Evening star., 1918-06-16

what it represents to the dear ones at
home. Have you any doubt about the
sentiment which moves our lads? You
can't weigh this coming to France in
the scales. 1t don't work out in dol
lars. It belongs to the .imponder-
ables. When one is promoted corporal.
it's the stripe that counts. not the
81 per month-it's for his mother.
Another says, I'm going over there,
and I'll win something-it's for his
sweetheart. If they win a French
badge. they want it. If they win a
chances don't come every day. How
do they know they'll get another?'
Then he made his famous saying
about the troubled consciences in
Washington-that soldiers who do
not win such foreign decorations
course. all honor is paid to the hon
est dilemma; what is claimed and be-
lieved is simply that there is mis-
understanding.
There is no petty jealousy in
France. but sacrifice beyond human
imagine our men could be jealous Of
comrades who have risked their blood,
under the eyes of the French or Brit
ish!"
Also. how do our allies look on it?
Here's an important question. A
kNAhO1o II ShSh toIohCIp fCtcTdH VI
Verdun and the Somme, being eye
witness of the combats around Sci
cheprey, had much to do with recon-
Piending American heroes for the Croix
mending American heroes for the
Croix de Guerre. combating all mixed
up with his own French regiment.
This Is how he spoke Of US:
'1The Americans absolutely aston
ished US. the first morning of attack
The cannonade. become suddenly fu-
rious. flung me bodily out of my
camp bed: there could be no doubt
about it. real old 'Verdun stun' was
coming. AS you will see, I'm learning
the language from them. Singing on
revolver, helmet and document case,
l rushed out. The Americans were
already fastening. silent. supple. de-
cided. in perfect order and admirable
discipline, to their places of combat.
All this, under heavy fire of the big
caliber guns. You can believe how
our poilus were comforted! They
had heard so much about the Amer
the sight of these beautiful troops
Fastening up to their support they
let out a spontaneous cry of content
ment.
m*
The Americans heard 1t Che con-
tinues); and I was glad. Because
(here is an important thing to know;
be sure to repeat and spread 1t in the
rear), even more than they are SEN
sitive to praise, the Americans suf-
for infinitely from any apparent neg
lect or Indifference on our part. Ar
irving in France with a sort of mys.
tic idea of devotion-an idea you'll
find 1t in the least and last among
them)-that they want to pay a debt
to France they are happy and COM
forted when n<sympathy slips out from
us-proof that we appreciate their
sacrifice"
Buddies.
These Impressions are strong in
their heads. And, as to them, 1t is
simple justice to decorate American
heroes along with their own French
ones. When they distinguish them
selves side by side, wouldn't any meg
lect or indifference" on our part to
wear the bit of ribbon cause them to
suffer infinitely" on their side?
I'VE may not wear the croix de
guerre, which you pinned on our
breasts"
How could our chiefs explain (for 1t
would come to that) that orders have
arrived from Washington, so please
don't decorate any more Buddiesi
How? Why% the French would
ask. all upset, "are you displeased
with such good soldiers?"
mo. no." they would be obliged to
answer, ION the contrary, we are very
proud of our men, but as our gov
ernment has provided ample decora-