Dear Folks
Sitting in a dugout in a woods where only three weeks ago we feared the German artillery fire I write this without the least worry as to shelling or attacking. Only three weeks ago in these same woods we were in the support awaiting any time to be called upon to help or relieve the front lines. The appointed day came we were moved to the front one very dark night. In silence with a pack on our backs containing reserve rations and toilet articles, we took over the front line which was situated near a railroad track. Our abode was in the bank along side of the tracks (it was the first time I got so near a bank). Apart from a little machine gun firing there was little to do but stand up at certain hours of the night and wait for the Germans should they attempt to visit us. During the night water and food was brought to us, all was executed with out a mishap.On a certain day in broad daylight we were told to be in readiness to pay Jerry a call and see if we can get acquainted. The play was all set, our platoons were arranged each man knew exactly where he belonged. The curtain was raised and led by the captain with the other officers close by we started towards the enemy lines. In front was a patrol of a few men to report and explain the strong points of the fire and relay back the results. "GET SET" was the command, words that I shall never forget, everybody was on edge and started. The German position was on a very steep hill and we expected strong resistance but not a man faltered. All commenced at the command and started very slowly and carefully to move towards the front or what was once the front of the opponent. As we advanced we could see that the patrol had little trouble in getting by. Little by little we covered the territory stopping for a rest or to make hurried inspections of the dug outs. As we advanced the boys who were a little nervous at first regained confidence and there was a smile on everybody's countenance. The hill was very steep, the day very hot and together with the packs and obstructions along the roads made traveling a little hard. As we rested occasionally we looked to the left, there were French as far as the naked eye could see, advancing on our right on one flank were some more of our Yankee boys marching majestically to meet any opposition. Two hours after the command "GET SET", we stopped in an open hill, our objective had been gained and no resistance was shown. The Germans had retired fearing the Yankees. Suddenly a German plane was seen hovering directly above us and we all opened fire, he was very brave and we all gave him credit for flying very low and coming back for more a little later only to be driven back, his machine resembling a sieve. A rest for half an hour and we were ordered to dig in. out went the shovels, picks and other tools that the boys picked up and to work. In very short order every fellow had a sub apartment to protect him from shell fire should there be any.
The night passed uneventful. No shelling, no excitement, most of the men slept having been stimulated by the brilliant victory and the fact that only the night before this particular spot was German territory. Morning found us fresh and everybody was anxious to go with Berlin as the goal. Not a taxi was in sight so we decided to start on foot. They call it a drive but it's a walk. Oh, yes, a breakfast was canned beef and crackers, enough to start you in a fighting mood. About ten o'clock we pushed forward about a mile, again no Germans were in sight but a little artillery music accompanied us but nothing could stop us. Again we dug in for the night on the bank of a hill where we spent the night. It was raining most of the night making it difficult to sleep but who wants to sleep, uneasy lies the head that makes an advance. Morning was welcome more so the sun. The orders were to be ready at a moment's notice.
At two o'clock we started across a plateau in full view of the Germans. The most spectacular scene I ever lived through, nothing can compare with it, words cannot describe it. On we went, the sun was hot, a mild wind blowing, the formation was wonderful. The field was covered with Americans going towards the front with nothing to stop them. No power on earth can stop them. As we approached the end of the plateau which led to a valley the Germans opened an artillery barrage but none faltered, none hesitated, the formation remained unchanged. The men were cool, the officers were cooler, directing and commanding the columns to swing away from the fire. never did I believe that men could go through such an ordeal without stopping for cover without running away in stead of going into it, keeping their heads about them even keeping the lines straight. How valiantly and gallantly they faced it.
Few casualties resulted, very few seriously wounded and this considering the tremendous target that the enemy had, it was miraculous. There was no range necessary, all he had to do was to fire at the plateau where thousands were approaching. Even those that were hit showed wonderful courage, several refused to go to the hospital preferring the company instead. Others treated themselves and continued till they joined the company. There were all kinds of narrow escapes and each fellow insists that his story is more interesting and that he was in more danger than the whole battalion. our destination was finally reached, we were tired a little nervous, in a short time we regained our nerve and stopped in caves for the night. Have been trying to write this for the last week only could find no time. You can see that three different kinds of ink were used, I will continue in the next letter. Have not written for several weeks, but in two days we will be relieved and I will have lots of time.
Good bye and good luck George
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Somewhere in France Sept. 1918 Dear Folks,
The night after our mutual advance we stopped in caves probably built years ago for different purposes. Some were so spacious, they were divided into rooms and had accommodations. At night our food was brought up, we ate and to bed or rather to floor as soon as possible. In the morning we were not allowed out so as not to be exposed to the enemy balloons. That same evening we relieved the company in front of us in the trenches. It was a miserable night rain and nasty weather made the gloomy night more so. The trenches are also very poor with no dug outs for shelter. But before we knew it morning came and we became acquainted with our surroundings. The boys got busy each one repairing his little hole in the wall. During the day our heads if valuable were ordered to be kept down, no one was inquisitive, no one cared for the scenery, we were satisfied with the view at night.
Three nights passed without anything of importance taking place. Our rations came regularly, our water was more than enough including plenty of rain, it rained every day and night for dessert.
At certain intervals the artillery played and although out of our bounds, artillery never bombards trenches, always tries to hit behind the lines to stop supplies and reserves from coming up. The noise is an awful strain on the nerves.
On the fourth night our relief came we were very sorry they did not come sooner but no questions asked we pulled out and started to the rear of the lines ---
At four in the morning we landed in the woods from where I wrote you the first letter. Good bye - there is a fellow going to headquarters to mail this.
George
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Somewhere in France September 15, 1918 Dear Folks
It is Yom Kippur, it is two days that we were relieved from the lines and are going back to a reserve resting place. Yom Kippur eve an announcement was made about services in a small town near by. At six most of the Jewish boys went to that town to attend the ceremony. They were held in an old battered church which showed signs of German vandalism. Broken windows, walls, benches everything that could be demolished was, other articles were spoiled so they could not be used. The ceremony was very effective and very brief. The distance from home, the surroundings, the crowd all in uniform including the rabbi who has been in the army for more than a year made the services very impressive. Also it's being in a church, an atmosphere so different that it moved many to tears.
However, it happened that the same evening there was a vaudeville show going on and coming back from the "temple" we stopped for the entertainment. A soldier's life one amusement after another ---
Have written you about three days ago but ended very abruptly to catch the mail. The next letter will narrate what happened between that date and Yom Kippur.
George
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Somewhere in France September 20, 1918 Dear Ezra
Today is a year since I joined the army or rather they joined me. It has been a wonderful experience which an infantry man goes through a year of war, he has accomplished something. How I would like to sit hours around the big table relating my adventures, how I would like to be with you people once more, it seems years since I saw you but from present indications my wish will be granted very soon.
There has been little change except that our furlough has been postponed and that we will again go to the front in a very short time. It seems Uncle Sam is determined to end this war this year and vacations will be few. We will be held very close to the lines in reserve in case our assistance is needed we will be on the job.
Am glad that you did not sell the store but do not take David away from the position that has futures for him. However, I trust you do the best for the family and also continue to look after the business at leisure moments.
George
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Somewhere in France September 25, 1918 Dear Folks
A minutes leisure time to tell that all is well. Am in a tent with another fellow but it is hard to keep warm at night. The nasty weather has subsided for a while which is a great relief when you are compelled to spend several days in one particular spot.
Have received a batch of letters yesterday from all corners of the world, they indeed cheered me up. I will reply to them as soon as we get a chance -- There was one in particular from father that I memorized, in fact all the letters leave a copy in my mind. There is little to say not enough supply for a drama but there are little incidents that might interest you. When we land in a new place we send a bunch to see what they can scout up. Anything that grows; this time there was no fruit but the boys found potatoes -- I never go along, I stay behind to lie to the sergeant abut the whereabouts of the en --. At this very moment two of my slaves are frying potatoes. One fellow goes to the kitchen to ask for grease and on his way out a candle sticks to the palm of his hand. The rest is easy. it is wonderful how we start with nothing and end with something to eat. Ching Ling Foo had nothing on us.
Another funny affair happened in a town where we stopped about a week ago. There was a grocery store there. It is our motto to get there as soon as our officers will allow. There is one fellow in the company an Italian who got tired of eating bully beef (canned corn beef) so he made his way in line stood there for two hours till his turn came and (just to show you the value of an education being able to converse in a foreign tongue) after talking to the woman about half an hour spent ten francs and returned with two cans -- of bully beef. When he was about to open the cans, half the company envied him, a few even threw away the corn beef they had on the strength of that and imagine when he opened the cover -- he is doing nicely in the hospital.
These are a few of the side shows that take place daily.
Am convinced that when we are done with this trick in the trenches we will do no more fighting this year, we will probably go where it's warmer and have a real good time. The day is beautiful, the potatoes are calling me, the other fellows threaten to eat all the pomme de terre and they will do it. So aurevoir until I write again tomorrow perhaps.
Your loving son and brother George
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Somewhere in France October 13, 1918 Dear Folks
It is about eight or nine days since I wrote you, all this time we spent in Chasing the Huns who seem to be going back in express trains. The weather is real autumnal, nasty raining, dreary and sloppy. We spent most of our time outside which makes the weather our worst enemy.
I have been feeling fine in spite of the weather and hope to continue to do so. Our battalion is in the rear at present in reserve, we have shaved for the first time in two weeks. Its the first time I washed my hands in a month, but it's alright, the water feels warmer in this weather.
My experience has proven that the German is a great fighter but of course, his back bone is broken and he can't recover. he leaves signs of wonderful efficiency, his comfortable dug outs, his spacious roomy shacks where one can get a real night's rest (I wrote you from one of these the last time). They were all ready to spend the winter when we came upon them. It is a shame to disturb them. However, running is keeping them warm and they have a long run to ---- Berlin.
There are all kinds of wild rumors about Germany, having accepted Wilson's terms etc. Occasionally a gun explodes and we wonder whether they are celebrating or they mean us. But good news is in the air and from all indications I will soon be home. I cannot write individually at present to pass this to the rest of the family.
Your loving son and brother. George
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Somewhere in France October 17, 1918 Dear Folks
It is the first sunny day in a week, it is very welcome. The beginning of the week was rain accompanied by the real autumnal weather. But today all is forgotten, everything is dry and all is well again. We are in the woods behind the lines having returned after having chased the Huns for about twenty kilos. We needed a rest and so we are here in the woods, some of us have dug outs, others pitched tents. The nights are rather cold but there are many German blankets about of which we have taken advantage. Our meals are excellent, plenty of food and good variety the improvement and efficiency of the system is seen daily. At the beginning of our previous drives the kitchen remained behind the lines and we depended on our reserve rations for our food, the cold food did not agree with us and so they finally decided to bring the kitchens along which showed wonderful results.
This is our third front, first it was Lorraine sector rather quiet but gave us plenty of experience, then was the Vesle which was more exciting and where we advanced quite a bit. After our second encounter we were due for a rest. All was set and arranged and I even cabled you about going to a rest camp when we were shipped to the Argonne woods. From reports our division did very well and now after spending three weeks battling in the woods which reminds one of the old Indian warfare we are about ten miles in the rear of the line for a rest. We occupy the same shacks and houses that the Germans did. What our fate will be is unknown but there are rumors that we will get our rest now. It will be mighty welcome. I am forgetting all my French and my money is getting rusty. It is so long since I saw it that I don't know how much I have in my pocket.
You will readily see that writing is difficult when everything is on the go but I steal a little time here and there to let you know of my whereabouts. The war situation is known to you, we are all hoping for the best. I personally am an optimist, I think it will be over before you receive this letter. (I am going to mail this immediately). It is a hard game and if some of those who are at the head of this had to live through some of the nights the infantry man spends, they would settle this mighty quick.
Here is a little incident which is a common occurrence. We came to a place at midnight and took our position in a miniature trench, it was in the support lines and all was quiet. In the morning our hot breakfast came along. Several hours elapsed and the boys became careless moving about and exposing themselves to aeroplanes that are out for observation. About two o'clock our dinner was just arriving when "JERRY" started to shell the place, in fact we saw a plane signaling to the artillery which started its work in several minutes. One half hour later we moved to another place about a quarter of a mile away. We dug in, that is, made holes to rest in and shelter us from the shells. A little time passed, all was again running smoothly, our dinner was brought from our former locality and while it was being served an order came in to move as soon as we were ready. Dinner over, it was about six o'clock, we started for another place. At ten we landed in a woods and the command was "DIG IN". This is one day's experience, three different hotels in one day, a different meal in a different place in one day. We pay no rent but we move as quickly and as cautiously as if we did. This is a little happening that is furnished to a dough boy and one that he won't forget.
Don't worry it is not so hard I am used to it and then I am beginning to think that it will soon be over.
Love and regards George
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Somewhere in France October 22, 1918 Dear Ida,
Am enclosing a letter to Leah that was written four days ago but could not be sent on account of our moving into another woods.
Yesterday we were deloused, rather rough language but after soldiers come out of the line they generally bring cooties with them. A cootie has no respect for rank. From private to colonel, from shirt to overcoat they keep parading and promenading night and day, consequently when we are through with a bit at the front we are ready for it. Yesterday was the day. We started at nine in the morning, walked about three miles to the baths. Everything was discarded except the overcoat and shoes, the rest of the outfit was thrown out. Now for the description of the bath ---
Its a big tent with twelve showers, you undress in an adjoining tent and are rushed into the tent that contains those showers. Before you have a chance to lather an order is given to wash the soap off and into the next room. Out you go half soaped, your eye full of soap overcoat in one hand, shoes in the other. The room where you regain your sight is the place where you get your equipment. You mention the size and the fellow gives you any size he has handy. By the time you get to the end of the room you have a complete outfit, coat, breeches, 2 pairs of socks, leggings, shirt and underwear and if you are lucky the fellow's dirty shoes (who is in the back of you) because you keep dropping the clothes as they are thrown to you. Marceline would be just the fellow for this place. But your troubles are over when you enter the next tent that is sued as a drying room. It easily accommodates 50 there are only 224 net, all trying to dry and dress. It is not long before you discover that you have been using your towel on the fellow behind you, he excuses you and you stand at attention while you dry yourself. The only article that fitted the guy next to me were his leggings --
There is a sergeant in charge who orders you out as soon as you have your underwear on. The rest of the dressing is done outside. Fortunately it rained and I managed to scrape the soap off - But when all was over we were appointed to relieve the men in the clothing room. I was at the shirt counter. I handed out 13 - 141/2 - 15 - 15/2 shirts all from the same box. Ching Ling Foo has nothing on me. At three o'clock our relief came and I instructed the man what to do (told him the secret) and back to the woods. It was still raining which made us hurry back to our tents where dinner and supper awaited us. Also five letters and two magazines for me. I ate and enjoyed the meal and mail doubly.
We still hope to get furloughs but who can tell, orders change as quickly as the map of Europe so we sit and hope for the best. I am full of money and no chance to spend it. Have not seen a civilian in a month and the more ferocious species for about two. Yesterday or rather they day before Ezra's stationery arrived, a very clever idea, also the music. But I can't play, there is no piano in the vicinity.
With love, George
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Somewhere in France October 27, 1918 Dear Folks
This is Sunday night, it was a very beautiful day, a real springy, sunny Sunday and we were at leisure. Our band played, the fellows felt at home for the first time in a long while. What a difference a little weather makes, the boys promenaded around the place as in Camp Upton only nothing to see but woods, nothing to buy with pockets full of money. How unfortunate for the storekeepers --
We accomplished much this week, we built our own houses with German lumber and tar paper, it is now finished and it stopped raining as if for spite. Its about ten days since we left the lines.
One of my best pals just received a package (I call him best pal because he received a package). It contained salted almonds, talcum powder which was broken, two boxes of something that I didn't taste yet and beaucoup biscuits. I have already had a few drops of talcum powder and the gang is trying to interfere with my writing this valuable manuscript. He is now passing out the cookies and I must stop to breathe one in. I skip two lines to devote to the eating of the cake.
Tomorrow or so we are again going to go to the front to participate in a push. Our division is expected to live up to its reputation, the officers claim we are invincible which puts us in a class by ourselves. However, I pray that we come thorough as before and I solemnly hope that it will be our last trip to the first lines -- Maybe, we will get a furlough, maybe we will get a leave and opportunity to go to a real live part of France. Yesterday my mail was very heavy, eight letters (another fellow opened a bundle containing candy he just handed me about half). To tell the truth I get more when they receive a package than when the bundle is my own. Am now eating salted almonds, quite a party by candle light sort of a one candle power affair.
I started to tell you about the drive, I understand it will be a hard task but nothing is too hard for our division -- we are in the Argonne sector, the most vital German spot, considered the most important and strongest stronghold of the Hun, but leave it to us -- It is getting late in the night (about eight o'clock) many are asleep, some are reading their letters from the states describing our wonderful feats on the battle field. Clippings and poems telling of our heroism, etc. how lovely.
Eight o'clock is late when you are in the woods and the hour of rising is six. Tomorrow might bring another order but as things stand now we are going forward next week, so good bye and good luck, regards and love to all.
George
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Somewhere in France October 13, 1918 Dear Folks
Have not written for about ten days for only one reason, we started in the big advertised American Drive which made writing impossible until we were relieved. Yesterday was the happy day, our relief arrived but cannot say whether we are going back again or the relief is permanent. But we are resting in a town about fifteen kilos from Sedan in billets formerly occupied by the Huns. We landed here yesterday, slept a night under a roof for the first time in a long while, perhaps a month. This morning after a good hot breakfast and wash I feel like a new man --. But let me go back the ten days and tell you of my little experience.
On Saturday November 2, we started over the top, walked, hiked over hills, valleys, woods, forests, rivers, swamps and any other ground imaginable. Of course, it rained to make matters more complicated and miserable but we found no resistance which made up for the bad weather. From five in the morning until six in the evening we were on the go with tired, wet, hungry troops marching in formation trying to look as fresh as when they started. What a game lot of men, no body of soldiers could have done better. At last as it was getting dark we landed on a main road and told to dig in for the night. It was most welcome and we got busy at the command.
There was a little shanty on a hill in front of us where we captured 3 Germans by surprise, it was a German outpost and when they saw us approaching the thought we were Huns.
Nothing of importance happened that night except that our officers slept in a town about 100 yards away and when they awoke they found that they were sleeping with Germans in the house. One was a cook and after a hearty meal the officers made them prisoners.
That same day going ahead for several kilos we stopped at another hill, dug in. Stayed up all night awaiting orders to move but none came. At daybreak again on the go. It is harder pursuing the enemy than fighting. It seems that the Huns retired leaving only a rear guard and artillery fire, its enough --.
That night we visited a town that flew white flags the first civilians we had seen in two months. Every fellow you met was the first to enter the town but I think I was the 6125th. The ovation and reception was most spectacular, it made you feel you were fighting for a real cause. These people who had been enslaved for four years were lined on both sides of the street waving flags, throwing hats in the air, cheering, shouting, giving everything (of the little Jerry left them) to the soldiers. Kisses were the cheapest thing -- I like the stuff that goes internally, like coffee and I got my wish. But the town was not our objective, we went about a kilo ahead and dug in, the ground was swampy. In the morning we needed row boats, one fellow could swim, he isn't with us at this writing. From there we went to another town where the inhabitants stood outside with buckets full of jam giving each fellow as much as he wanted, they refused to accept money -- . Never did I see such happy, joyful people, they'd give you their shirt off their back if they wore one---
Thursday our company stopped on the outskirts of a town, a place the Germans used for a hospital. We made that our home for the night. There was a cabbage garden in the rear. Immediately five fellows who were plumbers in civilian life volunteered to cook cabbage. Several hours later we have cabbage stew or whatever else you might call it. This pencil found in the house is German, its dark and with a little force can be broken -- both are significant of our enemy at the present time.
Little happened between the cabbage meal and our arriving here. The ordinary dough boy work, pursuing the foe, looking for fight and sleeping in woods, forests and other inconvenient places.
Am not going to answer or write letters tonight, there is a general cleaning up here for inspection. I am very optimistic about peace conditions. I would bet 1000 centimes that war will be over by the time this reaches you.
Have not arrange the date of my sailing. George