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Dearest Mother: -
In all probability the next time I write to you it will (be) from a large
rest and recreation camp. We have been out of the lines one week and so
far I have had a complete rest. The relaxation after the continuous
tension of being constantly under fire was very much felt. All one wanted
to do was to lay around. Could hardly coaxe (sic) myself to write letters.
I know that you were aware of our being in the last push and so today I
have sent you a cablegram to let you know in a hurry that I am O.K. I
suppose you have long since received it.
For the last few days three of us have been eating and sleeping at the
cottage of an old lady whose husband and son were both killed in the war
two years ago. She is just a trifle pecular (sic) in her ways and easily
angered as I have found out. The other evening we had some dinner prepared
and I lit the lamp to make the setting complete. As I did this, for some
unknown reason the chimney broke and immediately she let loose with all
the available kitchen utensils she could find and a string of lingo which
was too fast and to copious for my diminutive comprehension. I had to
withdraw and make peace terms through the window while the other guys
continued to eat and enjoy the show. We have surely fed well altho she is
somewhat of a taskmaster and makes us cut all the wood, clean the
chickens, peel the spuds, etc.
I was called to Hdq. today and while they didn't decorate me or recommend
me for the war cross the commanding officer told me that I had done
“damned good work" the last drive we were in and that I would be one of
the first ten to go on furlough with the advice that I was to be made a
Sgt. Observer soon. This of course made me feel very good because from
Pvt. 1st class to Sergt. First Class skipping the grade of Corp. is not a
bad jump. I know this will make my old dad feel good as well as all the
rest of you. I am an acting Sergt. now.
Last week I was very much surprised and pleased to receive a letter from
Mrs. Schaffer. I mail it along with this and you can read it and say
nothing. Also had a letter from Uncle Will and many from you and Grace.
The more I think about the last bracas we were in the more I can shake
hands with myself and be thankful that I have those at home who are
constantly intervening for me thro the medium of prayer.
I have not yet heard from Hump but I sincerely hope he is coming round in
good shape. I hope you are all in good health and have plenty of spuds and
coal for the coming winter. It looks more and more like I would spend my
next birthday at home but till then, as an Englishmen has said "if the Hun
doesn't vacate the invaded territory we will be burdened with the duty of
driving him out." I am also enclosing the slip for my Xmas box and I think
you had best make it all fruitcake or all chocolate. Use your own
judgement (sic) however mother dear, because anything that is tied up by
your loving hands will be worshipped by me just as your letters are.
The weather here is very cold and disagreeable and it rains without
interval. We have been issued overcoats & heavy underwear however and our
everyday life in the open has hardened us to stand up to anything.
We got replacement troops in yesterday. Among them was that tall hump
backed kid that used to lead and open for dad when I was on with him. I
forget his name. He's only been over a short time. Also Louis Eicher from
Owensdale. They spotted me in spite of the heavy moustache I now wear.
Well, mother, I let you know, I think, how I am enjoying my furlough and
also keep you posted as to the date when I became a full fledged Non. Com.
You may think I am boasting but being appointed Non. Com. officier (sic)
at draft camps and in the rest areas is just a little different from
winning promotion under fire. How’s that for sticking out my chest? Then
again, before you receive this I'll also be sporting one gold service bar
on my left cuff and can come back a real vet.
I think, however, that you will side with my views when I say that my path
has not been strewn with roses since I first started to soldier and
therefore I must be allowed to feel good when in the face of the Hun I
have made good. Your letters all came to me when I was right in it and
were just like a balm to my strained nerves. I am going to write to
Florence and the rest, also, tonight and with best love and kisses to you
and the rest of my loved ones I am still
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