The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-08-21


 | in France, and one ot
 Roland Winn, has been Ssa. for the Croix de Guerre. John Cornett was the first to be re- ported wounded, and yesterday a letter came from Roland w. Winn, of the machine gun com pany of the 167th infantry, to his father and mother, MT. and Mrs. ". H. Winn. Winn says he is wounded only slightly, al- though he is in a base hospital. He also tells of the event which resulted in his being cited for the Croix de Guerre. His let ter IS as follows: Ease Hospital, A. K F.. August q My Dear Home Folks: am out of ac. ton for a few days on account of a very slight wound in the knee. Please do rot ~ worrlel, as give you my word it is
 
 ashamed to leave the field on account Of It. In fact, would not have done 50 had not my commanding officer ordered me to do do.
 MANY NARROW ESCAPES VI have had many narrow escapcs lately, as l have been continuously in battle since the 18th of last month. Be- neve me, we have pushed back the entire German line considerably since that date. IL IS the first time the Americans have started an offensive on their own hook, ana they have behaved like veterans under fire. All France rings with stories Of their bravery and determination.
 It is with pardonable pride that wrtta you or being cited for the famous Croix de Guerre, the French cross of war given, Tor deeds of personal valor Can you imagine your once peaceful son being 70 honored? I can scarcely realize it my self.
 Tt happened this way: About midnfe.ns Of July l4 the Boche commenced a ter. rifle artillery barrage, under cover Of which his infantry made a fierce assault on our positions. eve are told that the Kaiser himself was watching) They had thrown over vast number of gas shells during the barrage, so that we were obliged to start the fight with our gas masks on. which was quite disadvan- tage, as you would easily understand had you ever worn one In my particular po- sition they caught us unawares. as theie were only two of us at the post a ser geant and myself. The two of us, how ever. carried our heavy machine gun out and opened fire into wave after wave of Germans that were advancing Believe me- It was great sport to see them falter and drop before the deadly fire of the machines.
 ''To make a long story short. they were repulsed with heavy losses, and Sergeant Gibson and myself were recommended Tor the Croix de Guerre for the small part dor consider it such) which we played. We have not been decorated yet, but will doubtless be so before long,
 HAS SEEN MANY FALL
 As I havc said before, we have had many narrow escapes lately. I have seen my brave comrades fall by my side day by day, some of them sorn and mangted beyond recognition. and the sight of such butchery has kindled in me fire of hate that will never be quenched. I do not take prisoners, as my automatic is too handy, and a bullet through the head is all they deserve from any of us.
 T am enclosing a five mark note as a souvenir which took from one Of them; also the service stripe which have been wearing through all the fighting Of the past month. You will notice how blackened it is from the gas we have been through. Let me once more assure you of my safety and good health. and that my wound is a mere scratch. In fact, by the time you receive this hope to be bacK and at .em again with my company. So With lots of love to all and bess wishes to everybody, am lov1nep yours, ROLAND w. WYNN. M c. Co. 167th Infantry