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Imprint: American Y.M.C.A. logo Soldiers Mail [Postmark: US Military Postal ?? Service 21 A?? ????]
[? illegible] Sgt. 2nd Bn. 117 Engrs A.E.F.
To: Miss Mildred Neher 402 East 1st St, Long Beach, Calif. U.S.A.
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Letterhead: AMERICAN Y.M.C.A. logo
ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Aug, 15, 1917.
Dear Mildred: —
No, I'm not peeved. How could I be. Just neglected to write a line or two to a "bon ami" (not meant for the scouring stuff sold at the stores). I really think you are rather brief in your writing. But I feel pretty free to write because "Looie" is in gay Paree se soir and he won't know I have written — ha! ha!
Thank you very much for the card, Mrs. Neher, because I don't think M. deserves to be thanked for what she wrote. Of course, if I wasn't sure it was alright I would-
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write such harsh words.
I guess tonight I must have a streak like the one I had the night you and I ate the ice cream and then toped it off with a tamale. Oh! my, and Mildred that she might die, too! Se trist!
I am certainly glad to hear that you are at the beach. You ought to be happy now. Glad you have a good job. Hope your Grandparents are well and give them my Bon jours. —
It is getting so dark I can't see so I must close. Excuse the scrawl for I haven't much to write on.
Bon sante et l'espere pour votre letre.
As ever
Laurence.
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Pvt. L.J. Ashby Co. "F" 117 Reg. Engrs.
Postmarked: U.S. Army Postal Service Mar 15 6 PM
Miss Mildred Neher 316 Ave. 64th Garvanza Los Angeles, Calif U.S.A.
Stamped: A.E.F. Passed as Censored OK Lt HF Pueival
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Mar. 5, 1918 "Somewhere in France"
Dearest Mildred,
I know you have been wondering why I haven't written. No, dear, I didn't forget you. A heavy beam was dropped on my right foot and broke my right foot. While in the hospital I contracted scarlet fever and they wouldn't allow me to write. I was in the hospital over a month. I am back with the company now and am feeling fine.
We are now wearing steel helmets and carry a French and English gas mask. We also