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Lewis Chapter to Build Memorial
03/16/2005
March 16, 2005
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 Command Sergeant Major
Jimmie W. Spencer, USA, Ret.
Director, Noncommissioned Officer
and Soldier Programs
If I told you that Fort Lewis, Wash., was named for Capt. Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame, you would probably say that you know that.
And, if I told you that there is a statue of Captain Lewis in the memorial park just outside the main gates of Fort Lewis, you wouldn’t be surprised.
But, if I asked you who was the senior noncommissioned officer of the Lewis and Clark expedition, my guess is you wouldn’t know.
The answer is 1st Sgt. John Ordway (1775-1817).
The 28-year-old Sergeant Ordway was stationed at the frontier post of Fort Kaskaskia in the Indiana Territory when he volunteered in 1803 for the Lewis and Clark-led Army expedition.
Their mission was to explore the Missouri and Columbia Rivers west to the Pacific Ocean.
The Association of the United States Army’s, Fort Lewis Chapter is raising funds to purchase a larger-than-life, sculptured, bronze statue of Sergeant Ordway to honor this first sergeant for his exceptional service to the United States of America and our Army.
The chapter has already purchased, with donated funds, the same sized sculptured bronze statue of Captain Lewis to be placed in a memorial park outside the main gate of this Army installation.
As the group’s first sergeant, Ordway was third in the chain of command – behind the two captains. His important daily duties included maintaining the book of detachment orders, writing daily activities in the official journal and managing the distribution of rations and other supplies.
First Sergeant Ordway was the only one to make a journal entry every day which has become the most complete record of the journey – providing valuable insights for today’s historians.
A consistently responsible, reliable and competent leader, First Sergeant Ordway led a separate subordinate task force during the return trip that allowed the captains to expand the area of exploration.
After the expedition, Ordway accompanied Lewis, with an Indian delegation, to see President Thomas Jefferson in Washington. History remembers the generals and other great captains, but hardly ever is recognition given to enlisted soldiers and noncommissioned officers for their service to the nation.
The statue will be the Army’s first and long overdue statue to a specifically named enlisted soldier. A bronze plaque, affixed to the granite pedestal, will be a tutorial and memorial to the important service of all Army first sergeants.
You are invited to help with this worthwhile project. The only source of funds is voluntary donations. Please see the information box found below. Still Serving!
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AUSA’s Fort Lewis Chapter is raising funds to purchase the Sergeant Ordway Memorial statue. Donations are tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and receipts will be given when required by the code’s section 170f(8). EIN is 53-0193361.
Checks should be made payable to the AUSA Fort Lewis Chapter and mailed to: Fort Lewis Chapter, AUSA, P.O. Box 33181, Fort Lewis, WA. 98433. For further information, call (253)588-5915. |
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