The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-15


I arrived back at the hospital because l
cannot get any definite answer as to when
l will be discharged. 1t looks now as tLho
il would be we'll into March, put since my
friends are still insisting on my becoming
n candidate for park commissioner anu
since have weighed the matter, pro eci dnd
perhaps it is the best thing for me 10 90,
~ | will be glad for any help that my
pecialIy as l am off where can 90 hoth-
5signed1 "ROBERT d. McGIFFERT,
Sergeant L. S. Marine Corps
Fob IcGiffcrt.
A few years ago, the mention OF
that~-name to a group of Topekahs
would have brought forth the query
"Who is McGiffert?'
But Bob McGiffert fought with
the United States marines at Chateau
Thierry and was sent home wounded
in eighteen places and minus leg ana
he came home. not the conquering
hero, but a modest, everyday Ameri-
can who had done his duty and was
satisfied to let it go at that
Now there isn't person in Topeka
who doesn't know Bob" McGlffert'
In his letter McGiffert says he
will be glad for any help that my
friends can render"
McGiffert has a host of friends IN
Topeka. not just because he fought for
Uncle Sam and is crippled for life, but
because of his manliness, his intel
1ieence and the entire absence of criti-
cism, or complaint sfrom his vocabu-
larry. He has nothing derogatory to
say of any officer or organization con-
nected with the war and no. COM
plants to make about his misfortune
It was natural that a Topekan who
had been thru the fiercest fighting on
the French front should be asked upon
his return to tell his story. Individuals.
groups and clubs wanted to hear him
tell of the great conflict. He has been
ever willing to tell what he could
about the war, but to get anything
from his lips about his own expert
ences requires the same cross-ques-
tioning that is applied to a reluctant
witness. and then McGiffert would tell
only the bare facts about himself.
Absence of Egotism.
Bob McGiffert's modesty, the alb
sence of ecotism and boast from his
conversation and public talks have
raised McGiffert in the estimation of
those who have met him to the nth de-
gree. The people of Topeka have been
impressed with the clearness of his I'M
Outstanding and the evidences of his
ability
Bob" McGfffert's first war expert
ence was with the United States ma
cred quite a nasty little fight until the
enga gements in France dimmed its
memory. 1t was at Chateau Thierry
where the United States marines. al
ways the first to fight, stopped the on
rush of the Germans toward Paris
and turned the title of battle to victory
for the allies. that McGiffert was
wounded by a German she'll He lay
paralyzed on the field of battle for
many hours. When he regained con-
seriousness at the military hospital he
was minus a leg which the surgeons
lad amputated to save his life.
He Has Not Complained
And now Bob" McGiffert is home
from the war on crutches. but no one
has heard him whimper or complain
When he has been approached by
those who have urged him to be a
candidate for commissioner of parks
and public buildings he has insisted
that he would not consent to be can
didate on a charity basis. and unless
he was considered capable to fill the
position he would not run. He wants
the job wholly on his merits.
Right there is where the people OF To-
Deka. who are interested in his candidacy
and McGiffert agree. They want him to
qualifications to fill the office And the
pe9pte of Topeka, who have met him and
fact that he is canabIe and can fill the
position with credit TO himself and his
At the Kansas Day BANQUET in New
York City. Holm Fritts. formerly of To
neka. took McGiffert as his. guest. The
Kansas who were celebrating the
birthday of the state. insisted on an i'm.
nromntu talk by McGiffert. and Bob
McGiffert's speech. which not on the
regular program, was the hit of the even
ing.
Mc(iffert is at the Pelham Bay hospital
where experts are fitting his artificial leg
He is reported by the surgeons to be in
excellent condition and his presence at the
hospital Is necessfrv only for him to be
fitted SO that he will be able to walk with
out crutehen