[Main marker]:
In Memory of
81st Wildcat Division
which trained at Camp Sevier,
Apr to July 1918
Maj. Gen. Chas. J. Bailey,
commanding.
[Plaque at foot of marker]:Camp Sevier
Camp Sevier, a WWI National Guard training center, was located on 1900 acres off Lee Road, three and 1/2 miles east of downtown Greenville. The Thirtieth Division, 30,000 strong, was formed and trained here in 1917-1918. It was composed of the National Guard from the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It became known as the Old Hickory Division and fought in Belgium and France. Twelve medals of Honor were awarded to members of the Thirtieth, six of which were to South Carolinians. The 118th Infantry Regiment had more medals of honor recipients than any other regiment during WWI. More than half of all British awards to Americans went to members of the Thirtieth.
"The Division accomplished every task assigned to it. Not a single failure is recorded against it. Not a scandal occurred to mar the glory of its achievements. Duty to God, to country, and to home, well done is the highest standard humanly attainable. The officers and men of the Thirtieth Division did their duty superbly. Their deeds and the example which they set are imperishable. North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee may well be proud of their sons, both the living and the dead."
Maj. Gen. E.M. Lewis
Commander 30th Division
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