The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
LOCAL BOY WOUNDED

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.
Though every man of US had fixed
hSyonets, there was no need to bring
yards from our objective, D Company
matted for the barrage to lift.
Cut Barbed Wire.
Though still attached to the NJ a..
section / had a special job to perform.
l went out ahead to cut barbed wire
In order that D Company might have
| clear path ahead. Not until We
reached this point, as before stateu,
had any barbed wire been confronted
Now quite a network lay before us
So went out with several others
and proceeded to cut away our bar
Tier.
When the time for the barrage TO
llft arrived, we were away again.
Another 100 yards and there was more
5aroed wire. Concealed in the obstruc-
tlon were party of the enemy.
whom We put to hight on discovery.
Approximately twenty-five yards the
other side of the wire we received our
first setback. An enemy machine
gun was playing on US. But we were
not to be stopped. There was just
about seventy-five yards more to go
to reach our goal With the bullets
flying around US We rushed a few
yards, and took cover in whatever
was offered US in the way Of shell
holes and craters. BY this gradual
process, we worked our way up to
within close quarters.
Won Objective.
All Of a sudden, Lieut.. Ponton, our
platoon cOmmander-and he is a regu-
lar, little hero!-Jumped to his feet
and letting out YELL rushed straight
for the gun. His example was fol-
lowed by every one. Sergt Cameron
was close on the heels OF the officer
and was right behind the sergeant.
The German gunner must have lost
his nerve when he saw US coming.
At any rate he deserted his gun,
10 make long story short we OBJ
tained our objective with very few
casualties and began the work of
consolidating the captured position.
During the night snow fell, and It was
quite cold. Just before midnight, we
detected large party OF the enemy
creeping upon US. evidently intent on
taking US by surprise. We soon
changed their tune. greeting them
with machine gun and rife fire. /
had now ,rejoined the gun crew. We
were to have been relieved the first
night but our o. C. volunteered 10
hold the position another twenty
four hours. l might add that Lens
lay oefore US and a stretch OF level
country that extended back over forty
mlies, SO we had gained an advantage
held. n~N
Tuesday the enemy retaliated more
severely. High explosive shells were
Chiefly used. Our casualties began. TO
swell. When stood to" on Tues
day night alongside the gun, 1 was
tired out and hungry. We had had no
sleep since Saturday night and our
rations consisted Of hard tack and
bully beef. But there was not a
grumble from any one. About n m.
the enemy's shell fire was Intense.
Among those to fall was Lieut., pom
ton. 1t was about time for our relief
to come in.
Hit by Shell.
We were taking turns standing by
the gun. There was always one man
had no sooner relieved Alderson than
a high-explosive shell dropped almost
on top of me and was crushed 10
earth: But for my steel helmet there
would have been no possible escape
from death. As 1t is marvel that
Though severely wounded my condition
Is not dangerous. I have two wounds
In my back, wounds in both arms,
bad wounds in the neck and both ears
badly iacerated. My ears will be dis
inquired for life. and I will carry a
scar on my neck to the grave. But ]
console myself in knowing It might
have been worse.
I arrived at Brook War Hospital
sunday night. / am getting the best
Well I think this IL quite a narra-
tive for a sick man. Would ike to
write wit N moss' re but am getting tired. Ny
Your sincere friend,
BILL COVERT