Post 36 is named after John Thomas Ring, a World War I Marine. Corporal Ring was part of the 6th Marines, 97th Company, 145th Regiment of Forsyth County. Born Sept. 3, 1896; son of Sanford Gideon and Laura May Ring of Kernersville, NC He entered the Marine Corp on January 17,1918 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Corporal Ring was then sent to Paris Island, SC for basic training. After boot camp he was transferred to Quantico, Va. and then sailed for France April 22, 1918.
In March of 1918 during World War I, Germany was beginning their "Spring Offensive." Germany was launching a series of attacks on the European western front. Germany was hoping to devastate and defeat the Allies before United States could fully deploy troops to aid in the battle. Two major offenses virtually destroyed the British 5th Army. All of France was now in Germany's sights. By May 27th, 1918 the Germans were within 40 miles of Paris. The Germans were dug in and fighting viciously when the Marines showed up. The French began to retreat and repeatedly urged the Marines to also turn back. Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines uttered the now-famous retort "Retreat? Hell, we just got here." Over the next two days, the Marines repelled the continuous German assaults. When this battle ended, there were nearly 10,000 U. S. casualties, nearly 2,000 were fatal, including Cpl. John Thomas Ring. Over 1600 German prisoners were taken prisoner but there is no clear record of German casualties. It is said that this is the battle where the Marines got their nickname "Teufelshunde" or "Devil Dogs" for the ferocity with which they continually attacked the German lines. It is said that an official German report at this time classified the U.S. Marines as "vigorous, self-confident, and remarkable marksmen." Even General Pershing once said "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!"
Corporal Ring was killed in action near Tigny France, in the Soissons Rheims Sector in the battle of Belleau Woods. His death was reported July 19, 1918. Corporal Ring was not even 22 years old. Cpl Ring was an American hero and we are proud to have our post named after him!
