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Dearest Mother:-
Have just returned from Division Hdq. where I spent the afternoon on the
witness stand testifying to the deeds of valor of one of my companions who
was recommended for the D.S.C. I handed out a great line of bull in answer
to their questions and marked the boy up for 100%. After I was sworn in
the Major asked me a few questions about our start into the fight in the
Argonne and then asked for what reason I thought this man should be
recommended for decoration. I told him that this Sgt had been in charge of
the runners and that he had volunteered to go with Lt. Abel and myself on
a reconnoitering party. He wanted to know if anyone was killed during this
time and if we went through any fire. I made it strong that the fire was
constant and that Lt. Abel had been killed while we were out. Then he
said; "Well, did he do anything more than the rest of you"? I said, "No,
but it was in our line of duty whereas with him it was entirely voluntary
and not in his line." I think that Mike will come out with a cross and I
like to see him get it.
When I came back I found the Christmas box you sent me. Everything was in
good shape and the fruit cake---wow! I divided it among six of us and they
all acclaimed it to be delicious. I was badly in need of both
handkerchiefs and fountain pen. I have been out of kerchiefs for some time
and my pen is going bad. I salvaged this one from a Hun adjutant who we
found dead and have used it ever since. I'll try the new one when I write
again. Thank you everyone!
Our boxes are coming in at the rate of 150 bags a day and we are feasting.
No doubt you will be allowed to send more now that the war is over. The
only relics I have from all that I left home with is the blanket you gave
me, which has seen some service and been thrown away in three drives and
recovered when I had time, the air pillow which I carried right along in
my combat pack. I used it for a head rest at night and then wrapped my
letters from home in it during the day to keep them dry. Also the sweater
which Emma Joe knitted and which has just started to sport a few holes. It
surely stood the gaff for I have worn it every day since I came over.
We have not moved yet but are holding ourselves in readiness to start any
time. (Must go to mess, time out.) I have written the proper people about
the location of Humphries' grave and hope to be able to give it to Ruth
and his people soon. Sometimes when I think over our experiences of the
last few months it seems like a huge nightmare. When on last Sun. Fratz &
Art and Eddie Byrne and ""Fed" Donnelly were talking about Humphries,
Ramsay, Maloy, Kelly and the rest being gone for a moment it would seem
like it couldn't be true that the Hun had claimed these boys as part of
the price.
Our mail delivery is still poor but that is because they are over burdened
with Christmas boxes, no doubt. I have your letter of Nov. 27 and hope to
have at hand more recent news of you soon. Give Grace, dad, Florence and
all the rest my best love and you pass the kisses this time.
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