1919 LETTER #8:

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LETTER SUMMARY:
Bootus writes a tribute to Former US President Theodore Roosevelt on "Roosevelt Day".

Final battles with "Cooties" and Military bureaucracy: "This after the War game is the worst battle I have been in so far."

Bootus is quite indignant when his War service (as represented by "SERVICE STRIPES") is attached as showing too much "distinction" compared to most other American troops in Europe.

Unseasoned Officers ride mules as if they have "lost their way after hiking along in in Barnum and Bailey's Circus parade."

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SOME EXCERPTS FROM THIS LETTER:


6 pages, ink

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

Mar 21(?) 1919
H. W. Chapman
Co D 101 US Eng
AEF

Dear Ma and Pa,

"Roosevelt Day" was passed in reverence. I was interested for I have had argument upon argument when I stood up for his policies, and the thing that interested me was the fact every soldier I came in contact with (hundreds of them) no matter what their former ideas were, expressed great sorrow over the loss of the "life of the Nation." Like all great men, his life was not appreciated until he went west. Every soldier honors his name and his example of Americanism.
[...]

We have orders to the effect that if there is a Cootie upon us at the final inspection before embarking, we will be held over . . . and probably find ourselves in the Army of Occupation.

To me its like a game of dice. I have got rid of them completely but am liable to get them on the train. . . We are practically made to get on our knees and beg to be let go home. It is no favor they are handing us and perhaps they think we threw away hundreds of lives for the fun of it. This after the War game is the worst battle I have been in so far.
[...]

One thing that has brought much discussion and indignation is the suggestion that we remove our service stripes as there is too much distinction.

The very fact that we came over to fight shows that our own personal individuality was cast aside for the bigger thing, the Flag. Our service stripe, and we honor them more than anything else, is the only thing we have to show the effort we gave the Flag and Democracy.
[...]

Mil said SOS [Officers] are riding miles with an ammunition cart hanging on behind them. Am going to try to get a picture of them for they look as though they have lost their way after hiking along in Barnum and Bailey's Circus parade.

With Love,
Bootus

[Censor's script passing letter]

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