^0• .0 <> C \ ^^0^ A ^^ '^ ^-^yi^K' s- > V .4 o. ■ ' '-oiU^""''-^^' - o » o ^, -^^ C^K ■^ ^^.,<^<^ -^' >. -i>- .0 .^ ^^ V o^ "-.."*" A '^. \' '/?-: ^'''^^. 4-. ^.^-n -^. <;'' •K^. ^N- -^^ \V^|^^^ ^.,^- -^^ •■.^-^A>V^;^ %\^^. ..i a German Artillery Emplacement Durin' Our Advance on the St. Mihiel wondered, during these few hours while the artillery was dealing out death and utter destruction to the German forces if they still be- lieved in the kaiser's motto, 'Gott Mit Uns.' At exactly 5 o'clock our company commander. Lieutenant Fred L. Morrison, gave the command to go forward. As we climbed up over the embankment with bayonets fixed and loaded down with grenades and our nerves geared up to the highest pitch we experienced our first thrill of ac- tual battle. "On and on we went in the mad, wild rush through barb wire entanglements and across deep trenches, which in some cases were so wide that some of the smaller men would misjudge the distance and fall in as they were trying to cross and would require the as- sistance of a comrade to pull them out. Being continually under the enemy's machine gun fire it was necessary for each little group of men to take cover in shell holes or trenches according to their own judgment as we pushed forward. By this time the morale of the Ger- man forces was broken and we were sending prisoners to the rear in large nunibej *he Germans discovered that we were taking prisoners in^ ''ing them, as they had been previously in- formed by their ^. ler? *hey appeared mighty glad to sur- render and be taken by us. "Our first stop, which was in the middle of the day, was in a sort of valley protected on all sides by brush and highlands where we had our first bite to eat, hard ratons. No time was wasted after we had eaten and we immediately took up pursuit. Practically every member of the company shared in the taking of prisoners before the day was ended. We had advanced beyond the trenches by this time and were engaged in open warfare so it was necessary when we reached the hill near Euvazin to dig in for the first time. "You know we each carried a little shovel on the back of our packs which proved to be a very dear friend and it was with these that we dug the little holes to crawl in which furnished us protec- tion for the night. During this whole drive the airplanes worked in Page 57 Private First Class Harry Zabel Quenemo, Kas. Private Harold P. Gideon Davey, Neb. Private Walter A. Henderson Bardwell, Ky. Private Arthur K. Campbell Carson, la. Private Harry Tissman 504 Alfred Ave. Winnipeg, Canada Private Herbert N. Agee Owenton, Ky. Page 58 A German Machine Gun Nest — Furnished by a German Prisoner perfect harmony with the infantry and artillery. They would swoop down on the German trenches and cut loose with their machine guns with deadly effect. By this time the Huns had reorganized their artillery with such success that they were shelling our position heav- ily, causing many casualties in companies who were supporting us on the right and left, however, luck seemed to be with us and our losses were light. I will never forget the sight in a unit a short distance to our left. Fritz sent over a shell which scored a direct hit on a squad of men killing every man. "I forgot to mention that Second Lieutenant Carl Goldsbery had been attached to the company August 25 for duty. Lieutenant Goldsberry had seen previous action in the April drive together with Lieutenant Dougherty, and the experince of ths two young lieuten- ants proved to be quite an asset to the company. They were both daredevils and full of pep. "After the boys finished digging their next thought was to get something to eat as our rations were practically exhausted, so a de- tail from, each squad were allowed to go foraging. But the only thing they could find were cabbage and turnip patches so the boys ate raw cabbage and turnips for their supper. "All night long death crys could be heard from the lips of un- fortunate comrades on our right and left following the explosion of the German shells. The next morning the drive was continued and on the night of the 13th we haulted near Benny and again dug in. This time more pains were taken to establish our lines for fear of counter-attacks. Here for the first time during the drive our kitchen caught up with us and located in the town of Benny. Our food was cooked in Benny and carried out to the company in containers by men detailed from the company. It was necessary for us to eat our Page 59 Private Oscar T. Kelley Tindell, S. D. Piivate Fred Mohrman 2117 Ohio St. Omaha, Neb. Piivate Herman Mercuric 2802 Laurel Ave. Omaha, Neb. Private Lawrence O'Connor 1420 VL> Sherwood Ave. Omaha, Neb. Private N. J. Trook Syracuse, Neb. Private Tony Ritzo 1020 South 21st St. Omaha, Neb. Page 60 meals before the sun was up and after sun down because we had to protect ourselves from aerial observation, "The town of Benny had been pretty well shot up by American artillery as the Germans had previously held this town and were forced to retreat. The town was located on the ridge of a hill on the rnain traveled road and furnished a good target for the German ar- tillery who continually shelled it night and day after the Americans moved in which resulted in their killing about eig5it to ten Yanks a day. "No unusual activity occurred at this new position until Sep- tember 15 when the second battalion was called upon to form a patrol for the purpose of taking a small town which was strongly fortified with machine guns located about four kilometers in ad- vance of our position. The patrol moved forward in combat groups that night and when within a few hundred yards of the enemy we were commanded to continue the advance on our hands and knees. However, we were soon detected, due to the numerous flares sent up by the Huns, who immediately opened fire upon us with their ma- chine guns and to our surprise we found that we had been directed into a position that was subject to a three way machine gun fire from the enemy. When we began to get our bearings we found that we were in what might be termed a horseshoe trap. Having no artillrey support and not even having one-pounders with us we de- cided that a rifle grenade barrage would not be sufficient to cope with the situation and prepare our way for a charge, therefore after lying for several hours under continual machine gun fire we were forced to withdraw at dawn. After taking cover in timber a short distance in the rear for a few hours we marched back to our old position in single file with an interval of about fifty feet between men, under heavy shell fire. The next night there was a call for volunteers to try and take the same position. A large number re- sponded and the advance was made under practically the same diffi- culties as the previous night, but they were again forced to withdraw and decided that it would be foolish to try and take this position without artillery preparation. "It was on the second advance that Lieutenant McDonnough was seriously wounded in the arm causing the company to lose one of its most capable officers. Lieutenant McDonnough had been with the company since it originated. He was absolutely fearless, a hard worker, and it was no uncommon sight to see the lieutenant after drill hours calling his men together and giving them special in- structions, for his one aim was to get the company up to the highest degree as a fighting unit. His special hobby was bayonet fighting and he was rated among the best as an instructor. He liked his men and it was a pleasure for the boys to soldier under him. "The third night, after a light artillery preparation, the posi- tion was taken successfully and another prize added to the boys' record of twenty-six machine guns and approximately seven hundred prisoners. The next few days were spent in a support position near Page 61 Private Florenciz O. Telles Box 1215 Clifton, Ariz. Private First Class Patrico Soliz Sardis, La. Private Joe Polleto Box 88 Morince, Ariz. Private Vincenzo Cortici 1109 South 13th St. Omaha, Neb. Private Carmelo Consenting 404 William St. Omaha, Neb. Private Joseph Firicario 807 Pierce St. Omaha, Neb. Page 62 Benny with nothing unusual happening except that we were con- tinually under shell fire. "On September 21 we again shifted our position to Vallon woods, near Boullionville, where better shelter was provided by old German dugouts and temporary shelters were constructed by the men outi of sheet metal and logs. These old dugouts had been the home of the German forces up until the day of the drive and their hasty retreat caused them to leave them in very good condition. In front of some of these dugouts were little arbors and tables and seats, where the Germans had probably enjoyed many a good stein and joke at the expense of the Frenchmen. "While in this position the battalion commander informed the company that they would have to turn out for battalion parade and with the German airplanes continually flying over our heads the parade was not as successful as during normal times. "On September 26-27 we received our first replacement of cas- uals consisting of forty men to partially replace the company's losses. These men had just arrived in France and were immediately assigned to our company. They came mostly from Southern states, and had been rushed across without any training to speak of. We all looked them over and decided they were a pretty good bunch of fellows. They were distributed evenly among the different platoons and took up their duties with the companv just like old timers. You see we considered ourselves old heads at the game by this time. "On September 30 our company commander. First Lieutenant Fred L, Morrison, was taken to the hospital on account of stomach trouble, with which he had been suffering continually through the St. Mihel drive. He would not consent to go to the hospital until the drive was over. Here E Company dropped from its rolls an officer who had the entire confidence of the company. Everybody went to Dadv Morrison with his little woes because they always felt at home to talk with the lieutenant and you were always sure of get- ting a square deal. He never held himself aloft from his men. but was always one of the bovs. First Lieutenant Arthur A. Maclear was assigned to command the company relieving Lieutenant Morri- son. "The company again moved forward on October 1 and took up a support position between Boulionville and the front line. Here under adverse conditions we were called upon to dig trenches both dav and night for no other purpose but to keep the men busy. This position being directly under German aerial observation, we were continually shelled, night and day. After five days spent in this posi- tion the company was moved to Boulionville and billeted in build- ings in this town. Here we received a large delivery of mail and our duties being light, with enough to eat for the first time during the drive, we began to feel more like ourselves than we had for many vdays. On October 8 we were relieved by the Thirty-seventh Division on this whole sector, and we marched back to Rehanne woods where we spent one day. On October 9 First Luietenant Cass Harrington was assigned to command the company, relieving Lieutenant Mac- Page 63 Private Albert M. Parker R. F. D. No. 1 Ozark, Ark. Private Anton Basra Tabor, S. D. Private Joseph B. Cadwallader Winside, Neb. Private Jose Otero Clifton, Ariz. Private Herman H. Mohlenbrink Breckinridge, Okla. Private Joseph Svab Dubois, Neb. Page 64 Lear, who was taken to the hospital. On this same date we were loaded in Chink trucks and after riding all that day and night and the next day until noon we arrived at Recicourt which was'^on the Verdun front. It was certainly a great relief to unload because we were packed ni these trucks so tight that we could hardly stretch our legs, let alone try to get any sleep. "At Recicourt we established a camp on a side hill just on the outskirts of town and at night those who had shelterhalves pitched tents, but the majority of the men had to assimulate their tents. There was an attempt here to do close order drill under the trees, but the results were not overly successful because the noise of the German airplanes over our head attracted more attention than the commands given to execute the manual of arms. "By this time everybody had received their full quota of cooties and if you didn't get any mail you could read your undershirt. It was not an uncommon sight to see the boys taking an inventory to see how many more had been born each day. 'Everybody was doing it.' "On October 13 we proceeded through the mud to a position near Epionville where we again dug in. Just to the left of our posi- tions there was a battery of huge French guns which were continually in operation and this caused our position to be continually shelled as the Germans were trying to silence these guns. Here we made preparation for the next drive, stocking up on ammunition and fill- ing any shortage necessary to strengthen our forces. "On October 19 we again moved forward to relieve the Thirty- second Division, which was holding a position in Bantheville woods. During this entire movement it rained continually. Here we reor- ganized our forces for the purpose of wiping out a German strong point which heretofore had checked the advance of the previous drives. "Of course it must always be kept in mind that all of the resi- ments of infantry in the Eighty-ninth Division were likewise partici- pating in these movements. "On the night of the 19th while making this relief Private Ira S. Penninger was killed from the explosion of a hand grenade. He was known personally by nearly every man in the company as he handled most of the barber work for the boys and after drill hours when everybody waa resting this lad was never too tired to do you a favor. He was a good soldier and a credit to the company, "The next day was spent in trying to procure a little rest, which was next to impossible as we had no shelter and our clothing was soaked with rain. Under these conditions we managed to pass the time until midnight October 20-21 when we were ordered to take our next objective which was on the northern edge of Bantheville woods. Fritzie's intelligence department was surely wise to this movement as we not only met their artillery barrage, but faced the fierceset machine gun resistance ever encountered by any unit of the Eighty-ninth Division. By morning both Lieutenant Harrington and Lieutenant Sam Smith were wounded and taken to the rear leaving Page 65 Private A. B. Wallace Somewhere in Scotland Private Emmett Lawlek 3119 T Street, South Side Omaha, Neb. Private Clifford B. Reynolds Corning, Mo. Private John A. Izakson Lake Andes, S. D. Private William T. Naughton 1617 Cass St. Omaha, Neb. Private First Class Wright Cochran 1021 South 36th St. Omaha, Neb. Page 66 Dead Germans Who Were Plentiful in this Drive Second Lieutenant John Gaskill in command. Even though we had suffered heavy losses and were tired, wet and hungry when the news went round that Lieutenant Gaskill was in command the company seemed to take on new life because the boys all knew him and had confidence in his ability to lead them. "Of course this operation was purely a second battalion move- ment which was under the command of Captain Fisher, who was acting major. Everyone will remember Captain Fisher, who could always be found in the thickest of the engagement until the objective was taken. Although he was wounded badly in the hand in the early part of this engagement he laughed at the idea of going to the rear and stuck with the boys until the battle was over, which was about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Many times during this struggle as we would clean out a German machine gun nest the boys will always remember the shrill cry of the Huns, 'kamerad.' Fritz would cry like a baby when he was captured. "It was during this engagement that First Lieutenant Glenn K. Spencer was killed. He had been transferred from duty with E Company August 26 as adjutant of the Second Battalion, and while acting in this capacity he was struck by a large fragment of a shell, causing instant death. The lieutenant was a very capable officer and had many friends in E Company. "Here we reorganized the company and found that we had suf- fered in killed and wounded approximately forty men, including a large number of non-commissioned officers. This reduced our forces to about 130 men. Here we established the front line with our com- pany in the front wave, which we held until early the next morn- ing when we were relieved by a machine gun battalion of the Eighty- ninth Division. We marched back to Bois de Gaines for a rest which proved one of the hardest marches the company had endured, with the men weak from hunger and suffering from thirst. "I remember times on this march when the boys would disre- gard danger to drink water out of shell holes which were so apt to Page 67 Private Emil Singer 1016 Pacific St. Omaha, Neb. Private Andrew Bos Castlewood, S. D. Private Philip Morris 1232 East 22d Ave. Denver, Colo. Private Carl A. W. Madsen Wayne, Neb. Private AdOLPHUS J. MiLETTE 922 West Market St. Aberdeen, Wash. Private Fred W. Johnson Bryant, S. D. Page 68 Bringing Home the Bacon, or in Other Words, Bringing in Boclie Prisoners be poisoned by gas. It was also during this march that we received the first package of cookies gratis from the Y. M. C. A. We established ourselves in this position by digging in and provid- ing our own shelter and making ourselves as comfortable as condi- tions would permit. Our kitchen soon located near us and we again had something warm to eat. It must always be borne in mind that during a drive of this kind it is impossible for the kitchens to keep up with the men, especially in wooded territory. "A few days later a memorandum issued from the corps and division commanders was read to us giving praise to the way we had cleared Bantheville woods of the enemy. "On October 25 First Lieutenant Garfield G. Tunnel was at- tached to command the company and Second Lieutenant Fred A. Correll was attached for duty. The time was spent in map and com- pass reading and it was here that the non-commissioned officers first received information as to our future movements. It was not an un- common thing for a Boche airplane to fly over our position and drop sheets of propaganda printed in English. "During all this time the artillery was moving up night and day and preparing to deal the final crushing blow to the Huns. On November 1st we moved forward again and stopped in Bantheville woods. The next day we continued our advance as the front line moved forward. On November 3 we took up a support position near Tailly where we dug in in three different positions in twenty- four hours. On the morning of November 5 we advanced through heavy artillery fire to a position near Beauclair where we were held up for a few hours due to a terrible bombardment from the Ger- man artillery and machine gun fire from their airplanes. In the afternoon we again pushed forward to find the bridges blown out, compelling us to wade the river, reaching the Bois Dreulet that eve- ning. "Here we expected to meet stubborn resistance, but we found Page 69 /^ ^^1 \ Private William P. Lewis Valley, Neb. Private Nathan Kramer 4408 South 25th St. Omaha, Neb. Private Sam Peltz 300.5 Haskell St. Omaha, Neb. Private Joseph Podrowzek 1511 South 3d St. Omaha, Neb. Private Cliff Myre Hickman, Ky. Private Mike Gridowski 3213 South 29th St. Omaha, Neb. fage 70 IRlM 'fo'i'nnilllllllll l llllll llllll n i l niiii mi] mn Shell Exploding in What WAS the Argonne Forest that the enemy had retreated, leaving the roads blocked with large trees which had been sawed so as to fall across the road for the pur- pose of retarding our advance. We advanced into the woods where we dug in for the night. Our progress through these woods was very slow owing to the density of the underbrush and the difficulty of trying to establish liaison between the different combat groops. We again moved forward the next morning and made our next stop near Laneuville, where we stayed two days. "During this time we kept continually sending out patrols and also sending details to the rear in an effort to secure reserve rations as our food supply was entirely exhausted and our kitchen had not as yet been located. On November 8 we shifted to the left entering the Forret de Jaulnay where the company formed the first wave. We had been continually losing men during this entire movement which left our company weakened and considerably below war strength. During this entire advance Lieutenant Tunnel was continually in command and by this time had proved to the company his ability as a leader and director of men. "He possessed special ability along the line of maps and com- pass reading and by this knowledge saved the boys many steps in moving from one position to another. We moved forward to the edge of the woods and located on a side hill a few hundred yards from the Meuse river. The little town of Inor was located just across the rivor from us. Here we established the front line and built ourselves our little homes by digging a hole in the ground and covering it with heavy logs and dirt. "The Germans were sure aware of our movements in this sector and kept continually sending over a heavy bombardment of 'Whiz Bangs' and high explosive which netted them more American casual- ties. Our first movement after establishing our front line was to send out a patrol for the purpose of patrolling the Meuse river and to obtain information regarding the enemy if possible. Our next Page 71 Private Morgan Weeks Durant. Miss. Private First Class Gather Carpenter Diller, Neb. Private Alfred Peterson 4526 North 14th St. Omaha, Neb. Private Juan R. Sanchez Metcalf, Ariz. Private George Lammers Hartington, Neb. Private LucASZ Sarnowski 28th and J Sts., South Side Gmaha, Neb. Page 72 Dead Germans Readv to he Buried movement was to establish our outposts. One was located between the river and our front line and the other was located just a few hundred feet from the river. "An order came from higher command to furnish a patrol of twenty men and one officer from our company to cross the Meuse river, penetrate the enemy's lines, and bring back prisoners. Now in the first place the Meuse river is a deep river with a swift current, all the bridges in the whole sector had been blown out, we had no boats, so there was only one way to cross the river and that was to swim it, and remember that this was the month of November and the water* at that time of the year is cold. In addition to this, let me say, had our patrol succeeded in crossing the river there was an- other obstacle to overcome nearly as difficult as there was a canal between the river and the enemy. "Lieutenant Correll who was in command of this patrol exerted everv means possible in an endeavor to find some means of crossing the river, even going so far as to carrying old planks and logs to the remaining pillars of the blown up bridge which crossed the river at Inor. Finding this plan to be unsuccessful the lieutenant and his men decided that swimming the river would be a needless sacrifice of men so the patrol returned to camp. The remainder of the com- pany was greatly surprised to see the boys, because they never really expected to see them again had they carried out this order. "Then came the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the year 1918, a day that will never be forgotten by the entire world. "Shortly before eleven o'clock some of the boys on the outposts reported that they thought that some other American unit had crossed the river and taken the town of Inor because they could hear singing and yelling and bugles were blowing all along the German lines, not once suspecting that this came from the Germans who were celebrating. Just before their report reached the company Page 73 Private Peter Anton 704 West 11th St. Kansas City, Mo. Private Edward Low 313 North 21st St. Omaha, Neb. Private Martin Lundin 3028 Cass St. Omaha, Neb. Private Gus Carlson 3045 Stone Ave. Omaha, Neb. Private John Goodenow 4322 North 33d St. Omaha, Neb. Private First Class Jacob Martig 3116 North 57th St. Omaha, Neb. Page 74 'Hie Kesults of an American Hanage in Wooded lenitories commander he had received an order from higher command that no shots were to be fired after eleven o'clock. Evidently the Huns must have received the same order as they made a vigorous effort to empty all their guns at the Americans before the specified mo- ment; they wanted to get in the last shot. "When Lieutenant Tunnel 1 called us together and read us the news, "Oh, Boy! what a feeling. At eleven o'clock all bombard- ment ceased and the sudden silence shattered the nerves of the men more than the bombardment. Everybody stood around shivering with the cold until some farsighted genius suggested that we build a bon- fire and get warm. This was certainly a case of follow the leader because in a few minutes you would have thought that there was a forest fire. You see previous to the armistice we had no fires and could not even as much as light a match for the fear of drawing enemy shell fire. "The boys had been soaked through with the rain and had no chance up to this time to dry their clothes. As the boys sat around the fire taking off their shoes to dry them and pulling off their shirts to look for cooties you could hear the fellows singing that familiar strain, 'They Go Wild, Simply Wild Over Me.' As the flames of the camp fires leaped higher, everyone seemed to pitch his conversation just a trifle higher and the boys next thought turned to betting on how soon we would start for home. Everyone was talking at once and speculating was common. "After drying our clothes and getting warm, our next thought was to further the festivities by having a banquet, but we had no place we could go for the fatted calf so we contented ourselves by cooking coffee over the bonfires in our cups and eating what 'Bullie Beef and hard tack we had on hand. "The nervous tension was too high for any of the boys to sleep that night and the conversation dragged on until the break of day. This sure was a day and night of rejoicing. "On November 13 we moved to Carre farm which was a short distance away. Here we were billeted in a large barn which had Page 75 Private Ben Kritchevski 1402 8th Ave North Minneapolis, Minn. Private First Class David W. Drapeau Lake Andes, S. D. Private Elias Sandell Address Unknown Private First Class Thomas A. Lorenzen 7924 North 30th St. Omaha, Neb. Private First Class Clifton J. Ferrin Clearwater, Neb. Private First Class George Vetter 11103 Liberty Ave. Richmond Hill Brooklyn, N. Y. ^# Page 76 previously been an old dairy. The morning was spent in picking up equipment in the woods. In the afternoon the company was de- tailed to help the engineers clean mud off the roads so that it would be possible for trucks to bring up supplies. On the morning of the 14th we assembled all of our equipment and marched back to Barri- court which town was badly shot up and practically deserted. Here we were billeted in the buildings that remained standing. The town was in a very dirty condition and we had to 'police' it before it was fit to live in. "We received a very good slock of supplies here and a liberal supply of tobacco. Up to this time tobacco was so scarce that the boys were offering as high as twenty francs for a sack. The next few days were spent in sending out salvaging details to burv dead horses and to pick up equipment over the battle scarred country. "A drill schedule then reached us from regimental headquar- ters and of course the company had to turn out for drill. This sure was tough because the boys were sick and tired and in very poor condition to drill. They needed to be fed up a bit before thev could put very much snap in the drill. At this town we were given our first opportunity to purchase cookies, gum and candy from the Y. M. C. A. Believe me, these sure went good. "Of course now our fighting career was ended and to the Ameri- can soldier no better words could express what we had helped to accomplish than the words of General Pershing in a general order which read in part: " 'Your achievement, which is rarely to be equalled in Ameri- can history, must remain a source of proud satisfaction to the troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The American people will remember it as the realization of the hitherto potential strength of the American contribution towards the cause to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater reward for a soldier or a soldier's memory.' "We had been in this town but a short time when Lieutenants Gaskill and Correll were transferred up to the Second division for duty. It was hard to part with Lieutenant Gaskill because he had been with the boys all through the big show and believe me. it was notl easy for the lieutenant when he had to bid the old gang good- bye. Although Lieutenant Correll had only been with us a short time he had proven himself to be a man of great courage and a man who would not ask his men to go a place that he would not gladly go himself. Both of the lieutenants had made good with the boys. "About this time there was a good many wild-cat rumors about the Eighty-ninth Division being one of the first ones to be sent back to the Lhiited States and the morale of the company had gone up about 300 per cent in anticipation of going home. Also the Eighty-ninth Division being rated as one of the best combat divisions, we were called upon to furnish a part of the army of occupation, and on the morning of November 24 we began our triumphal march into Germany. Page 77 Corporal Eugene Doole Star Route Fowler. Colo. Private James Kelley 2777 Webster St. Omaha, Neb. Private Samuel Cabera 517 Canulos St. Los Angeles, Cal. Private Sherman Allen Lexington, Neb. Page 78 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIDIIIIIIIIIIIIIII" iiiiiiiimnn "On the evening of the first day found us at Stenay, France, where we were billeted for the night. Here we saw a large num- ber of French prisoners which had been released and were home- ward bound. They certainly cheered the Yanks. Next morning we were called at 4 o'clock to again take up the march at 7 o'clock. It had rained practically all night long and was still raining and we marched over a muddy road and through the rain all that day. Eve- ning found us at the small village of Sapogone, France, twenty-five kilometers from Stenay. Here we again billeted until November 30. The time was spent in 'policing up' and performmg the usual drill duties. "All of the boys will remember the Thanksgiving day spent at this town. We certainly had a good deal to be thankful for, we were alive, and the armistice was signed. The chaplain delivered a sermon to the boys which was no doubt the most appreciated ser- mon that they had ever attended on Thanksgiving day. "Our menu for dinner certainly was a real contrast to mother's roast turkey. We had the usual army travel rations, of hard tack, canned tomatoes, corn beef and beans. Some of the more forunate lads were able to purchase Belgian hares and a few chickens from the French civilians. The priest invited all the soldiers into the church and spoke to them in French which was interpreted to us through our chaplain who understood and spoke French very well. He told how this town of Sapogne was one of the first towns to be invaded by the Huns and how, for four years they had been slaves of the Germans, subjected to all kinds of outrages against the women and children. "The tears ran down the old priest's face as he said that words could not express his gratitude to the American soldiers for their deliverance, but he hoped that the blessings of God would rest upon the entire American army forever. These poor French peasants knowing that this was an American holiday exerted every possible effort to entertain the Yanks by offering them what little they had and opening their homes to the boys. I might say here that when a Frenchman invites you to sit by his fireside in his own home he has paid you the highest compliment that he can. This is a custom of their country. "On November 30 we again took up the march and journeyed across southern Belgium arriving at Dampicourt, Belgium, where we were billeted in a large school house for the night. "After we were nicely settled for the night a bugler let out a blast and sounded the 'Call to Arms,' which necessitated all of the boys jumping out from under the blankets and falling out under arms. This was practiced occasionally to prevent surprise attacks on the troops. The Yanks were taking no chances about the Ger- mans being through fighting. "Early on the morning of December 1, we again took up the march and by evening we had very nearly crossed the country of Bel- gium and put up at the little town of Messancy, Belgium, for the night. The next morning we arose at the usual time and journeyed Page 79 on to Bertrange, Luxenberg. The Luxenbergers had a big sign up welcoming the American soldiers. "During our entire journey through Belgium and Luxenberg we would have the good housewives cook us good things to eat. The meals cost plenty of 'Jack' but we were fast getting tired of the army rations and we wanted something good to eat, and believe me those old ladies know how to cook. "By this time the boys were getting pretty tired of marching and the old pack kept getting a little heavier each day. The thing that every soldier despised was marching at attention through towns. When you ma^ch all day long with a heavy pack on your back and then when you have to march at attention through towns, believe me it pretty nearly brings mutiny. "We marched on to Ernster, Luxemberg, the next day stopping for the night. On December 4 we again resumed the march and that night found us at Consdorf, Luxemberg. Here we were allowed to rest a day which certainly was appreciated by the boys. We fell in again on December 6 and about noon we marched across the border and into Germany. The Three Hundred and Fifty-fifth in- fantry band struck up a lively tune, but the German civilians did not seem to appreciate the music. We marched across the hills of 'Deutschland' all that afternoon and that night we billeted in Welch- bellig, Germany. The people did not seem overjoyed at seeing us, however we were treated far better than we expected to be and it wasn't very long before the boys had won over the little children to their side. "On December 7 we continued into Germany to the little town of Spange. We rested here for a day and resumed our march on the morning of December 9. This was only a short hike, however, and we arrived at Spiecer, Germany, about noon. "This practically ended the long march of nearly 200 kilo- meters accomplished in about ten days' marching. We averaged about 3I/2 kilometers an hour during our entire march. The scenery along this entire journey was really wonderful and I suppose that if a fellow had been traveling in a car he would have enjoyed the beauty of those hills, but when you journey about twenty miles a day on the hobnail express, up hill and down hill, with a heavy pack on your back a rifle, a hundred and ten rounds of ammunition, an automatic pi. 1, to say nothing of the boys who were carrying auto- matic rifles and ammunition, believe me the only time that we marveled at nature's handiwork was when we fell out along the road- side to rest for ten minutes at the end of each hour's marching. "The American officers '^igher up issued an order here that all the boys were to sleep in be( id not more than one to a bed. This was the best piece of news we had heard since the signing of the armistice. This order was very c. -fully carried out much to the discomfort and expense of the Germans. '^'-' ^ a pretty lit- tle German village and there were some pre' Ties in this town and of course these were readily utili' anks com- fort. Page 80 Saarhiu";, Germanv. Showintj the Famous OKI Castle Ahnve it "The duties of the company during their stay at this town was guarding railroad bridges and tunnels, with the second platoon sta- tioned at Philippsheim carrying out the same duties. Here the boys considered themselves almost on a vacation when they were doing guard duty as it was such a contrast from what they had been doing and it gave them a good rest. The 'chow' was also pretty good be- cause we had received some fresh beef and a good supply of other rations. "We were relieved from guard duty on December 18 and on December 20 we were loaded into trucks and hauled to Saarburg, Germany. We were billeted just across the river from Saarburg in the little town of Beurig. Here we again established ourselves in the German homes enjoying their big feather beds a ' est we knew how. "Christmas rolled around while we were in this town. The win- dows of the stores were decorated with toys and the Christmas spirit prevailed everywhere. The churches all held services which were at- tended by many of the boys wh'-> \, :e always welcome in the churches. "The Y. M. C. A. at Saarburg had a Christmas tree for all of the boys billete'^' in the t^ -ns of Saarburg and Beurig. Each sol- dier was giv a package received th us until in Page 81 jX containing a bar of chocolate, two cookies, and a cigar. A few of the lucky boys had from home, but most of these did not reach February. lii» ^ •" Co. E's Mess Line — Taken While Stationed in Germany "The mess sergeant and the cooks prepared a pretty fine Christ- mas dinner which consisted of roast pork, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, bread, coffee and apple cobbler. Here is where we have to give the mess sergeant and the cooks a vote of thanks. After din- ner a few extemporaneous speeches were made on the depot plat- form by a very popular sergeant from O'Neill, Nebraska, and a bugler from Omaha, Nebraska, and after listening for some little time to these speeches the boys pronounced them a success and pledged themselves to vote for both at the next election. "Half holidays were observed between Christmas and New Years. On January 3 we had a surprise inspection by Major General Winn. The weather was unusually disagreeable, but this did not excuse us from standing this inspection. Our orders were to fall out with full field equipment plus all the surplus shoes and blankets that we possessed. We marched through the mud to the drill grounds and a certain squad was picked out from each company to spread out their equipment for inspection. Considerable stress was laid upon the shoe strings and shoe dubbin. Luckily for Company E this squad had all their equipment in good shape and in a few hours the company was breathing easy again. "About this time considerable sickness broke out in \he com- pany and a good many of the boys were unable to attend drill on account of slight touches of influenza and in a good many instances it became more serious and they were sent to the hospital at Trier, Germany. "On December 16 Captain Charles A. Wright was assigned to Page 82 command the company, but did not arrive until about a week later. On December 28 he was relieved of command and sent to an army school, leaving Lieutenant Tunnel again in command. On January 14 Lieutenant Tunnel was relieved from command and assigned to special duty as town major of Buerig and First Lieutenant Charles K. Bowser was assigned to the company. Lieutenant Bowser was not a stranger to E Company, as he was with F Company during all the drives and the two companies generally worked together. Lieutenant Bowser was taken sick and First Lieutenant Edwin A. Irwin was at- tached to command the company. On January 18 Captain John C. Moore was assigned to command the company, relieving Lieutenant Irwin. Captain Moore remained in command until February 4 when Captain Charles Wright returned from army school and was assigned to command, remaining in command until we were finally mustered out. "On January 12 we received our first pay in German money, being paid in German currency, ranging in value from one mark to one hundred marks. From January 20 to 23 we had preliminary training for range firing and from January 24 to January 30 we spent on the rifle range near Beurig, where everyone had a chance to practice shooting. "Second Lieutenant James L. Webster was assigned to the com- pany for duty on February 8 and First Lieutenant Arthur McKnight was assigned on Ferbuary 1... The boys looked these two young men over and decided that they were a couple of pretty good fellows and they got along with the boys splendidly. "During the month of February we could always count on rice without sugar or milk, and bread and svrup for breakfast. We al- ways had rice and syrup. For dinner we generally had a stew of some kind and baked or boiled potatoes. For supper we would probably get canned tomatoes, macroni, pickles, bread and coffee, and occasionally bread pudding. The meals while nothing to speak of, were a thousand times better than we received during our fighting days. This was due, of course, to failure in getting supplies to the cooks. We generally managed, by spending considerable money with the Y. M. C. A. for jam, cookies, and canned fruit, to make out a prettv good meal. "We had quite a few social gatherings during the evenings at the different cafes. Of course the landlords were always glad to welcome the boys because they always spend considerable money. We were not permitted to purchase anything but light wines and beers, however the girl bartenders were generally very busy. These 'Gasthaus' were about the only place one could go in the evenings and they closed up at nine o'clock. Occasionally the Y. M. C. A. would have a moving picture show and the company would have to line up and march over to Saarburg if they wanted to see the show. "It must be borne in mind that the American soldiers were not allowed to fraternize with the German people and there was no dancing or anv of this kind of enjoyment, neither were we per- Page 83 mitted to purchase anything to eat from the Germans. There was an army order posted everywhere forbidding the purchase of fats, meat, cereals and bread. "During the month of February we did the usual guard duty, made long practice marches, followed out the regular drill ^schedule, certain details worked on the roads, and we had our regular Satur- day morning field inspection. Sickness had begun to ease up con- siderably in the company and the boys were beginning to take on a little weight and were beginning to look much better. The Y. M. C. A. began to furnish a little more entertainment and things moved along smoothly. "On February 25 we received our third issue of candy from the government since our arrival overseas, the first being at Brechain- ville, France, and the second at Barricourt, France. We consid- ered this quite a treat and while it was the sugar variety of candy we thought it tasted fine. "At this time leaves were being granted to the men to go to Coblenz, Germany, for a three-day stay, which included a trip up the Rhine river, and there was also leaves granted to southern France for seven days. Coblenz, Germany, as you probably know, was the headquarters of the American army of occupation. It was a beautiful German city and had many places of interest to visit. "A little later on passes were granted for a three days' stay in Paris. I suppose Peggy is dying to hear about Paris. Well, for Peggy's benefit I will tell you briefly about Paris. Paris is a beau- tiful city to begin with, but during my stay in Paris I don't be- lieve I saw a business block that looked modern to me. Their statues, churches, art gallerys, drives and bridges are simply wonderful. The gardens where the queens used to have their tea parties were the most beautiful spots I had ever seen. "The party that I was with visited the Notre Dame church and to the rear of this church was a pedestal upon which were the flags of the allied nations and our guide told us that this was the first time in the history of France that any flag had been allowed in this church except the French flag. We visited the tomb of Napoleon and then drove down to see that famous painting, 'Le Patheon De La Guerre.' This is the most wonderful picture in the world. If my memory serves me rightly it is forty-five feet high and three hun- dred feet long and features 6,000 of the allied war heores. The artists have so vividly painted these heroes that anyone familiar with them can immediately recognize the war heroes. "Each allied nation has its certain space on the picture. The United States is featured with the bust statue of George Washington placed upon a stone monument with the Stars and Stripes draped behind it and around the monument are grouped President Wilson, William Howard Taft. Colonel House, Theodore Roosevelt, the West Point cadet, the cowboy. General Pershing and other prominent characters. "We visited the shopping district and saw much of the finery that bedecks the gay little French madamoiselle. The French peo- Page 84 Co. E on the Rifle Range at Beurig, Germany pie, both men and women, are great people to dress. The French girls are very pretty and dainty and they have a knack of 'vamping' the American Sammie. It was surprising the way they had mastered the American language. Most all that I had the pleasure of talking to spoke pretty good English. "These passes and trips were certainly enjoyed by the men and they were a big help in keeping the men contented and they also furnished a chance to get away from that everlasting drill and week- ly practice marches with full packs. As time went on more men were granted leaves, especially to southern France. "The ever constant subject during our period of occupation was, 'when do we go home,' and any rumor on this subject spread like wild fire through the company. This was somewhat subdued by official news of a sailing schedule announcing June as the month to go home, so we resigned ourselves and hoped thi;^ to be true. "About the middle of March the educational program of the A. E. F. was furnished us and a number of the company were sent to the various divisional schools. Here they could take up such sub- jects as automobile repairing, telegraphy, liberal arts, agriculture, etc. These schools were to extend for a period of three months, but in the event that the company departed for home these students were to have the privilege of rejoining their outfit and go home with them. The purpose of these schools were to get the boys back in shape to take up their same line of work when they returned to the states. "The boys were beginning to grow restless from day to day and formations grew tiresome, time began to drag on our hands, however things livened up for a few days as the fourth platoon found some old theatrical costumes up over Herr Youngblood's cafe and a com- pany was formed to stage 'Ten Nights in the Barroom.' The fourth Page 85 The Big Stone Bridge Between Gravenmancker-Luxemburg and Wallen, Germany, Guarded by Co. E. show was a great success. Some of the more experienced actors stuck it out for eight clays and then the whole performance blew up with one big grand celebration and everybody slept the next day. It is probably best at this time to withhold the names of the stars in this drama. "The next thing of note was an announcement that we were again to shoot on the range. This was somewhat of a sporting event as we were to try to qualify as marksmen and sharpshooters. The weather was very bad and it rained most of the time and conditions were against the boys for running up any high scores, still a good many of the boys won marksmen badges. "After we had completed shooting on the range we received or- ders to move out to Wallen, Nittel and Warsuringer to guard two large stone bridges which crossed the Mosel river, the boundary line between Luxemberg and Germany. This was the softest snap that the boys had had since they were in the army. The boys crossed over to Luxemberg at every opportunity as we could buy ham, eggs, pie and cake from the Luxembergers, this being a neutral country. "Our post command was established at Nittel, Germany, and here Captain Wright was absolute monarch, supreme court, and everything else as far as the Germans were concerned. Every once in a while a German would try and get real bad and he would be brought up before Captain Wright for trial and before the cap- tain finished with him he made a pretty good citizen out of him. Page 86 Captain Wright, Captain Fisher and Lieutenant Millekin (Bn. Ajt.) — Taken at a Field Inspection in Germany "On April 25 the company received an order that they were expected to be present at the Eighty-ninth Divisional Review, which was to be held on an aviation field just south of Trier, Germany, on April 30. All of the company except those that were necessary to maintain the guard were marched back to Saarburg under the command of Liei^tenant Charles K. Bowser, spending the night in Saarburg. The neKt morning the company fell out with the entire Three Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment and marched out to the drill field near Saarburg to have a preliminary inspection and to practice passing in review. That afternoon was spent in washing up our equipment and getting ready for the big event, even going so far as to blacken the extra pair of shoes that we carried on our pack. Believe me you had to look like a brand new dime and every- thing had to shine or there was somebody right there to point out your defects. "The next morning the Three Hundred and Fifty-fifth infantry was again assembled and marched to Conz, Germany, where they Page 87 Hog Call at Nittel, Germany — Taken on Main Street were billeted for the night. A few minutes before retreat that eve- ning, we received an order to stand retreat with light packs which necessitated us taking our packs all apart. With the boys tired from marching, this didn't make any big hit. Reveille sounded very early the next morning and after we had had our breakfast and again assembled our equipment we were marched to the parade grounds where we took up our position to be inspected before pass- ing in review. Nearly two hours was spent endeavoring to get a suitable position satisfactory to the brigade commander. We stood at attention with full packs most of the time until noon when we finally received the order to unsling equipment and eat our lunch which consisted of two thin slices of bread and a piece of cheese. Here the boys left their units in an attempt to find some of their comrades in other units whom they had not seen or visited with for a long time. At 12:45 we again fell in to await for General Pershing to inspect us. When the general was nearing our ranks the command 'open ranks' and 'about face' was given and we stood at attention while the general gave us the 'once over' as he walked through our ranks with his staff. "After the general completed the pinning of the crosses of gal- lantry on some of the men we proceeded to pass in review in front of General Pershing and Secretary Baker, at double time with bayonets fixed. After going about a half mile we were halted and reor- ganized into platoon fronts, ordered to unsling equipment, and marched back to a large German Zepplin shed where we listened to addresses from General Pershing and Secretary Baker. During the Page 88 Three Luxemburg Girls and Lieutenant McKnight for a Boat Ride on tl Mosel River general's address he praised the gallantry shown by the men of the Eighty-ninth Division, also the wonderful record they had made for themselves during the few months that they were engaged in the fighting. "About 5 o'clock we again fell in, put on our equipment and started back, about half dead to Conz, where we again occupied billets for the night. The company was called at 4 o'clock the next morning and marched to a little town near Conz, where we boarded the train to return to our duties on guard. "We remained here just a few days when we were relieved by the Sixth Division and we again moved on into Beurig where we were billeted. "It was here that we received news officially that we were soon to start for home. Talk about a happy bunch of fellows, happy is no name for it. From this time on until we departed from Beurig the boys were having continual farewell parties, the Hotel Zur Post being the most popular hangout, while Herr Youngblood's cafe did a good business. "On the morning of May 9, those who had gone to bed were called at 4 o'clock to perform the numerous duties necessary, such as policing up the town and billets before bidding a last farewell to Beurig. "After a very careful inspection of the billets to see that there was nothing left behind that belonged to Uncle Sam we embussed Page 89 A Common Sight on Any German Country Road for Trier, Germany, at 6 o'clock, arriving at Trier at 8:15 where we immediately entrained. We did not leave here however until 12:52 p. m., which gave the boys ample time to lay in a good supply of canned fruit and candy which they were able to purchase at the commissary located near the train. "We were now on our way to Brest, France, riding in Ameri- can boxcars. The accommodations were practically the same as we were used to while traveling in Europe, about fortv men to a car with not enough room for all to comfortably lie down. "During our journey we received strict orders to keep the door which was next to the double track closed entirely, but were allowed to open the other door when the train stopped, however most of the boys cheated a little and had their doors open part way in or- der that they might view the scenery for the last time. The officers received their physical exercise running back and forth about the full length of the train to see that these doors were kept closed. "Captain Wright exerted every possible effort to buy cigars, fruit, candy, and anything that he thought would please ihe boys and help them to enjoy their trip. The company had a pretty good company fund saved up and the captain was of the opinion that the boys deserved some enjoyment and he was going to see that they got it. "During the daytime the lads killed time the best way they could. There was generally a box placed in the middle of each car with the old national game running at full blast, however some of the boys liked 'African golf better and you could hear 'seven come eleven." Page 90 "We arrived at Brest, France, May 12 at 4 p. m., where we un- loaded all our equipment. We then fell in to have supper. Here we had the quickest meal we had ever had during our entire army experience. The mess hall was built on a large plan which afforded several mess lines to pass in at once. The tables were built about four feet high and every one stood up to eat. As one passed in the door your chow was served to you practically on the run. Effi ciency was sure the watchword here. They fed a whole trainload of men in about thirty minutes. "After chow the company fell in and marched to Camp Pontan- azen, arriving there about 7 p. m. It was about four miles up to this camp and it was a tough little hike because it was all up hill, the weather was warm and we were carrying all our equipment. "When we arrived at this camp we found it to be what appeared to us to be acres and acres of tents and it looked like the whole American forces were camped here. We were all assigned to tents, six men to a tent. The accommodations were favorable, each man having a cot with a mattress on and plenty of blankets were fur- nished to roll up in. We were fed on practically the same plan that we were at Brest and the chow was pretty fair. There were several army canteens at this camp where we could buy apples, oranges and cookies and we really fared pretty good here. "The next event was to change our French money back into good old American 'green backs.' I'll never forget how long these bills looked to me, they were so much longer than the paper franc notes that I thought the treasury had gotten out a new bill. This money made the boys homesick as it was such a contrast to the foreign money which resembled cigarette coupons rather than money. "We remained in this camp for three days and during this time we had a series of inspections resulting in one big final inspection. The preliminary inspections required each soldier to be absolutely free from cooties and in good physical condition. The big final in- spection was a scream. After taking considerable instruction in how to roll our packs a new way much different than heretofore, we finally mastered the art. We were then marched about two miles at not less than 130 pace gait until we reached a large building where they held these inspections. Our orders were, to march in, spread out our equipment for inspection, put our gloves on and hold our overcoat over our arm. After the inspecting officer looked us over to be sure that we were not short any shoe strings or dubbin, our orders were to have our packs rolled and be out of the building in five minutes. This was quick work and the perspiration was run- ning off of the boys before they finished. "One evening my attention was drawn to a large crowd gath- ered in front of the company P. C. and my first thought was that some excitement of some kind or other was going on, but when I reached there I was agreeably surprised to find that Lieutenant Fred L. Morrison, our commander during the St. Mihiel drive, was pay- ing the company a visit. I also noticed that he had a captain's bar on his shoulder and was wearing the Thirty-third Division insignia, Page 91 which division was also camped here and waiting for a ship to take them home. The boys were glad to see him and everyone was pleased to be able to congratulate him upon his promotion. He was glad to see the boys as he had many warm friends in the company and was glad to find that most of them had come out of the Argonne woods alive. "About noon on May 15 we received orders to fall in with all our equipment, that we were going to march back to Brest and em- bark for home. Captain Wright made an inspection of the men to see if they had any French girls, dogs or any foreign property, in excess of one hundred dollar value, in their possession, as we were not allowed to take them aboard. The captain and the boys had many a good laugh over this inspection. "During our march to Brest nobody complained about going too fast and the hike did not seem long, we were going home and every- body was happy. "We embarked without delay on a small ferryboat and were taken out into deep water where the Leviathan was anchored. When we drew up alongside this ship it looked to us like a skyscraper built on the water. We were all pleased to learn that we were going home on the biggest transport afloat. The Leviathan was formerly the German 'Fatherland.' It measured nine hundred and fifty feet long and 100 feet wide and had a capacity of 58,000 tons. "The ship hoisted her anchor at 8 o'clock and we were now on our way to America. The ship was loaded with approximately 12,000 officers and men and a crew of about 2,000. A part of the Thirty-third Division and some wounded men were also on this boat with the Eighty-ninth Division men. My company was assigned to the eighth deck. Our sleeping accommodations were little canvas cots, three high, strung on some galvanized piping uprights. "One of the most remarkable features of efficiency on this boat was the way they fed the men. Each section of the boat fell in and marched at a certain time to a big saloon where they could feed ap- proximately 4,000 men at one time. Everything moved like clock work and all of the men on this ship could be fed and out of the saloon in approximately two hours. "We were not assigned to any particular duties on this trip and had most of the time to ourselves and we generally went up on deck where we could enjoy ourselves. They issued the boys blue denims to pull on over their uniforms so you could sit up on deck and not spoil your uniform. This trip home was quite a contrast to the one going over. The bands played on the decks in the afternoons and there was always some excitement of some sort or other going on, such as boxing, wrestling or playing catch. During the evenings the ship was all illuminated with electricity, and they had moving pictures in the big dining room for all who cared to watch them. A good many ships passed us both going and coming from America. The boys had a big time watching for whales and seacows which were plentiful. The sea was fairly calm during our entire trip Page 92 with the exception of one or two days when the old white caps piled up pretty high and the ship would rock considerably. "On May 23 we arrived just outside the harbor where we were compelled to remain until the unusually heavy fog lifted as it was dangerous for a boat of this size to enter the harbor during a fog. "When the fog lifted we could see the Statue of Liberty and believe me that old girl looked good to us as she stood out there welcoming us home. As we pulled up a little closer we were met by a number of ferryboats loaded with the different reception com- mittees from the various states representing the two divisions on board the Leviathan. Each ferryboat had a band playing, banners flying and big placards to identify what state and also what town in the state that they were from. These boats would circle around the Leviathan and the people aboard them would throw oranges and apples at the boys and kept their bands playing continually. You can't appreciate the thrill that came over the boys at being greeted in this manner. Boys who had held back all their lonesonie feel- ing, who had faced all the dangers of battle and never let their nerves get the best of them, gave vent to their feelings here in spite of themselves and one could gaze over the deck and see a tear now and then trickling down the cheeks of their comrades. "As I stood there watching this reception that little poem kept ringing in my ears: " 'Breathes there a man with soul so dead, Who never to himself has said, This is my own, my native land. Wlio's heart hath ne'er within him burned As home his footstep he returned From wandering o'er a foreign land.' "Here I was back again in my own grand and glorious countrv with the best people on earth to welcome us home. As I gazed down the harbor and watched the hustle and bustle of the little tugboats pulling great cargoes I was glad to be back once more in a country where the wheels go around and where men live to achieve something greater than military glory and world dominion. "We debarked in a short time and were marched over to an American Red Cross station where the ladies served us with coffee and buns. We had quite a bit of fun joking with the American girls. After stocking up well on coffee and buns we marched down to get on the ferryboat to cross over to Long Island. "On every stairway and in every nook and crook in the road there were Y. M. C. A. men, Jewish welfare workers. Knights of Columbus workers, and all organizations were breaking their necks to hand us gum, candy, cookies and everything to eat. This was such a change that it kind of dazed us, but we accepted everything that was offered to us and went on our way rejoicing. "After crossing over to Long Island we took the train for Camp LIpton reaching the camp about 2 a. m. the next morning. Page 93 After marching around the camp a couple of times we were finally assigned to American barracks again. "Although we had no duties during the day to speak of, they managed to have us fall out at 3 a. m. one morning to be deloused. One had to take all his clothing and blankets over to the delousing plant to have them steamed, the ceremony also called for a hot bath, and those that were fortunate to be small in stature received a sec- ond pair of trousers. After our uniforms were thoroughly deloused they were handed back to us and they looked like they bad been pressed with a waffle iron. We were free from cooties, but all the shape to our uniforms was gone, and the boys had a new wrinkle in their clothing. "Governor McKelvie of Nebraska paid the boys a visit at this camp and delivered an address to the boys, a good many of whom knew the governor personally. "Camp Upton provided the boys with many means of entertain- ment such as shows, dancing, music and barber shops. Fhe boys would climb up into the barber chairs and of course the barber had been reading their mail and knew that they wanted a haircut, singe, shampoo, tonic and everything else. They sold the soldier every- thing but the shop and the only reason they didn't add that on the bill was for fear the government might not let them take the shop home with them, excess baggage. We were certainly pestered with the souvenier peddlers who offered for sale many novelties which were purchased without hesitancy by a majority of the boys. The American soldier was ever a target for the profiteer. 'On the strength of a very agreeable order coming dovvn from headquarters that the boys would be permitted to have a 48-hour pass to visit New York City, the boys never doubted the mess hall rumors, lost no time in making preparations to make Broadway proud of them. This of course necessitated making many purchases, such as tan shoes to take the place of hobnails, sox and the neces- sary articles to complete the toilet. They were all fixed up like dudes and ready to go when we received word that all passes were cancelled. This sure was a disappointment but we were used to them by this time. "At this camp the company was separated as to states, and the boys were sent to the closest camp to their homes to be discharged. "On May 27 all the remaining members who were scheduled to be mustered out at Camp Funston were marched to the train under the command of Captain Wright, the only officer, where they were assigned sleepers headed for home. Our rations on this trip consisted of cornbeef and hardtack but thanks to the good ladies of the American Red Cross who furnished us coffee and buns, we fared well. At every stop the train was met by the American Red Cross ladies, who always had something good to eat for the boys. The American Red Cross was a wonderful organization and the courtesy and kindness shown the boys throughout the entire war by these ladies will always be remembered. "I would like also at this moment to say something about the Page 94 Salvation Army workers which I think ranked next to the American Red Cross when it came to helping out the boys and meeting their immediate needs. These brave little girls served us pancakes and doughnuts several times in the shelled areas and braved a good many dangers to be of aid to the American soldiers. I say all hats off to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army and I think when I make this statement that I voice the sentiment of the entire company. They practiced what they preached, at least that was my experience. "We were advised previous to our departure from Camp Upton that we were to parade in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. "When we reached Omaha on Decoration Day, although we were a little late in getting in, and it had rained during the morning, all Omaha was out to greet us as we marched up Farnam street and north on Twentieth to the High School grounds. Here a wonder- ful reception was given the boys and also a spread. As the boys marched up the street at attention all their friends endeavored to break into the ranks and shake hands with the boys. "After accepting Omaha's great hospitality and having a nice little visit with everyone, we were marched to the depot and took the train for Lincoln, Nebraska, where we were again greeted by a large crowd who gave us a very nice reception and a lawn supper. "We entrained here again about 10 o'clock for Camp Funston. When we reached Beatrice, Nebraska, we were again treated to ice cream, cigars and sandwiches. We stopped at nearly all the sta- tions between Lincoln and Camp Funston and a good many of the boys who resided in these towns had a chance to see their folks. "We finally pulled into Camp Funston about seven the next morning and were assigned to barracks, to await our discharges. The old camp looked the same as when we left it over a year ago, except that all of the boys were taking it easy instead of drilling. "We had an unusually large number of men to be discharged in our company which necessitated more paper work than most of the companies and this delayed us in getting our discharge papers made . out until June 3. "The morning of June 3 rolled around just the same as any other day and the sun came up in the east despite the fact that this day was to be a memorable one to us all. About 8 o'clock in the morning Captain Wright came over to the barracks and called the boys together and gave them a farewell talk and shook hands with each man individually before lining them up as to rank to march over to get their discharges and the $60 bonus. "It may seem funny to you when I say this, but it was really hard for the captain to say good-bye to the company because he was a great pal of the boys besides being their captain. "The boys marched past the desk and received their discharges, back pay, and $60 bonus and then hurried to the depot to line up for the last time in the army to secure transportation to 'Home, Sweet Home.' "After boarding the train and getting nicely seated it began Page 95 to dawn on the boys that the time was close at hand when thev must all bid their buddies good-bye and take up their duties in the civilian world once more. It is pretty hard to bid an old comrade good-bye, who had been with you all through the fight, who had went fifty-fifty with you on everything he had even down to the last drop of water and piece of bread, who had cheered you up when the big shells were screaming over your heads and death seemed to stare you in the face, who had probably helped you carry part of your equip- ment because you might be a weaker man, who had shared his blanket with you when you would lie down to sleep at night drenched to the skin and who had talked with you about the folks at home and planned on the day when we would see them again. These were friends who were worth having and they were true blue. "I believe that after having seen what we have seen and after ex- periencing the things we have experienced, we are returning to our home country better Americans than ever before. I think that the associations we have formed, the friendships we have made in this last turbulent year and a half, will be of a lasting nature and will become of more value to each of us as the years pass. We who have suffered, succeeded, made and lost friends forever in the trial of war, will ever be subject to a common tie that will soon be as strong as life and friendship can make it." THE END. Page 96 ACTION ONE YEAR OVERSEAS LucEY Sector Saint Mihiel Offensive EvERZiN Sector Meuse-Arconne Offensive Killed in Action or Died in Hospital First Lieut. Glenn K. Spencer Corporal John E. Gilmer Corporal Edward J. McCarthy Private Arthur Quinlan Private Harold B. Marshall Private Louis H. Mann 1 rivate Ira C. Penninger Private Harold E. Wilson Private L. D. Cave Private Samuel Mislevic Private Augustine Urrea Private Emil Boudar Private Edward Sondker Private First Class Tom Agar Private First Class John Oliver Private First Class Allen Jones Private First Class John Cain Missing Private Ira McLendon Wounded in Action First Lieut. Gilbert L. McDonough Private First Lieut. Cass M. Herington Private First Lieut. Sam Smith Private Sergeant Clinton T. Hoagland Private Seigeant Byard A. Dodge Private Sergeant James Fisher Private Corporal William Ehrike Private Corporal John Kline Private Corporal Charles Bonth Private Private Gust Carlson Private Private Ricliard 0. Curtis Private Private Ralph H. Dennis Private Private Arthur Duszynski Private Private John Elder Private Private William Freshe Private Private Claude Key Private Private William Leeder Private Private Richard C. Lyons Private Private William H. Alarr Private Private Carl Aladsen John F. McCoy James E. Newton John E. Patton Emil L. Petersen Earl H. Petty Tony Ritzo Nick Salvo Frank Tuma Henry Teeliee Sie A. West Moshy Wilkerson Sam Peltz Nicholas Trook Simon Levine John Reisheck John W. (joodeiiow William A. Scott Austin W. Sellers Lee P. Davis Page 97 :;:c)yy (e)inii I mill "II IN CIVIES (Carl Harteiius in the American Legion Weekly) Where are the girls who used to smile, and the rides I used to get? And where is the crowd that was very proud to pass ma a cigarette? Time was I danced with maidens fair, and captured tliolr hearts hy storm, But I've lost my pull with the heautilul since quitting the uniform. I've sunk my heels into Turkish rugs tliat only the rich can own, At tables fine I've been asked to dine in the heart of the social zone; In cushions deep of the limousines I have rested my manly form, But I've lost my job with the toney mob since quitting • the uniform. Ive been a king on a ballroom ilooi'. an ace in the social swirl, I could show my face in any old place and never a lip would curl; I could walk right up to a rich man's door and be sure of a welcome warm. But I've changed a lot and iliey know me not, since quitting the uniform. Now I walk down town and the autos pass, and nobody says get in. And the girls are shy when I'm standing by. and give me the tilted chin; And nobody knows and ufibody cares whether I eat or how, I must buy my chuck, for I'm out of luck — I'm wearing my civies now. H 103 79 i O V 4 O. '^O C^ V,^^' V^^ - ^ '^^ ^ ' " " -» ^^