During Operation Blackbeard, West Jefferson was defended by U.S. Army with more enthusiasm than it was normally due because there was a ford over Little Darby Creek. While the creek was no impediment to infantry, the ford was needed by barrels. The U.S. defended the town with a company of infantry commanded by Captain Gilbert Boyle. Armstrong Grimes was placed into this company even though he had not completed basic training. The assumption seemed to be that he could get the finer points if he survived. His immediate superior was Corporal Rex Stowe.