1918 LETTER #3:

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LETTER SUMMARY:

(Information from attached white index card:)
Feb 9 took train to Soissons for front line duty, Chevin Des Darnes area, Co D at Allemont & Carriere R. I.
-- US SOLDIERS WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO RETURN AND MARRY A US GIRL.

-- Locked up nightly for drunkenness

-- The Yankee Division's morale is very good

-- Tear a hole in that old tin helmet on the Kaiser

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SOME EXCERPTS FROM THIS LETTER:

3 pages (last page cut off by censor), pencil

Y.M.C.A. (A.E.F.) Letterhead

Feb 2 1918

Dear Ma & Pa,

Have rec'd the box containing the steaks . . . waterproof mittens.
[...]

You probably will hear various reports concerning the conduct and cleanliness of our soldiers over here. One minister in Conn. said that US SOLDIERS WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO RETURN AND MARRY A US GIRL. Also that half of us were locked up nightly for drunkenness.

Don't believe it for a moment. We don't have time for one thing and for another we are not in places where we could indulge. Mil and I are taking the best of care of ourselves and will come back the way we went.

This Division (the Yankee Division) is practically made up of school boys, who have good homes and their morale is very good. This is some Division and cannot be touched by any over here or in the US. If we don't tear a hole in that old tin helmet on the Kaiser why no one will.
[...]

Don't worry as the Germans don't even know Mil & I have enlisted yet.
[...]

[letter cut off by censor]

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