Lost Battalion Hall 93-29 Queens Blvd., Rego Park, NY. (718) 263-4121. Listed on Queens Parks website.  While not a memorial solely dedicted to the Lost Battalion (those colored signs are advertisements for boxing, wrestling, etc.), it is the only site I know of in the world named after these heroes. Built in 1939 on city land by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) for $100,000, it is two stories, 36,000 square feet. It was built for the Queens Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion and originally had a firing range and a drill hall. In 1962 the American Legion moved out and the VFW moved to an upstairs office "free for life" where they still reside today. In 1962 it was converted into a community recreation center.

The Lost Battalion of WWI            in the Argonne Forest October 2nd thru 7th, 1918

This page was last updated on:
August 22, 2002

Crest of building says "In Memory Of The Lost Battalion, 77th Division A.E.F. 77th Insignia on both sides. Shows over 50 years of wear.

This sign out front tells: Short story about the Lost Battalion,  full copy below. An explanation of how "Rego Park" got it's name (Real Good Construction, the developer, shortened to "ReGo") Ethnic and community history of Rego Park Buildings History: 1902 Land donated to city by Frank de Hass Simonson 1939 Built by Works Progress Administration for $100,000              (Story above)           1960 NY City Parks Department takes control           1962 Converted to Recreation Center, American Legion              moved out, VFW moved upstairs 1976 AT&T builds playground for access rights Long list of 8 different renovation/improvement projects since 1995 worth $2,145,000, all seemingly government expenditures.

Text of Lost Battalion Section: This recreation center is named for the heroism of the United States Army's 77th Division, honoring it's service in World War I (1914-1918). Stationed in France, this New York division fought in the Battle of the Argonne.           While attemtping to overtake German-held land near Charlevaux, France, 301 men from Companies A,. B, C, D, E, G, H and K became isolated from the division. For five days, between October 3, 1918 and October 7, 1918, the American soldiers, down to one days ration per man, managed to successfully repel the opposing German forces. Throughout the battle, the isolated soldiers were able to communicate with their division solely by carrier pigeon. In holding out against the German onslaught, the company endured the loss of roughly 107 men. Given the number of casualties lost during the battle, the soldiers are remembered as members of "The Lost Battalion". (website creator note: there are several inaccuracies in this text, but at least they are telling the story of our heroes).

Plaque in entrance: 77th In Memory of the Lost Battalion Built AD 1938 by Work Progress Admin. George U. Harvey Boro President of Queens

Large painting, 6 feet by 4 feet(?), of Lost Battalion story by Captain Cullen. It is in extremely poor condition with sections missing. It is hanging on a wall, behind what I beleive are stands, but can be seen when going into this back section of the building.

Lost Battalion Hall

Lost Battalion Hall is just south of the Long Island Expressway on Queens Blvd., on the East Side.           From the LIE take Queens Blvd south (or east) just a quarter mile, it is on you left side before you reach 62nd Ave.           By subway, get off at the Woodside Ave/Queens Blvd station, walk under the LIE and continue a quarter mile more to the hall.