Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1918-12-26

WdS uudI uIlIg DiIuSC WHICH
The Noise Stopped.
Glad Noise Stopped And Wants
Never TIC Hear 1t Again.
Nov. %, 1918
My Dearest Mother:
I'm sorry couldn't write sooner
for naturally you have wondered con-
siderably if we are still all right since
the cessation of hostilities. For myself
is all can answer for haven't seeh Ira
since the 18th, but know his company
didn't 20 into action since l did see him,
SO presume he is still 0. K.
First better tell you about my
transfer. I'm no longer in my old organ
ization but with the Goth, Division Mill
tary Police; have been since the 9Th.
The change didn't come however in time
to keep me from getting into all the
fighting that the 359th, had. They al
most got into it though the morning of
the 18th, the day the guns stopped firing
they were to 60 over the top but the or
der was revoked, just a few minutes be-
fore time to advance. sure was glad
even though wouldn't have been in it.
heard boy say the censorship
had been lifted, anyway I'm going to tell
you where am and was. and take a
chance of it's getting through. The pa
per told what Divisions were in the last
drive so don't think Iwould be revealing
anything of Importance. Get your map
out and start to hunt-a good job for
Grace and Paul. Fird Verdun and then
90 up the Meuse river about Is miles to
little town called Meuzay. That is
where was the 18th month, the 18th
day and the 18th hour, doing traffic guard
at d bridge that had been blown out.
When he roar of the artillery rolled away
and listened anxiously all day but it
never started again, and heres hoping it
stays still forever and day. I'll say its
a mighty comfortable feeling that came
oyer me, after living under shell fire al
most constantly since sometime in Aug
ust. A guardian angel must have been
by me all through it for there were times
when it seemed no human could come
out alive.
haven't time to 60 into detail,
but I'm here Mother Mine and am anx-
iously waiting for Gen. Pershing to give
the command, "Homeward Bound and
then I'll tell you how we canned the
Kaiser.
Am with a detail of seven men in
a little town away from the Co., and so
l don't know when I'll get this letter on
it's way. We are pretty comfortably
fixed here, we found room that has a
roof over it and real fireplace and think
of it, bed to sleep on. Some contrast
to the old life I'll say. And then the
rain clouds seem to have rolled away
with the War clouds so its almost fit
place to soldier in.
Could hardly believe my eyes when
l ran into John Gall. here few days
ago, the first person saw in France that
know. You know he was transferred
from the Md. boys at Admission and is
with the lst Pioneer Infantry. 1t sure
was treat to talk to someone from your
old home town. We were together sew
eral evenings but his outfit moved yes
terday.
haven't heard from Roy but once
in France, but trust he is alright.
According to the paper the Goth,
Division will form part of the occupation
troops that move into Germany. but we
haven't had any orders yet. think I'd
like to go up for various reasons, one is
l believe would get started home soon.
er and that's what we are all looking for
ward to now.
Received my first mail yesterday
since was transferred so ! had quite a
bunch, ten letters in all, from Thurmont,
Greensburg, Phil. and Annville. You
all sure are having trying time but
hope and pray that long before you gel
this that old Spanish Flu will be wiped
from the land. I'm mighty glad it hasn't
broken out over here.
just happened to recall one year
ago today when | held up my hand and
said II do" out at Columbus Ohio and
then donned the olive drab clothes. 1t
seems a Almighty long time past but I'm
glad went in when did.
guess it's too much to expect to
be home for Xmas and guess its almost
time to be sending greetings. saw one
fellow get a Xmas card the other day.
Tell John I'm getting his letters
and hope the Flu doesn't come his way.
There's still one enemy of the A.
E. F. at large and that's the "cootie. "
1t seems impossible to rid ones self OF
them and when you can't change clothes
for months they sure can deal you lot
of misery. I've put up with them so fal
so guess l can fight them while longer
I'll try to find the last one before l see
you so don't be afraid I'll carry then
along home.
Remember me to every one,
With lots of love,
Your "Cootiefulp' son.. Earl
Pvt. Earl T. Kelbaugh,
80 Div. M. P. A. E. F
Hard To Get.