The Irish standard., 1917-09-22

f10aru0, I0XaS. l am r9L0or pleaSeQ
to see little clipping that appeared
in your paper. I am sure proud of
1t, and l am glad the people of the
United States know that J., William
H. Clancy, homeless person, put
the good old Glory on the battlefield
at Vimy Ridge on April 8, 1917.
Lived With. Priest.
ia received a letter from an indi-
vidual by the name of Mr.. Heasley,
who is in the employ of the Planters
and Merchants State Bank of Hearne,
Tex. No doubt he knows me as have
been there working on the railroad as
'rounder.'
II have made my home anywhere. I
lived with Father Deemy at Denison,
Tex. But as the people of Texas treat
ed me like man, stated when car
ried old Glory into action that I was
a Texan, and all the fellows knew I
came from there.
"But speaking truthfully, was born
in Boston, Mass, and lived with my
old grandmother in Ipswich, Mass. But
like the people of Texas, and 1 am
pleased to be thought of by them. AS
this is the second letter I have sent
to America I never related my act.
But 1 shall tell you so you can let
the United States people know what a
former hobo did:
ct was Sunday morning, April 8,
1917, that heard through battery or
ders that the United States had de-
clared war on Germany. How glad I
was! went to my kit bag and took
out old Glory which I always carried
with me. I thought the day would
come when could place it on the bat
tlefield to show the enemy.
Over the Top.
eve were to advance at 80 o'clock
Monday morning. I went into the
trenches Sunday night At $3.50 o'clock
Monday morning word of command
was given by all of the officers: over
the top and the best of luck, for victory
we want
"The Canadians charged and I with
them. I tied old Glory to my bayonet
and made the charge. It was the
happiest day of my life, I assure you.
went before the enemy and they
were struck dumb. They did not know
what it all meant. But they soon
, you.
"There were some awful sights, too.
One young fellow got hit with piece
of shell. He asked me to remember
him to all his people at Newark, N. j.
The last words he said were: Bill
Clancy, am glad I gave my life for
the freedom of the world He died
in my arms.
$50 let him lie, but just before he
died he kissed my flag. old Glory he
said. And told him: Yes, Old Glory,
and new glory, too Poor chap. did
not see him any more, for when I
went forward again under heavy fire
met my accident.
Struck BY She'll.
"Old Fritz sent shell over and it
struck near me, blowing up some of
the ammunition. OF course, can only
remember now that was being dug
out from trench where was buried
alive. Now am in England and have
about recovered from the effects. I
am waiting to be transferred to the
American army.
II hope it is soon, although belong
to the best regiment, Roal Field Ar
tillery, but I much prefer being with
my fellow-countrymen. / hope will
see many fellows from Texas. Let
them help keep the name that have
won.
"As you wish and wish to have this
published throughout the United
States, I trust you will send me a
copy and anything you would like
to know about the affair, please write
me. beg to remain, son Of Texas.
GUNNER WILLIAM CLANCY.
"The First American Who Put the
Stars and Stripes on the Battlefield
Ambassador Pleased.
Clancy was in Paris when the war
started in 1914. He Immediately started
for England, and at Liverpool, enlisted
In the Royal field artillery. After
spending the winter in an English
training cantonment he proceeded to
France with his regiment in March,
1915. and was soon in action for the
first time. At Neuve Chapelle he was
wounded in the head by shrapnel
splinters. He was in the hospital six
weeks, but was back in action in time
to have q part in the taking of the
famous Hohenzollern redoubt. He also
fought through the battle of the
Somme. and at Gourmecourt was again
wounded. this time In the head. hands:
and shoulders. The September follow.
ing he was again with his company,
and while going to the relief of the
hard-pressed Cornwalls for a third
time fell victim to German marks.
manship. This time rife bullet went
through the top of his head.
In the battle Of Arras Clancy was
again in the fighting. and 1t was in