On The Step: The 131st U.S. Infantry at Chipilly Ridge

On August 9, 1918, the 131st United States Infantry’s commanding officer Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn, age 62, led his men to victory at Chipilly Ridge, France, against seasoned German soldiers. The 131st Infantry, also known as the First Infantry, Illinois National Guard, or the “Dandy First,” was part of the 33rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces.

For his actions at Chipilly Ridge, Sanborn was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and a Silver Star Citation. He was also awarded a Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Legion of Honour from France and Officer of the Order of Leopold from Belgium. On April 6, 1931, the 14th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I, Lieutenant General Sanborn retired from the military at age 74.