of the east bank of the river, and the rifles also of
hundreds of Huns across the canal attempted to pick off the swimmers.
Many were killed and many others were wounded and left to drown, for it
would not do to stop to rescue them. A story is told, however, of two
chums swimming side by side. One of them was hit by a bullet in the
neck and was saved by the other who swam on supporting him until they
reached the opposite bank. Then he stopped long enough to bind up the
wound and leave his chum lying flat in the mud while he advanced
through the mud and across the canal. Both lived to return home with
the victorious army.

When the swimmers were across, they held the ropes, which were fastened
at the other bank, taut, so that those who could not swim could cross
by holding on to them. Some attempted to cross on hastily built rafts
and in collapsible canvas boats. More of these were lost than of the
swimmers who, partially submerged, were not so good targets for the
riflemen.

At the same time the engineers were building pontoon bridges and
smaller foot bridges. After the first wave of men had crossed the
river and the mud and were climbing up the further side of the canal,
the engineers were not so greatly delayed by rifle fire and soon had a
foot bridge ready over which the troops quickly rushed. The pontoon
bridge was destroyed by enemy fire. Many were lost in the mud where
progress was slow and where, obliged to stand erect, they made good
targets.

Those swimmers who reached the canal jumped in, swam across the 60 feet
of water, and climbed the opposite bank by using grappling hooks.

The Germans had not taken the precaution to build trenches beyond the
canal, thinking that the river, the mud, and the canal at this point
would offer protection enough. Therefore, when the Americans had
succeeded in crossing the canal, the Germans hastily retreated.
Probably there were fewer casualties among the Americans than if the
attack had been made at what seemed a less dangerous point, for
elsewhere along the river the Huns had intrenched themselves.

The action was one demanding skill and courage of the highest order.
It was carried through successfully because the Americans possessed
both of these qualities and realized they were fighting for the noblest
cause for which men ever fought. They were willing to give up their
today that others might have a secure and happy tomorrow.

The capture of Sedan forced th