WWI Letters

US Army Doctor WWI Letter from France June 1918

2010-06-21T06:41:00.001-05:00

This letter was written by a US Doctor from France, during WWI, June 28, 1918. This letter is one of two that were in the same envelope. The cover has a British censor’s stamp on it. From the letter…..

I wrote you a letter last night but since we had a maneuver “Call to arms” and had to all get up and march off I won’t get to bed again since shaving and getting ready for breakfast. You are a dear all right to have you there to manage things so well for me makes me feel so happy. You always use such good judgment dear. I always feel glad we have each other.
   Hope Dr. Weaver took you around to see the place and may be per chance you will see my old car that Dr. Weaver’s Son in law got off me so after all you will get to see it and where I practiced, but would of looked a lot nicer to see my things up there and the curtains and fixtures etc. but suppose Dr. W. will show you all about it.
   Well dear I can say I have been in a town that the Huns bombed anyway. Last night or about 1:00 this AM. I was awakened by the explosion of a bomb and heard the typical buzzz---buzzz of the Hun airplane. Ours has a continuous hum or buzz and not the intervals between as the German planes do. It rather was a new experience I assure you dear to hear the explosions and planes and not know where or when the last was or where the next would light. But I guess it didn’t scare me a great deal as I didn’t get out of bed to see what I could see as it was dark anyway. I admit I was fully a half hour or so going back to sleep again. The explosions sure did rattle things but no glass was broken so they were a long way off. I always get a billet so far away from the heart of tow so am safer and then one is not apt to get a direct hit when one considers chances of getting a direct hit and unless you do there is not a great deal of danger as far as getting killed is concerned. Those were sure interesting clippings you sent dear will give them to Tomlinson so will make them go as far as I can and let H and B read them too as they will be interested too. Hope the old Kaiser gets his fill before long and decides he has enough.
   I heard a story about a German prisoner when asked if he thought Germany would sin the war he said, “we have God on our side, but now the allies have America”, in such a thoughtful way the officer who heard said.
   We hear some thrilling true experiences they had they can talk about the English, Austrians, Canadians or any but I tell you we are proud of being Americans of the U.S.A. and when thins get thick again you will still hear of the U.S.A.
   One Major told a Lt. Cook. “Well you Americans think you can win the war if so guess we will go home.” Cook said, “well I guess we would like to have you help but we teach our men that they can win this war or any other whether they get any help from anybody or not”. Pretty good answer don’t you think? The Major was English.

Love as ever,

365th Infantry African American WWI Letter Nov. 28th Thanksgiving Day 1918

2009-11-08T10:50:00.005-06:00

This letter was written on Thanksgiving Day, 1918, by an African American soldier, who was with the 365th Infantry Division. From the letter:

Dear Wife,

Note the day and know that it has been very well enjoyed by me. Three nice long letters from you came. dated 6-8-10 Nov. New time for my mail. Last one the day before the war really ended. Funny that the people had a big celebration before proper time, but good that they got to have a real one. Joy there could not have surpassed it here.

Just listen here......today at the grand celebration our corps commander received a telegram.He read it and then read it to the crowd. He read that our division would prepare immediately to proceed to a port of embarkation preparatory to sailing for America. Everybody has been very happy ever since. Of course several days will be required for us to get rid of surplus property, clean our area and many other little things. So if orders don't change (as usual), by the time this reaches you we probably will be nearly ready to start, if nothing happens. So yo usee, we all have had much to be thankful for today. Was at a thanksgiving metting that the "leaving news" was given out.

In my little town (Bellville) we had a very nice service at 9:30 a.m. Then most of the men went to the big town Pont-a Musson where most of our troops are located. Several of our bands for music and field exercises were the features of the day. No turkey, cranberry sauce or cake but we were all thankful for what we had.

Very funny thing but I awoke this morning about 3:30 and had an early proayer in bed. Think I must have awoken praying over such a pleasant dream that I had. Since I don' t want to be superstitious of dreams I am going to tell it to you, remembering that I have had dreams of many things that I have hoped for and obtatined. I dreamed that I came home and found you with "big" little boy and a pet dog.

Well as yet, the cablegram has not reached me but I am expecting it by 1st Dec. at the latest. As your last letter left you so well, it has further strengthened by hopes that all has gone well with you. I certainly have prayed for the success of you both, and something has given that assurance.

I think that Mrs Kimbell will be alright as your nurse. I remember that she had a good name as one. Glad that all of the family are well. Regards to all, and a heart full of love for you and the "little one." Yours, E.

365th Infantry African American WWI Letter Nov. 12th 1918 About Armistice

2009-11-07T17:49:00.003-06:00

This letter was written by an African American soldier, who was with the 365th Infantry Division. He was in France at the time he wrote the letter (the day after Armistice). He was writing to his pregnant wife, who was back in Texas. She had an unusual name for a woman. From the letter........

Dear Charles,

I am sure you have the good news long before this hour. That is the signing of the Armistice by the Germans. All fighting really ceased at 11:00 o'clock yesterday morning and everything has been quiet since.

That is the first step towards a real peace. Just how long we will remain here in Europe none of us know. I am sure we will have to remain until most important questions touching upon peace are settled. Let us hope that that won't be many more weeks.

Am sure there has been great rejoicing in America. Yesterday at the hour of the signing of the Armistice, the French unfurled and raised their flags to all of their highest places, and have been celebrating all since. For the first time since I have been over here (and they all say in four years plus) have the lights shown to their full extent in houses, on autos and in streets.

Really a relief to have lights where there is so much traffic going on in the night, and to feel safe from aeroplanes and long-ranged shells. Thus far I have made it without a single scratch from old Bosche. I can only attribute it to the keeping of one Supreme. Have many thrilling experiences that I can relate to you when I get back. This much of it has been wonderful. Only hope the future holds better ones.

Am wondering how you and this "little one" are now and how you will be when this reaches you. Will say Seetheart that you must be very careful for a long tine, which I am thinking that you will be.

Have had no mail from you for several days now, but am sure it will be coming as soon as things straighten out around here.

This leaves me well as usual. Regards to remainder of family and much love to you, Yours,

Camp Mill, Hempstead New York WWI Letter.. Sept. 2, 1918

2009-10-25T10:15:00.001-06:00

This letter was written by a soldier at Camp Mills, New York, on September 2, 1918. He was writing to his parents. From the letter…..

Dear Mother and Father,

Just a few more lines to let you know I am feeling good. Sunday night we were allowed to be out till quarter till eleven, so I and another fellow took a walk for about a mile and a half. And we walked to a place what they call Hempstead. That is a nice little town. Syracuse was nice but this town is nice for the fellows. When you walk down their streets you would think you were walking in Passaic downtown. They have all kinds of stores, and they have pool rooms and shooting gallery? and bowling alleys, and lots of places where you can get your picture taken. Fruit stores, ice cream stores, it sure is a nice little town.l One of these days you might see a present coming home for you Ma. There are some nice ?? out here Ma.
I did not get that money you sent yet but I guess it will be all right. When I was home I forgot to ask if our minister was home yet. I got a letter from Aunt Hannah Sunday afternoon. They said they had a postal of your telling them that Mart was going to leave for camp Friday. Did you hear anything of Hen or Dan or Tice yet? It sure was a nice day Sunday. Well I will have to do some washing today, and I do not know of very much to write about for I don’t get any mail. If I get some mail I can write a whole lot more. I will close now and write a few lines later.

From your loving son,

Camp Dix New Jersey WWI Letters 1918

2009-10-12T14:51:00.001-05:00

This letter was written during WW1, by a soldier at Camp Dix, New Jersey, October 29, 1918. He was writing to his parents. From the letter….
Dear Ma and Pa,
I am feeling fine hoping all are the same. I got a letter of Bert this afternoon and he is feeling good. I don’t know whether to write today for I sent a letter last night, but after I send the letter home I want to see Miller off and it makes cry to part with a fellow like he was for he was the best I ever met. Well Baker went to Virginia this morning and after I seen Miller a big fire broke out in the woods by the tents where I was and all the companies had their fellows lined up in the street with pails of water with them. I was there and when I went threw the streets they put a flash light on me but they did not say anything to me. Will close now hoping all are well for I didn’t get a letter since Saturday. Thanks Aunt Rine?? For the candy for I did not know who it was from till today.

From your son,

This letter was written by a soldier at Camp Dix, New Jersey, during WWI. He was writing home to his parents. The letter was written October 15, 1918. From the letter……

Dear Ma and Pa,
I am feeling fine hoping all are the same. I did not get no mail last night but hoping to get it to night. I didn’t hear of Bert in over a week. What is the matter, let me know if he is sick or something. I work by the farm house it was some job just clean up the leaves that fell from the trees. I got the box Sunday night I don’t know much to write but just to let you know that I am all right. I got 6 dollars so I think that will do for a while. They are shipping every day so when my turn comes I will let you know as soon as I can. I will close now.

From your son,

Recourt France WWI Letter from Army Doctor Dec. 5, 1918

2009-10-06T13:49:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a US Army Doctor, who was in France during WWI. This letter is dated December 5, 1918. He was with the 130th Infantry. From the letter……

   Well this is a rainy foggy night in France. We had quite an exciting time among the boys of the detachment tonight. We have a a maternity case on fire and all the boys want to be assistants. Aught to have a clinic but guess I can only have an interpreter go as an assistant which is Hoffercamp and suppose he will be. Have quite an experience if it come off she is a pard 4. I rather hate this French civilian practice but this is my first case I have had to confine, if it comes off. We are going to do occupational service I guess and will start in a few days unless orders change. Well I hope my request goes in for immediate and complete separation from service and I can come home. I really wish I can come back with the regiment though, and they come soon. I guess I told you Tomlinson went on leave the 4th to Niece. Will be glad to see him when he gets back to se if I want one. Suppose I had better see what I can while here as it may be a long time before I come back. When I do I want to bring my wife with me but we want to see America first don’t we?
   I had another case- an armistice baby’s mother had what may be a breast abscess coming but hope not. Poor people they have only one room where they live and 3 children. The oldest about 2 ½ yeas old. The man looks like a shiftless sort of a case of human by best guess. Looks must be deceiving. What would you think with a record like that? Got a nice letter from Nellie. I am glad to hear all the nice things about you dearest, not but what I know it before and all the time and even more nice things than I am told, but one does like to hear people whose opinions you know are good and appreciate express themselves so beautifully about your charming self. It makes me wish all the more strongly to get back t this most dearly beloved person, my wife. Oh that will be a happy day.
   I got a statistic report of the deaths from pneumonia from the various camps and under this the following is stated, which since I have been in the 130 I will write although may not have much of a part in it but even that I by being in it am quite proud to see it of our regiment. Suppose that is why we are still Lieutenants, but ought to show we are not as a whole incompetent nevertheless.

The 33rd has had the lowest death rate in the U.S. Army (from pneumonia). The 130 Infantry is said to have the lowest death rate in the 33rd Division. The results shown by the tables above are the result of 3 things.
1. Sanitation and cooperation of Line Officers with Medical Department.
2. Prompt recognition of disease and painstaking work of your Medical Officers.
3. Favorable climatic conditions. In spite of climatic conditions not so favorable now we are anxious to keep our record and know we will continue to receive your cooperation.
                              Ray H. Humphrey Capt. J.C.U.S.A. Regimental Surgeon

Am still alone in the Battalion came here Oct.2 to the 2nd Bat. Capt. H. said he was going to leave me alone for the present as things seem to be going along very satisfactory here. Well the lady has come to go to the confinement and Huffercamp is dressing so may have something to tell you about “something new”. The next time I write. Love to you as ever darling. Hope I can

soon be on my way to USA and you.

Christmas Package Coupon WWI American Expeditionary Forces 1918

2009-09-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

This American Expeditionary Forces Christmas Package Coupon, was went home from a soldier, to his wife, in 1918. The coupon was meant to be used to mail Christmas packages to the troops.

The text reads…..
PASTE THIS COUPON ON THE PACKAGE
Directions: One Christmas package not heavier than 3 pounds and not larger than 9 by 4 by 3 inches will be carried free from Hoboken, N.J. to each American soldier in Europe. Standard boxes of these dimensions will be furnished, upon application, by local chapters of the American Red Cross in the United States. Christmas packages must not contain perishable articles, or any articles prohibited by the postal laws from transmission by mail. PACKAGES NOT CONFORMING TO STANDARD FURNISHED BY RED CROSS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This coupon is authority for any post office to accept on or before November 20, 1918, a Christmas package conforming to the above regulations for the soldier named hereon. Postage to Hoboken, J.J. must be prepaid. THIS COUPON MUST BE PASTED ON THE PACKAGE TO SECURE ITS TRANSMISSION.

Camp Sherman Ohio February 10, 1918 WWI Letter

2009-09-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a soldier at Camp Sherman, Ohio, February 10, 1918. He was with Hdq. Company, 332nd Infantry. From the letter…..

Hello Benny,
   Will take a few moments to write you a small note to let you know am working to beat h--- believe me kid don’t stop for nothing.
   How and the h--- are you Benny? “Wow” have a bottle of Millers on me. Gee but I could put one away now. If they would only give me a chance to go out on a celebration “Wow” would I lick them up.
   Gee but this is sure some nice Sunday how I would like to take a gold fish out for a walk, just a walk that’s all.
   Cause I am pretty well caked up with salt-peter. I am getting ? Don’t know what a skirt looks like anymore kid. But I will leave my share to you so help your self it chicken Benny,
    As the news are now we move to Florida it may be France instead of Florida. But all we got to do is get to it.
   Benny am hitting the scales at 158 lbs. now. How fat a fellow will get when he gets sent to bed at 9:00 P.M. But if they would give me a 5 day pass I would go about 158 oz. Ha.Ha.
   Will close as it is time for Retreat 4:40 P.M.

Foxey

Infantry 1st Lieutenant WWI Letter France Nov. 9, 1918

2009-09-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a 1st Lieutenant, who was in the Infantry, in France, just two days before Armistice, during the closing days of WWI. From the letter……

We are now back resting in a small French village. Real rest too. Haven’t’ done a darn thing and don’t think will have to for a while, as we are due a rest, not a so called rest. Received our mail, the first we had received in about six weeks and are due to get another batch. Received your letters of Spt. 8, 18, 22, 24, 26, 30, Oct. 6 and 8 and a box of cigars. Now you must bet I was a happy boy. Every letter was appreciated and the cigars could not have reached me at a more opportune time, as there are none to be bought near here. Had a most delightful time smoking and reading, and they were such nice letters too.
   Was a complete surprise, the cigars, as you had no order giving permission to mail them, and was a near miracle they ever reached me. Don’t try it again as near4ly impossible to get a package through even with an order. Am enjoying a “Tampa Six” and writing.
   Rambled around South Georgia a little and know something of the sand and can appreciate your Auto troubles. Think from the sand and roads you are doing just fine, and as for house keeping know you have it down pat and would give a great deal just to drop in on your home, eat supper with you and your friend and do about three or four hours rapid fire talking. Wouldn’t be necessary for it to be a Sunday dinner, just your ordinary every day meal would be all that could want. Guess now though you are at school once more. How does it feel? Would certainly like to see you in your khaki uniform, though have a pretty good mental picture. Now just bet the six county agents, each with a car, let Sylvania wake up did you, well don’t believe you could have enjoyed it more than I would have.
   Talking about Country Fairs, know you must be having a hard time getting exhibits etc, but you have such a good time at the Fair mingling with friends, making new friends, etc. and see your efforts rewarded by a successful four, well it’s great, there’s no place like the county, the county fair etc. And you help with the registering of the new draft too, well if you are not the busiest party I know of, but if you had a record of the humorous incidents would be quite a list and interesting as know the kind of people you had to deal with.
    As to my dug out, well the war we have been fighting lately is out of the dug out territory and don’t stop long enough to dig any, just little fox holes where we are temporarily held up. Haven’t seen a dug out for quite a bit, been living in woods, fox holes, on hill sides, etc. We are not permitted to carry a Kodak, though occasionally some one is seen with one even though it is against orders, but they claim can hardly ever get the pictures developed as we move so often, never at one place long enough to do anything. Haven’t’ any at the present could send you, but if peace is declared we will then be in position to take all kinds of pictures, though two of my best friends, who had been in the Co. all the time, were killed.
   Certainly glad you enjoyed the candy, and would have rather been present then to have been any where else in the world, and as for thanks you could not possibly have appreciated it more than I did the cigars, and as have been rather “bold” in a few of my letters might just as well tell you that would have saluted you, without first asking permission, the way the French would have deemed proper, a kiss.
   Now we have been away from where we could get mail, have the usual communication with Hq. and are just getting back, we were either near the front as reserves, support or front line and did not have an opportunity to get the card entitling us to a Xmas package, and I think one would be too late so am not sending any either to home or to you, but I appreciate your gift just the same, and after reading why you want to send me something, I just stopped, smoked, and reflected. Who couldn’t fight, who couldn’t give his best when there is such a little girl as that backing him up. You will never be able to know how I appreciated your request , and the ring of sincerity it gave, and does me more good than any gift could.
   Ever since we have been in this part of France, in fact ever we have been over here, except the first two months, we have had the YMCA with us. Where we could get American supplies, and the YMCA, there is always one with the reg., and most of the time are with each Bn., goes right with us, moves when we move, always carrying the articles the American Doughboy desires, giving to him free writing paper and envelopes, sends his money home for him, furnishes him amusements, supplying him with athletic equipment, balls, bats, gloves, footballs, basket balls, etc. and their work in having supplies at hand that the soldier wants and furnishing amusements, acting as banker as club room, as friend have lightened the arduous life of campaigning in a country where American articles and supplies and amusements can be had no where else, considerably. There is nothing that helps him more than to be able to go to the “Y” at any time he wants to, he knows he is always welcome there and can meet and chat with his friends. The Y is something in common with all soldiers, and they appreciate it’s efforts.
   Enclosed herewith find a picture of yours truly, was made along the middle of Sept. just before we pulled out to be up in and around the big show.
   Am getting along all right, enjoying our rest, haven’t had a leave ye, but the rest is so are as I am concerned nearly as good. We smoke, read, eat, map experiences of the recent fighting and have a real nice time.
   With best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving, a pleasant stay at Athens, a Happy Xmas, an enjoyable visit to Carnesville.

With much love,

147th Field Artillery WWI Letter April 14, 1918

2009-09-15T09:39:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a U.S. Soldier in France, during WWI. He was with the 147th Field Artillery. From the letter…..

Dear Mother,

   There hasn’t been very much excitement since I wrote my letter yesterday. Sat we have mess at 5 P.M. Which gives me a little more time in the evening. I did intend going and take a bath. We have showers at at the hospital here, but remembered that I hadn’t yet been to get my clean cloth.
   Last night as usual I divided my evening between the druggist. The druggists they insisted on my drinking a big bowl of milk. I didn’t all night. I took special pains to tell you that my cold was better and that I coughed much less. Then in a few letters afterward I said that I was fine again, for I knew you would be worried if I didn’t speak about it. So don’t worry for I don’t cough at all and am feeling fine. I hope you will get this and won’t worry anymore.
   I’m so glad you could all be together on Easter. But I wondered whether you would go to Muck Jobs’? funeral. If you did probably it would be just at that time. Don’t you think Aunt Mary will go to Portland to live? I shall try to write her today. Must stop.

Lots of love to all,

U.S. Marine Letter WW1 WWI France, May 1918 World War One

2009-09-13T09:14:00.001-05:00

This letter was written by a U.S. Marine, in France, during WWI. He was with Hdqrs. Company, 5th Regiment. From the letter, May 24, 1918.……

   My dear sister,

   As this is the first opportunity to write, I believe I’ll make good use of it so here it goes. Kindly excuse my writing in pencil for my pen is dry but I addressed the envelope in ink.
   We have recently been relieved from the trenches for a few days and no doubt will be in some more soon again.
   I picked up a little while in the trenches but I guess I’m loosing all I gained for my arm is better and soon will have the stitches taken out. Of course I had to get that tetanus shot into my stomach.
   Talk about our indoor sports, since we started from the trenches we’ve covered many miles both by rail and by foot. Surely we have done some hiking but you know the Marines get there just the same.
   Oh the doughboy rides in automobiles, the artillery on the train, and the ol Marines has to hike but he gets there just the same. All day long yes all night long. Above you’ll see a true stanza of which we made up. Haven’t heard from you for 3 weeks now. Received the magazines but then they don’t last forever. Talk about beautiful cou7ntry surely France is especially at this time of the year. And we have just passed thru the wealthiest parts and believe me it was worth seeing.
   Of course everything is very high even the American stuffs prices are doubled except cigarettes and of course I don’t get them. The peasants in this state are so much different. I mean more cordial and more refined., than in other states in this country.
   We all are in the best of health now of course we are stiff from the hike and a large number fall out along the roadside, but thank goodness, in the condition I was in I had to stick it out. I suppose you folks hear about as many rumors about the Marines as we do but don’t listen to it for we’ll tackle anything what turns up. That’s your Marines for you. Write as often as you can, and don’t worry, for if I come back well enough. Will write whenever I get the chance and kindly excuse my scribbling for my arm is a little weak yet.

Love to all,

Engineer Company Soldier's WWI letter from France Mar. 1919

2009-09-09T11:29:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a U.S. soldier, who was in France, with an Engineer Company as part of the American Expeditionary Force, during WWI. The letter is dated March 19, 1919. From the letter……

Dear Mother:
   I am back here again in this dismal hole but I enjoyed my leave very much. I visited Lyon, Besancon, and Dijon, spending a few days in each place. I wanted to see Nice, but didn’t care enough about it to make the trip.
   It is snowing again today and quite cold although we have been having some fairly good weather. I hope you are not having any severe weather and am glad to know that you are getting along so well.
   Nothing has developed since I went away regarding our prepared trip to the army of occupation. Maybe we will go and maybe we won’t but I am ready to move from here at any time.
   We are right in the zone of the theatre of operations at the beginning of the war, though toward it’s close the fighting was farther north. The whole country is covered with barbed wire and trenches and the peasants are hard put to work their farms. ? of them have horses and their ground is either all torn up by shells or covered with trenches and barbed wire. It is a dismal looking country and the farther north you go the worse it gets.
   We have some horses now and if it ever gets decent weather we can have a little pleasure in riding about. I went out yesterday for the first time since we left Shelby and am a little stiff today.
   It is so cold I can’t write very well, as my fingers are getting numb.

With love, Lester

Soldier France January 30, 1919 WWI Letter

2009-09-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a U.S. soldier in early 1919, in France. He was writing a friend, January 30, 1919. From the letter…..

   Do not feel like going to bed yet so will answer your letter. Everyone else is there so I am not bothered any,. We are still stuck at this place and the way it looks we are here for quite a while yet. The longer I stay here the better I like it. I have a great time getting wood to keep warm. It is not quite as cold as it is around there this time of the year, or we would freeze to death. We have a few inches of snow the last few days, about the first we had this winter. Although the ground has been froze since the first of the year.
   You said Starkey said they hiked 125 miles. I do not think they done any marching toward what we did around that time. We put in over 30 days making from 15 to 20 mile a day. Our Division relieved Starkey’s Division at Verdun, then we started down here. We are about 60 miles further Southwest than they are. Expect the cooties are all over France. I know I have a ? of a time trying to keep rid of them. Tuesday night I changed part of my clothes what I could but under ware. I only have one suit so I took it off and boiled them. Took them out and washed and then dried and put them back on so you see I had a pretty busy night.
   I have been on building and repairing for the last few weeks so I do not have much time during the day. When we get one place fixed up we move so I figured it will soon be time to move from here to some other place like this, that needs some repair work done. They even have a detail on the road fixing it up, so you can figure about how good a time a fellow can have.
   We will have our arm all decorated with stripes when we get back. I do not have any more on than I get orders to put on, as I do not like this sewing. Most of the fellows have the service stripe on so I will have to get busy one of these days.
   Will close for this time. Hoping to hear from yo soon. I am

Your Friend,

Hispanic Soldier's WWI Letter to Sweetheart From France 1919

2009-09-01T09:09:00.001-05:00

This letter was written by a Hispanic U.S. Sgt., who was in the 72nd Infantry Brigade, during WWI. He was in Tanlay, France, when he wrote this letter, March 6, 1919. From the letter……

My Sweetheart;
   I am ashamed to tell you that this is only my second letter to you since I came back from Lamalon-les-Bains. Every day I promise myself that I must write to you, but each time that I start I always have to stop.
   I forgot to tell you that I have not yet received the box of toilet articles from Levy’s Paris store, although I have the notice. However I think it will come in a few days.
   I have not yet answered Padre’s fine letter, which I must do either tonight or tomorrow. As to our coming home, still the situation is unchanged, that is we will probably remain here for two or three months longer. Whether we will remain in Tanlay or be sent to Germany, I cannot tell yet. So you and I must be brave and patient, “every dog has his day”, and ours will no doubt come.
   Yesterday, I received two Valentine cards from you, which reminded me that I never even sent you a like greeting. But on that day I was on a Frog Train (Frog is what we call the French) on my way to southern France. However your dear presence was and is always with me, as you must know and feel.
   I trust, dearest, that you are doing all you can to improve your health. When I think of your past sufferings and my inability to share them because we are far apart, I cannot help but feel depressed. You are not alone in your lonely thoughts, you are not alone in your anxious waiting for the day when we shall be together again. So please always bear in mind that on your health, all of our future happiness depends.
   I am anxious to get his off to the mail this afternoon, so I must make it a short letter. I trust that Arthur and the baby have entirely recovered from the Flu, and that our dear Pere is well.

With all my love and devotion,

Last Letter from Tanlay, France, April 2, 1919

2009-08-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a U.S. Hispanic soldier, who was in France during WWI. The letter was written from Tanlay, France, April 2, 1919. From the letter…..

My Own Darling,

   This is and will be the last letter you get from me while I am in the A.E.F., because your prayers and my prayers are at last answered. No not write to me any more in France, Sweetheart Love, because I will be home before May comes.
   I have finished packing our things, and our orders (mine and the General’s) are in our pockets. It is now only a question of going through the necessary “red tapes”, before we get on board ship and comes sailing home.
   In my previous letters, I told you that only the General was coming and that I was going to one of the A.E.F. schools as an instructor. But day before yesterday, my orders to “accompany General Hulen to the United States” came like lightening, while Division Headquarters was about to assign me to some school. Therefore, just disregard what I said about not coming home, for I am coming to you, just as fast as our Uncle Sammie lets me and can get me there.
   I am coming, I am coming home!!! And I must hurry to do the work that must be done before learning Tanlay. Sweetheart, this is only a short letter, because I have not the time to answer yours (of which there are five unanswered) which I received during the last three days. But you know that my heart is over with you, and that it is the same heart, only it has grown to love you more and more each successive new day that comes into my life.

Here’s all my everlasting devotion,

72nd Infantry General Croix de Guerre WWI Letter France, 1919

2009-08-20T11:17:00.001-05:00

This letter was written by a Hispanic Soldier, who was in France during WWI. After doing a little research, I found that this soldier, was the adopted son of General John Hulen. This soldier was born in the Philippines and served as an interpreter for the General during the Spanish American War. He mentions the General in this letter, and to add even more evidence, the General signed the letter as the Censor. He is writing to the father of his fiancé. From the letter April 2,1919.……

Dear Padre,

   In the midst of happy but strenuous preparation to leave this old town of Tanlay, I just stopped to tell you that, as the luck of war would have it, General Hulen and I are leaving France for the good old U.S.A. At first it was intended that he could not take me with him, but at the last moment, my orders came from General Hdqs. American Expeditionary Forces, to accompany General Hulen to the Untied States, and be discharged when he is. The General tendered his resignation two months ago, now it is accepted.
   The French Government has recognized his valuable services at the front by conferring upon him the “Croix de Guerre”, and he was decorated this evening in the midst of pompous ceremony.
   Unless there are some unforeseen delays, we expect to reach the U.S. by the 20th of this month. I cannot tell at this writing in what port we will disembark. I am dropping a lone to Katherine.

With lots of love,

U.S. Army Doctor WWI Letter France and Luxembourg December 1918

2009-08-16T10:02:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a Doctor, who at the time he wrote the letter was a Lt. but would later become a Captain. He was a doctor with the 130th Infantry, but spent some time with a British Ambulance Company also. From the letter December 10, 1918, St. Supplet, France…….

Darling,
   Sell darling since I haven’t written to you since we started on our occupation journey as we have been so busy and even yet no way to send mail but am going to write to send it when I do get a chance and I may forget some things if I don’t write you now. To write whether I can send it or not is quite a recreation to come so near talking to you.
   Last night dear I dreamed of you not the first time by any means but seemed almost real.
   Well to start with our Journey. We left Recourt the little town we were in about 2:30 PM. I was near ready to stop before starting as the running about inspecting etc. took a lot of walking.
   We camped that night in the same place we did when we left the line at Causevoy, after being relieved by the French Colonial troops. When we thought we were going to a rest camp near Rupt, but left for the front the next AM after making the 37 kilo march. This was near Morengo. I slept on the floor, went to bed about 1:30 after getting warm by fire slept in overcoat and one blanket. The next day we started out and went past that terrible shell town land that I spoke about before where the dead was in the tree and the barb wire thrown up in the top of another.
   We marched about 10 kilo thru a beech woods a lot was quite badly torn by shells but for the most part standing. It was one of the prettiest sights I ever saw in a part of it where the underbrush was cleaned out and the leaves on the ground all the same kind and color over the whole wide area looked so soft and velvety and of such a rich reddish brown color. From here on we were on German held ground for about 4 years (???).Could see the German graveyards about the most conspicuous thing, many good stories form the people who went thru the occupation. The ones who got out only were safe from their usage. I guess even they had them segregated, according to the class, officer, noncommissioned officers and privates, any women who didn’t comply with her services was starved to do so. One place they had some civilians dig their own graves then later occupy them. Well, I hope these things were not true and a lot are not I suppose.
   The buildings like civilized ones. Really a lot of towns I think anything to get rid of a lot of the old stable and house combination buildings that look like they have stood till the beginning of time. They said the Chicago fire really proved to be a good thing for Chicago. We will hope the war will not be so bad for France, of course the lives lost that can not be changed now. We will hope that Wilson will succeed in bringing out a state of affairs to end future wars and to guard against advantage being taken of us being in the war to the advancement of any one class of peoples to gain??? But is a settlement made of affair for truce to come and surely what we are doing or those that paid the full price has not been in vain, and I believe he will be equal to it.
   The old lady where we are billeted lives all alone. She is a kind old woman. Americans are fine, noting too good for them. We gave her a few things got a soup bone that would be thrown out otherwise and brought to her and she is very appreciative for all. Said I didn’t look like I was sick. Pointed to my ring and I showed her your picture and she looked at it over and over and thought you looked healthy too. Asked if I had any babies. I of course had to tell her no. Well dear that is all for this spasm. We should be just this side of Luxembourg tomorrow night.

*Note: The letter breaks here, and resumes on December 13th*

The next night we were billeted in in Villerupt?, which is partly in France, and part in Luxembourg. This was more like a real city than we had seen since coming here to France. Part of the men were in an old Hotel part in houses that must have been built to house laborers working in the iron works. I try to get around and inspect the areas before the men leave, when I can’t then the men left to police up can fall right in and not get left to catch up, if they have done a good job. Soon after leaving this city we crossed a corner of Lorane and began to get into quite Germanized looking places, the people talked German more than French. We passed thru the city of Aves??. Whoever was leading sure did go. We almost had to trot our horse to keep up and there was a lot see. Looked very up to date and modern. The people in good clothes and lots of overland car sales room, drugstores, and a candy store with real candy in the windows.
We came to Bothreigen after dark in a pouring down rain. We were billeted at a place who were very nice to us. There were 3 unmarried daughters one about 30, one about 28, and one 20 or so. They were dressmakers and looked very neat and quite refined and very healthy. Really did one good to see some wholesome people even if you do have to talk German to them all together. Here we stayed a day and left the next AM. Captain Humphrey had a temperature of 102 and was quite sick with flu I guess. Also Capt. ??? I gave some medicine too. He was better the next AM and is getting alone OK now. We spent the next night at Anveiler a little place where some American artillery were already. The people in some parts were quite Pro German and didn’t want to take us in but when they saw we were going to stay they came across pretty good but not very good billets. Where the infirmary was the boys got alone OK. The landlord called the Germans Sweinhunds and everything he could think of. Then we moved to here. Mertert?? which bids fare for a town. We are in a summer estate of some rich Parisian Doctor. Some of the rooms are very fine. A large hotel range in a white brass chandelier to hold a lamp and candles, no electricity here. The ceiling is all decorated with blue designs and some plaster of paris mold decorations. The walls are oak but is just stained when examined close and what was hard carved looking was just plaster molded, but a very charming room.

   So the Bat. Hg. Mes of the 2nd bat. For once dined in a room that a noble might be complemented to do so and had a pretty good feed. But had bully beef to eat which was camouflaged so it didn’t go so badly. Now we are along the river near where it joins the Rine across is Germany. One battalion came on the other side, we on the Luxembourg side. But best of all are going to have a rest tomorrow. Seems as though they always move or fight on Sunday in the army. I sure remember a month ago the 11 when we were in the thick of it. Funny how newspapers do mix it up. Grason was in the hospital Nov. 14 and Capt. Yerkes hasn’t been with us since the middle of October. Our battalion and the 1st were the ones in the ??. Then Mawyer was to officers training school but I laugh at the things I read. I haven’t seen any Colonels go over the top yet. One might, Col. Cleuin?? Was up to hear them sending some shells over our way that were mostly gas and I suppose he might got some as well as some of the others back but you can of course see how the Chicago people get in the Stars and Stripes didn’t even get the 33rd Division in their report at all. One of the Sergeants wrote in and they had an article giving the letter entitled “Passing the buck and the corps” (army) Didn’t send it in as being in the fighting and we were for 37 days and then going to the St. Miheal coming out Nov. 11 going in Sept. 25 to the Muse our battalion the first I was in then started up then. So you see the whole thing is a lot of publicity. As for our own lives will say we had plenty of other things to attend to than think about the shells lighting about except a few that came close and didn’t think about getting hit as that makes one of those deep dugout rats out of a man pretty soon and you can’t take care of cases the way they come in in a ?? especially with one medical officer as was the case with me in a dugout. The poor stretcher bearers sure were all in and it is the hardest kind of work to get up an down those stairs. If we had gotten a direct hit we wouldn’t have known what hit us, but as the English used to say “That would be very unlucky”.
   Well dear your husband has ceased to be a noncombatant now and as on his medical belt a 45 automatic and will say I believe I could use it if I had to as I did some considerable practice sine here. But suppose it will be a fluff too as one is going to not shoot at a man with a gun unless he is sure to hit him.
   Hope I can send this out before tomorrow.

Lots of love to you my darling wife,

*Note: ??? are used when it was difficult to make out the writing in the letter.*

32nd Engineers WWI Letter Sept. 18, 1918

2009-08-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a US soldier in France during WWI, September 18, 1918. He was with the 32nd Engineers. From the letter…..

Dear Folks:
   Received your letter of Aug. 25th and was glad to hear from you and that everything is all right at home. Everything is same as ever here, am getting along OK and feeling fine. The weather has been somewhat warmer the past few days, and had a mice shower this evening. Glad to hear that it quit raining back there so that the farmers could finish up the shock threshing. I suppose some have started cutting corn by this time. I thin that by the time I get back to the States I’ll have forgotten which end of the plow to hitch a team to. Do you ever drive Don anymore? You should have one of those two-wheeled gigs like they have over there. I bet he could haul one in 2.30. What is Dad doing with that young team. Is Channer going to build another barn this fall?
   I suppose you won’t have any threshing to do this fall. I suppose you have stacked up the wheat to feed the chickens, they thrash it out all right.
   Well, this is all I can think of for this time, so good bye,

Graves Registration WWI Letter March 1919 Baseball, and Basketball

2009-08-09T07:03:00.000-05:00

This letter was written by a solder in Neufchateau, France, after the Armistice. He was with the Graves Registration Service. From the letter, March 13th 1919.…….

   Having nothing to do this evening I thought I had better write you a few lines again to leave you know that I am well and getting along fine and dandy only the same old way, tired, lonely, and homesick for you and the folks and all my friends. Have been working pretty hard these last couple of days and yesterday I just finished writing up 1038 graves. I would rather be busy all the day long than lay around and stall the time away.
   Have been practicing baseball everyday and Sunday afternoon we are going to have a game with a unti that is situated close here. I think that I will have to do the catching behind the bat, if my arm does not hurt like ti does this afternoon.
   Been looking for mail from you these days, but so far nothing has showed up yet. Some of these fellows that came with me from the 37th Division are getting mail direct and hope that I will be getting some soon. It is about six weeks that I haven’t heard from you and it seems like six years.
   I heard that we would not be released until the first of August and that they cannot spare any man until then. It is a long ways off yet but hope that the time will soon pass away and then for homeward bound, that will seem the sweetest dream tome, that I have ever had. Had a letter from Crickmore and Plengey the other day and Crickmore is at Brest waiting for sailing orders. I sure do with that I was still with the company and then I would soon be back home.
   Have been having pretty nice weather here lately, and it is getting warmer ant the ground is drying up, so it seems more like a country than a mud hole. Last night I went up town and saw a basket ball game. The G.R.S. played the Motor Transport Corps, and the M.T.C. beat our team 52 to 38. It is not the games that we used to go to see at the St. Paul’s hall. Did you go to see any of those games this year, or did they not have any?
   Hoping that this letter will find you well as it leaves me and that you are having a good time and thinking of me often, I remain with lots of love,

Your darling and sweetheart,

Photo of a captured Fokker D. VII

2009-08-06T13:51:00.001-05:00