History Begets Art: “Marechaussee on Horseback”

The Military Police Corps Regiment was officially established September 26, 1941, over 75 years ago. Their roots run much deeper though, all the way back to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. General Washington requested that the Provost Marshall position be created to handle the Continental Army’s disciplinary issues. William Maroney was tapped to fulfill the newly created staff position in January, 1776. During the Spring of 1778, Congress established the Provost Corps. General Washington referred to these troops as the “Marechaussee”, a French term used to describe a local guard force, or, loosely, the constabulary. The Marechaussee Corps would be formed exclusively as a police organization. Organized and equipped as light dragoons, they utilized their speed to aid in troop movements and in moving prisoners from the battlefield. The Marechaussee protected the Army’s rear and flanks during troop movements, searched for stragglers, guarded river crossings, and engaged in combat when needed.

“Marechaussee on Horseback” by sculptor James Hall III. Photo courtesy of United States Army Military Police Corps Regimental Museum.

During the Military Police Corps 75th anniversary celebration, to honor this legacy, Military Police Regimental Association held a ribbon cutting of James Hall III’s sculpture “Marechaussee on Horseback” at Memorial Park (Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri) September 19th, 2016.

“Gateway to the Regiment” by artist James Hall III. Image by Mr. Michael Curtis (Fort Leonard Wood).

“Marechaussee on Horseback” joins Mr. Hall’s bronze crossed pistol archway, “Gateway to the Regiment” (2008), and his 10 foot tall bronze replica of a World War II era Military Police soldier, “Of the Troops and for the Troops” (2010).

“Of the Troops and for the Troops” by sculptor James Hall III. Photo courtesy of Military Police Regimental Association.

“Marechaussee on Horseback” depicts a lone mounted police soldier, surveying an endless field, and contemplating the Military Police Corps’ past, present, and future. The visual inspiration for the piece is Rick Reeves’ artwork “Dawn of the Regiment”. The sculpture is made of silicon bronze (copper with some tin), is almost 18 feet tall, almost 11 feet long, and weighs in at just under 3,000 pounds. The majority of the statue is 3/16″ thick. The legs of the horse are 1/4″ thick. During a four year long process, the piece was sculpted at JH Creative Studio in Nixa, Missouri and then shipped to AdAstra Art Bronze in Lawrence, Kansas where molten bronze was poured into the ceramic molds. After the molds were broken off of the hardened bronze mixture each piece was welded together and the patina was applied. The completed sculpture was installed at Memorial Grove September 2, 2016.

“Marechaussee on Horseback” by artist James Hall III. Photo courtesy of United States Army Military Police Corps Regimental Museum.

Memorial Park is a serene location for soldiers, past and present, to reflect and to pay homage to fallen comrades. Memorial Park is home to the Chemical Corps Memorial and the Engineers Memorial, in addition to the Military Police Memorial. The Veterans’ Memorial serves as the central hub. The Engineers Memorial Grove includes a nine foot tall bronze sculpture, “The Sapper”, by Andrew Chernak, which was unveiled May 5, 2006. Replicas of “Gateway to the Regiment”, “Of the Troops and for the Troops”, and “Marechausse on Horeseback” are available at the nearby Mahaffey Museum Complex gift shop. For Fort Leonard Wood Access Control and Gate Information please refer to http://www.wood.army.mil/LEC/SOB/Access%20Control%20and%20Gate%20Information.html.

UPDATED 17 September 2019

For more ideas on things to see and do in Pulaski County, Missouri please visit www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com.

The Spirit of Pulaski County

Pulaski County, Missouri has a long and proud tradition of patriotism. In remarkable spirit, citizens laid their cash on the barrel head in return for Uncle Sam’s war bonds during several War Loan Drives to support the war efforts of World War II. War Loan Drives were held nationwide and Pulaski County stepped up to the plate. The third War Loan Drive was held from early September through early October in 1943 with a national goal of $15 billion and the county quota was $336,000. With Dru Pippin as the chairman from the county, Pulaski County delivered $341,787, almost $6,000 over goal. Adjusted for inflation the money raised by Pulaski County in 1943 would equal $4,604,621.64 today. $75,000 of the monies raised bought a P-51 Mustang which was named “The Spirit of Pulaski County” by local bond buyers. After purchasing a Series E War Bond the buyer was able to submit a naming suggestion.

North American P-51 Bought with the 3rd War Loan Drive. “The Spirit of Pulaski County”. P-1 Mustang. Photo courtesy of Pulaski County Museum & Historical Society.

Pulaski County, always patriotic and dutiful, had seen many of her citizens march off to war, but part of the rallying cry for the War Loan Drives was the memory of Wayne Lynn “Buck” Bandy. A graduate of Waynesville High School, Buck played trumpet for Navy Band Number 22, and was one of the many sailors lost on board the U.S.S. Arizona December 7, 1941.

Dru Pippin said of the successful War Loan Drives:

“This magnificent response to put idle dollars to work for victory is our message to our fighting men wherever they might be, that Pulaski County has gone to War too.”

This Third War Loan poster featured Superman.

Many businesses were advertisement sponsors for the War Loan Drives including Long’s Drug Store Sundries, United Army Store, Rigsby Service Station, Baker Hotel, Dr. C.A. Talbot, Owl Cafe, Clark’s Cafe, Chicago Military Store, Prewett Liquor Store, Bell Hotel, Bursons Cafe, Ford Cafe, Copeland Military Store, Sinclair Service Station, Blue Line Bus Service, Tut’s Cafe, Fort Wood Hotel, Ft. Wood Military Supply, 5% Beer Parlor, Safety Service Station and Bell Garage.

Today, over 70 years later, Pulaski County still fervently supports those who put their life on the line to fight for our freedoms. Pulaski County was the first Purple Heart County in the State of Missouri, and several of our cities have received the Purple Heart City designation as well.

Special Thank You to Steven M. Beattie and Pulaski County Museum & Historical Society for their contributions and images.

To plan your trip to Pulaski County, Missouri, home of Fort Leonard Wood, visit http://www.PulaskiCountyUSA, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA, or order your FREE Official Visitors Guide at email@pulaskicountyusa.com or 877-858-8687.

Korean War Monument Dedication Held in Pulaski County, Missouri

Patriotic Pulaski County has a long and proud tradition of patriotism. Another symbol of our patriotic pride was unveiled Monday, November 11, 2013 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery- Fort Leonard Wood. The Pulaski County Korean Association dedicated their gift, the Korean War Memorial monument to gathered onlookers and dignified guests in a ceremony that started at 9:00 a.m..

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by attendees after the singing of the National Anthem of the United States of America and the National Anthem of the Republic of Korea.

A member of Harry L. Herron Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49 salutes the American flag during the National Anthem of the United States of America.

The monument is a tribute to the 358 soldiers from 62 counties surrounding Pulaski County that gave their lives during the Korean War.

Speakers included Charles G. Baxter (Director, Missouri Veterans Cemetery- Fort Leonard Wood), 1SG (Ret.) Walter B. Dixon (Former POW/MIA- Korean War), Kyong Rainbolt (President, Pulaski County Korean Association), Stan Baughn (Director, Missouri Cemeteries Program- Missouri Veterans Commission) and Jin-hyun Lee (Consul, Korean Consulate in Chicago).

1SG (Ret) Walter B. Dixon speaks about his experience as a POW during the Korean War. Mr. Dixon also recited some of his poetry.

Mrs. Kyong Rainbolt, President of Pulaski County Korean Association spoke of her appreciation for those who served in the Korean War.

Distinguished guests included Steve Lynch (State Representative District 122), COL Bjarne M. Iverson (Chief of Staff, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence- Fort Leonard Wood), CSM Terrence Murphy (Command Sergeant Major, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence- Fort Leonard Wood), George Sanders (Mayor of Saint Robert), Luge Hardman (Mayor of Waynesville), Dr. Virgie Mahan (President, Assistance Association), Members of Harry L. Herron Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49, and Pastors of Korean Churches.

After the unveiling and acceptance of the monument Mr. Lee expressed appreciation for all those who served in the Korean War and Mrs. Rainbolt described the war as “America’s forgotten victory”. Both Mr. Lee and Mrs. Rainbolt reminded those in attendance that “Freedom is Not Free”. 60th Anniversary coins were presented to the Korean War Veterans in attendance by Mr. Lee.

Mrs. Kyong Rainbolt & Mr. Jin-hun Lee moments after the Korean War Memorial at Missouri Veterans Cemetery- Fort Leonard Wood was unveiled. The monument is a gift from Pulaski County Korean Association. Photo by Daily Guide.

After the monument was unveiled Mr. Jin-hyun Lee presented 60th Anniversary commemorative coins to the Korean War Veterans in attendance. Photo by Daily Guide.

Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon issued a proclamation that was read by Charles Baxter. The proclamation recognizes that “trade and economic development, tourism and educational and cultural exchanges advance our peoples and peoples around the world and promote peace” and also commended the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago “for honoring Korean War veterans and their families and friends”.

Governor Jay Nixon’s Proclamation was read by Charles Baxter.

The Korean War was fought from 25 June, 1950 until an armistice was signed by South Korea and North Korea 27 July, 1953. The United States sent 480,002 troops to aid South Korea against the North Korean invaders. Of these, the United States had 36, 503 casualties and 92, 073 wounded. The sacrifices made by American troops greatly helped South Korea and its people, and also helped to stop the spread of communism.

Korean War Veterans gather around their monument at Missouri Veterans Cemetery- Fort Leonard Wood. The monument is a gift from Pulaski County Korean Association. Photo by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau.

Pulaski County Tourism Bureau is proud to include this newest monument, a gift from the Pulaski County Korean Association as a stop on our Veterans Memorial Tour. This self guided driving tour directs visitors and tourists to nine tributes to our veterans that are in Pulaski County, Missouri. For your complimentary brochure call 877-858-8687 today.

Korean War Memorial at Missouri Veterans Cemetery- Fort Leonard Wood in Pulaski County, Missouri. The monument is a gift from Pulaski County Korean Association. Photo by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau.

Herbert Eugene “Gene” Boyd- Korean War Veteran & Poet

Herbert Eugene “Gene” Boyd is an entertaining man. When he is storytelling he draws on his past experiences. Stories about being orphaned before he was three years old and being taken in by his grandparents and being raised in the Richland, Missouri area of the Ozark Mountains. He tells about how he and his six siblings were split up after the loss of their parents. He talks about how lucky they were that they were all taken in by loving family members and not handed off to be reared by strangers as sometimes happens to orphaned little ones. You can see the chuckle in his eyes when he tells about “running to town”. Gene used to run to town a little differently than you or I would today. He literally ran. And town was more than ten miles away. Gene ran so often and so far that his daughters found it odd that their playmates fathers didn’t run like their daddy did. He tells stories about the birthday parties that were thrown for his daughters, different ages, all three share the same birthday. He tells stories about the creek that runs through his family farm. A story that he didn’t tell, but that his wife brought up was the story about how he missed his chance to participate in the Olympics trials as a runner. The opportunity passed him by because of funding. He wasn’t able to raise enough money in his cash strapped community to make the journey.

Herbert Eugene “Gene” Boyd met with Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler October 31, 2013 in Saint Robert, Missouri.

I got the feeling that Gene doesn’t dwell on chances that have slipped by. Gene is man who will silently sacrifice his wants and desires, even his own needs, for his family and his loved ones -and for his country. Gene is a Veteran, a Korean War Veteran. Two of his brothers, Charles H. Boyd and Raymond L. Boyd, are also Veterans, both having served in World War II. He doesn’t tell stories about the sacrifices that he and his battle buddies made during their military service. But, you can see a hint of them in his eyes. And you can feel them in Gene’s words. Gene is also a poet. He writes poems about the things that he loves- a poem about that little creek on the farm (which he can recite verbatim when asked), and poems that pay tribute to and honor the defenders of our freedoms, his fellow Veterans.

Congresswoman Hartzler reads Gene’s poem “Tribute to the Unknown Soldier” to those in attendance.

Recently Gene, and his wife & daughters, were able to hear two of his poems read by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler during a meet and greet in Saint Robert, Missouri. Congresswoman Hartzler presented Mr. Boyd with a Challenge Coin from the United States House of Representatives and two more for each of his brothers. Shortly after this meeting, Arlington National Cemetery posted Gene’s poem “Tribute to the Unknown Soldier” to their Facebook page for millions to see and read. What did this storyteller say after seeing his poem on their page? “Strange seein’ something you wrote on there ain’t it?”. We hope that Gene’s next poem is about his deserved time in the spotlight!

Congresswoman Hartzler presents Herbert Eugene Boyd, a Korean War Veteran with a United States House of Representatives Challenge Coin in Pulaski County, Missouri.

Thank You to the Boyd brothers for your service!

Tribute to the Unknown Soldier by Gene Boyd

As I stand here all alone,
I wonder where this boy called home.

Did he walk by the sandy seashore?
Or plod the desert’s burning floor.

Did he climb the mighty mountain main?
Or till the soil of the fruited plain.

Did he descend from the people who lived by the river,
and hunted their game with bow and quiver?

Did his people long since forgotten
Toil in the sun in the fields of cotton?

Was he a miner’s son from the Cumberland Mountains?
Or a city boy who drank from a fountain.

Here lies our son under American sod,
Known not to man, but known surely to God.

Remembering Them by Gene Boyd

In our lives busy ebb and flow
We forget those crosses that stand row after row
On foreign fields where now only flowers grow.

When you see a person who is old, stooped and gray,
Did you ever think what might have made them that way?

When we were young, like you, happy and gay;
The Army came and sent most of us away.

We left our homes, went over the world,
Every where our flag was unfurled’
We left our homes, lifted our chin, not knowing when or if
Ever we’d see it again.

We stood alone, in those foreign lands of jungle, forests
And burning sand.
They fought in the fields of mud and clay;
And left rivers of blood on the way.

These young men both short and tall;
Some came back with one leg, some came back with none at all.

We know not now or ever will;
Know the thoughts of those dead, whose time will forever stand still.

So stride for stride, with God on their side;
They carried our banner through.

And in the end, she flew high;
Old Glory the red, white and blue.

So, when you them to grizzled and dirty they be,
Give them the respect and honor they deserve –
Because they are why we still breathe Free!

To the younger generation
So with Failing hands but our head held high,
We’ll pass that banner
As you march by.