Forty Years On The Pacific/Alaska Telegraph Signal Corps
THE outside world hears but little about a band of heroes who lead a solitary life, but at times exciting existence in the trackless wastes of the Arctic. I refer to the United States Signal Corps, the eyes and ears of the Army. On the outposts of civilization their work consists of manning the wireless and telegraph stations erected at various points. They go to the aid of stricken "mushers," prospectors, etc., who stray from the cabins and become exhausted and frostbitten.
Many heroic deeds have been performed by this self-sacrificing body of men. One instance occurred in 1916, when a soldier was fifty miles from his post at Fairbanks and cold 60 degrees below zero. He knew that in the vicinity there was a cabin owned by a man, which he eventually found. On entering, he saw the poor fellow, named Monte, lying in his bunk, with his feet badly frostbitten. He had been in that helpless condition for forty-eight hours. The brave young signaler tapped the wires leading to Fairbanks, asking for immediate aid. Pending arrival of assistance, he put the man's feet in coal oil, to try and thaw them. Help appeared thirtysix hours after his call. They placed Monte on the dog-sledge, and walking alongside, started for Fairbanks. On arrival, they placed him in a hospital, where every attention was given him by the surgical staff and Sisters in charge, to save his feet, but their efforts were unavailing, and it was found necessary to amputate them.