Artifacts Sixteen

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(The first local chapter in Tennessee.)
Mrs. N.E. ("Whitty") Logan was a nurse who helped found the Knoxville Chapter of The Red Cross.

Her work near the front lines in France during World War I earned her international prominence and a Medal of Commendation from General "Black Jack" Pershing. The only 6 Star General in American history.

General John Pershing

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Scott County's Cecil Family from the New River community is considered one of the most decorated military families in America.


(Seated- Col. Joe Cecil (Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection, & WW  I,) Judge Beaty Cecil, father of Joe, Henry, Tom, and James, (War Between the States),
(Standing- left to right- Commander Henry Barton Cecil (U.S. Naval Academy 1910, killed on U.S.S.. Akron 1933- Jackson, FL Naval Air Station named Cecil Field in his honor) Lieutenant Colonel Tom Cecil, (W W I) Col. James J. Cecil, (WWI, WWII,)

In addition to Col. Josephus Cecil receiving the congressional Medal Of Honor, the combined service of the family pictured began in the Civil War and lasted through World War II.

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James E. "Buck" Karnes

Calvin Ward

In a battlefield stalemate during WW I , Knoxville native James E. "Buck" Karnes and Morristown native Calvin Ward rallied the 117th Infantry in a charge that broke the Hindenburg Line and forced the Germans into a retreat. Both Tennesseans received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their actions. In fact, both returned home holding one medal more than famed Tennessean Alvin York.

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Knoxville native and Fighter Pilot Lt. Charles McGhee Tyson was shot down over Britain's North Sea in WWI.  Because of his service as a pioneer avaitor, McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville, TN) was named in his honor.




Three days later his father Gen. Lawrence Tyson's 117th Infantry broke through the Hindenburg lines and helped push the allied forces to victory.

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WWI Tenn. Sharpshooter

German prisoners captured by the 30th Division.

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Tyson's all-Tennessee 59th Brigade is regarded as one of the most decorated units in Military history.

General Tyson decorating the 117th Tennessee on Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee, April 5, 1919.
8 men received the Congressional Medal of Honor, 84 the Distinguished Service Cross, 75 the British Military Cross, and 307 received citations for Personal Bravery.


British King George with General E.M. Lewis reviewing the 30th Division which included the Tennessee 117th Brigade.

All pictures courtesy of
The National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History