Smoke Battalions were specialized trained soldiers who provide smoke cover on a battle field protecting the service men. They carry special equipment for that purpose. They are also trained for any other kind of chemical warfare using mortars.

He died of non - battle wounds in Seine-Port, Department de Seine-et-Marne, Ile-de-France, France.
He was buried in France until after the war when he was returned to Van Alsyne for burial.