James F. Munley Jr.
Submitted by: Peg Munley {niece}
James F. Munley, Jr. was born around 1895. James Munley served in World War 1 with the United States Army. The enlistment was in 1917 and the service was completed in 1919.
Story of Service
James F. Munley, from 229 Brooklyn St., Carbondale, PA, was born 1895, entered the service of the Army, October 13, 1917, and trained for overseas service during WWI as a member of the 79th Division, A.E.F., 311th Machine Gun Batttalion, with the rank of Wagoner. He was assigned to the Headquarters Company, led by Major Stephen G. Henry and Major Charles H. May.
James left Hoboken, NJ, July 8, 1918 aboard the Leviathan, landing at Brest, France, July 15, 1918. His battalion trained at Occey, Haute-Marne until September 9, 1918 when they moved toward Montfaucon and joined battle September 26-30 as part of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, capturing Montfaucon. The 79th continued battle right up to the armistice on November 11. They remained on the battlefront with such duties as police, patrol, and guarding property.
By January, the division assembled in the Souilly area and in the last days of March, moved to the area northeast of Chaumont around Andelot and Rimaucourt. Here the division was reviewed by General Pershing on April 12, who presented distinguished service crosses, and decorated the regimental colors. The 79th Division selected as its emblem the ancient symbol of victory, the Lorraine Cross. Movement toward Nantes and St. Nazaire began April 19.
The 311th Machine Gun Battalion departed St. Nazaire, France aboard the Virginian, May 13, 1919 and docked at Newport News, Virginia, May 25, 1919. James arrived at Camp Dix, NJ, May 31, 1919 and was officially discharged from the 79th Division, June 9, 1919.
After returning from the war, James Munley worked as a coal miner with the Delaware and Hudson Coal Company, Carbondale, PA and later was a trainman with the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad. He lived a quite life in Carbondale and helped raise his brother’s children, my sister and I, who lost our father at ages 3 and 5. James never spoke of his service, but I hope this recount serves as a thank you for a job well done.
