MilColl_WWI_37_Exum_Jr_Correspondence_191903

[4] ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE [Left side of heading] AMERICAN Y.M.C.A.

to look at the show. Naturally it invariably rains. Even at that we feel well repaid because of the scarcity of amusements. Well bye-bye for this time and write to me real often. Your, devoted son John

[1] ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE [Left side of heading] AMERICAN Y.M.C.A. March 28, 1919 Chamesson France. Dear Mother :- I received two letters from you the day before yesterday. I also received four others at the same time. That was the most mail I have received at one time since I have been in France. It made me feel so good that I have been feeling good ever since. I had a letter from May, one from Fred May o and one

[2] ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE [Left hand of heading] AMERICAN Y.M.C.A.

from Miss Eady. I enjoyed them each and every one. Your last letter was dated March 12. I know Ben Aycoch, Ralph Pippin and Peeden wereglad to get back. Fred said that Peeden looks pretty bad and is as thin as a gizzard shad. When I got up this morning to start the trucks it was snowing. Now the sun is shining. That is a pretty sure sign that it will

[3] ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE [Left side of heading] AMERICAN Y.M.C.A.

rain this evening and to-night. We are expecting some new trucks to day. They are nicer and better ones than the old Quads that we have had and have about worn out. They are made by the Vili Company. Well I don't know of any-thing of interest so will close for this time and write again soon. Your devoted son, John.

ACTIVE SERVICE IN FRANCE [picures of two soldiers and an animal inside a circle ] 1918 1919 THE "WILDCAT'S" WENT OVER THE TOP. The 81st Division went over the top To gallantly face the foe. They had longed for the chance That had brought them to France, They were ready and willing to go. They were keen for the test, Ev'ry man at his best, They awaited a whispered command. There were tears in some eyes, Tears of gladness, surprise, There was much in the clasp of a hand. While the shrapnel o'er - head, Sighed the dirge of the dead, And the mist like a dull curtain fell, Ev'ry bayonet of steel Voiced a silent appeal: Give'em Hell, boys, give'em Hell, Then the order came down, And they crept o'er the ground, Grim shadows on one purpose bent. No count for the cost, No count for the lost, Just a prayer for some life that was spent. In pages of History, God grant them a place, Who will ever forget the day, Two vict'ries were won. Two tasks were well done, All on November the eleventh they say. Corporal IVAN REID.