The Washington herald., 1917-10-28

sammies-the infantry moved towards
the trenches.
& Arrangements had been completed
ten days before the American Of
fcers who had visited the ground and
thoroughly acquainted themselves
with every square meter of the front,
the artillerists carefully going over
the gun sites.
1t was a fine October morning when
truck loads Of the luck firstp started
for the distant battle front. The Sam
mics were spick and span. They wore
their helmets, masks and full equip
ment for the first appearance on Q
European battle field.
They passed through villages where
Americans had never been seen be-
fore. Some Of the Villagers, rnistak-
ing the helmets for the British head
pieces, shouted "vive>D Angleterrer'
But at most PLACES they were
recognized and GREETED with a
thunderous "vive L Ameriquer
Division Pushes ON.
Later in the day the weather be-
came peevish and Just before certain
battaiions started on their march
trenchward a cold drizzle began to
fall and gradually it developed into a
heavy downpour.
But that did not dampen the spirits
Of our candidates for the baptism of
fire. Soon after supper, which was Ia
ken in French village, the march be-
gan. Cheerfully but silently the Sam
mics trudged through the mud Of vii
lage after village.
Darkness had fallen. In the black
ness of the night the marchers were
silhoutted against the white walls. A
few lights were blinking. Children
stood snuggled against their elders
gazing curiously at the grayish-black
legions humping past. On marched
the Sammies. their every step making
history.
Somehow II did not seem fair. this
driving rain. The Yankees sense OF
humor came to the front. II old Jup-
tier Pluvius thought he was kidding
them they would kid him back and
they did.
Someone suggested a song. Auto
matically, as IL button had been
pressel on so many thousands of hus-
Ky soldier throats. a mighty chorus
rose Tramp, tramp. tramp, the boys
are marching"
1t was a short-lived pleasure. what
the -" or words to that effect came
from the chief" at the head Of the
columns. Quickly the sharp command
was passed on by the officers.
mo singing"
Someone thought cheering was al.
right. He was quickly sQuelched.
mo, no cheering. either"
tramp, tramp. trampety. tramp"
There was no bravado about these
boys Of ours as they marched battle
ward. Every face showed deep reali.
zation that 1t was a serious mission
they were heading for. But every one
of them also showed he was going to
do 1t cheerfully. and game to the core
in the American way.
Mule Halts Gun.
Now they came nearer and nearer
to the front. They passed through
ruins caused by shell fire. Just about
then as wars terrors were showing
their grimaces to the right and left
the Missouri mule, hitherto sus-
piciously calm. began to run true to
form. He played his favorite trick OF
baking and hating a machine gun.
After much merriment and friendly
cussing, he was pushed into action
and and the snaky line resumed its
way.
Suddenly distant booming was
heard. The night wind was carrying
wars greetings to the newcomers.
Louder and louder grew the rumble.
The troops made their way PAST a
red-roofed old church. As they reach
ed the village from which the last lap
of the march started the distant thun-
der Of the guns died away.
Field Kitchens were put up in the
dusk and the men helped themselves
eagerly to steaming hot food. Many
remarked there had never been a
meal they enjoyed more in their lives.