The 302nd
ENGINEERS
by,
Gilbert H. Crawford
Thomas H. Ellett
John J. Hyland
CHAPTER XIV.
THE END
ONCE in America the dissolution of the Regiment was very
rapid. Proceeding from Hoboken, the Regiment traveled to
Camp Mills, Long Island, there to await the parade of the
77th Division.
This parade was held on the 6th of May in New York City.
The men marched in quadruple columns of four at a brisk
pace up Fifth Avenue from Washington Square to the
northern boundary of Central Park amidst the cheers of
friends and relatives who rejoiced to have them home
safely once more.
After the parade, the Regiment was split up, the major
portion going to Camp Upton for demobilization. Camp
Upton looked very dismal in comparison to its old aspect
of cheerfulness. One could see that its work was done. It
had harbored the 77th Division in its infancy, and
apparently only existed until the Division was
demobilized.
On Saturday, the 12th of May, the men were paid off.
After last handshakings, they boarded the trains for New
York. The Regiment formally ceased to be at 6:00 P. M.
the same date.
Thus ended the active history of one of the finest
regiments that it was ever a man's privilege to serve in.
It passed out of existence as quietly as it had been
formed. Its labor before and after its period of combat
was great. Its actions in combat speak for themselves.