Catoctin clarion., 1918-08-15
Pri. Rouzer Now In France

TII. NUukCl VVW III uOIIOO
Has Travelled Extensively, But
Hates Corn Willies" and Huns.
Amer. Ex. Forces, France.
July, 23, 1918.
Dear friend:
1t has been just seven and half
months since left Thurmont, and in that
time | surely have travelled over some
territory. | was first sent to Kelly Field,
Texas, and from there to Waco, Texas,
where | was in training for five months.
Then was sent to Camp Green, N. c.,
at which place my parents visited me,
and you can imagine how glad | was to
see them. | only remained at this camp
about month and was transferred out
for overseas duty. Well, it was on a
Sunday that | was notified, and am sure
if you people of Thurmont would have
been on your porches you would have
heard we boys for we sure made some
noise. We were sent to Camp Hill for
overseas equipment, and then the joy
ride started
| We surely had a good time coming over
the ocean was like glass with the ex-
ception of few days. On one of the
days felt as if was going to get into
trouble with Hoover for wasting food,
but after gulping eagerly about dozen
tines. | managed to keep out of trouble.
Only one trouble found with the trip.
We all wanted to see the German sub
marine come up. We wanted some ex-
citement.
Our meals were "corn Wilies", if you
know anything about them, and hate
that stuff as bad as | do Hun. We
still have it two and three times day.
After landing in France we then found
out what the French people are up
against. Am sorry now that | did not
enlist long ago. as they are very CRATE
fui to all the boys. You can tell it by
the expression on their faces.
When we started for camp over here
we had about three miles to walk with
pack of 50 or 60 pounds on our back All
expected to 60 in barracks, but instead,
we were marched out in a field and told
to pitch tents. We had to sleep on the
ground That night rain fell and | got
my share of the water We enjoyed it
nevertheless
We only remained atthat place short
time. One morning at one o'clock we
heard three sharp blasts that meant all
out. We were ordered to pack at once.
After packing up and being fed, our
Lieutenant gave US little speech, then
we started for the train. That was
trip long to be remembered The cars
were all mark 40 men or horses, so
we did not know if we were men or
horses, but they put 40 of Us in car, !
being in charge of our car. We surely
were jolly bunch. Every stop the train
made left the men off to stretch, as we
were very much crowded. During the
whole trip tried to steal the engine for
a watch charm. The railroads here have
safety gates at all crossings.
The country around here is beautiful,
everything in fnll bloom. The camp we
are now in is some camp. We are in con-
crete barracks, and it surely is a treat to
US all after being in tents so long. Do
not know how long we will be at this
I,,t H. l.
ourselves at home. H. M. Wolfe from
FoXville is with me, so am not alone.
| surely hope it can be said that dear
old Thurmont has no slackers. From all
reports Thurmont surely is doing her
share in all respects, and here is hoping
she continues on with her good work.
Remember me to the bunch of old
timers at the Corner Drug Store, and tell
Mike to save some soda water for me,
for when this little party is over am
coming back. | think will eat my Xmas
dinner at home this year.
have not yet located any of the boys,
over here, but will find some of them
sooner or later.
You should see me with my little over
seas cap on. look like somebody shot
at and hit me with "a quart bottle of
champagne.
Remember me to all at home, and here
is hoping all are we'll and having a good
time.
Private Daniel R. Rouzer, Jr.,
ll02 Aero Repl. Squadron,
ID n TOE An, Ex Enr,o,