battle Papers, Battle, Marion S., 1899-? Ms.2015.038 0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder undated The Marion S. Battle Papers document Battle's experiences in the United States Army during the First World War and afterwards in Czechoslovakia. Items include a report about the Czechoslovak Legion and Battle's roll in the U.S. Army Transportation Service operation to provide transport back to Czechoslovakia; photographs depicting members of the Legion and their trip on the USAT America; and photocopies of Battle's U.S. Army records. English . Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Marion S. Battle Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Marion S. Battle Papers, Ms2015-038, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The Marion S. Battle Papers was purchased by Special Collections in 2013.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Marion S. Battle Papers was completed in July 2015.

Historial Note

Marion S. Battle was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, on July 21, 1880. Battle enlisted in the Army on February 1, 1899, and became sergeant of Battery H, 6th Battalion, 65th Coastal Artillery Regiment. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on February 2, 1901, and attended the U.S. Army Artillery School.

After more promotions, Battle became Major of Field Artillery, August 5, 1917, and commanded the 148th Regiment of the 66th Field Artillery Brigade. Battle was promoted to Lt. Colonel, May 3, 1918, and awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal on July 9, 1918, citing his service in the American Expiditionary Force during the occupation of Europe following the First World War. Battle finally became Colonel in the Coastal Artillery Corps on October 18, 1918. In 1920, Battle assisted in the transportation of the Czechoslovak Legion before he was honorably discharged on June 30, 1920.

Scope and Content

The Marion S. Battle Papers document Battle's experiences in the United States Army during the First World War and afterwards in Czechoslovakia.

A typed report by Battle, The Repatriation of the Czecho-Slovaks details the story the Czechoslovak Legion during the First World War and his roll in the U.S. Army Transportation Service operation to provide transport back to Czechoslovakia. Undated photographs depict the men of the Czechoslovak Legion and their voyage aboard the USAT America, including images of America's crowded decks, the ship at anchor, a burial at sea, and the Czechoslovak Legion on patrol.

Additional records contain computer printouts and photocopies of Battle's U.S. Army records. An award citation show the presidential order bestowing the Army Distinguished Service Medal upon Battle, citing his service in the American Expiditionary Force during the occupation of Europe following the First World War. A photocopy of Battle's service record shows his promotion date, awards, and temporary assignments.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by type of material.

World War, 1914-1918 Battle, Marion S., 1899-? The Repatriation of the Czecho-Slovaks, undated1Photographs, undated1Records,undated1