Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-02-10
OUR oY
in
OUR COUNTRY'S SERVICE

Sergeant V. A. Hussey of Company
H, seth Pioneer Infantry. writes to his
friend. Hayes Webster OF Nassalboro
as follows:
On Active Service with the
American Expeditionary Force,
Dierdori. Germany, Jan. S, 1919.
Dear Friend Hayes:
Received your letter Just few
days ago and l was certainly very
glad to hear from one of my old
friends and especially you Hayes.
A lot has happened since we had
our little party down at Weber"
But l am the same old "Vint' or
'Winckum" as | used to go by.
am having great time over here
roughing it with the rest but ready to
come home any time now. ] suppose
you have heard something of my
whereabouts through mother but
cannot write as much of my travels
and certain incidents as l wish l
might.
We spent most Of our time up to
the noted 23d Engineers on construc-
ton work and rushing supplies to the
front. Our first night off the train
we camped at Dead Mans Hill' in
the Hess Forest and there we wit
messed our first air battle between a
German plane and two Allied planes.
1t certainly was thrilling. We
moved from there the next morning
an' went to Avocourt. From there
we went to the Argonne Forest and
there the fun began. We got tired of
watching air fights after awhile, we
saw so many. One incident l never
will forget, nor will the rest of the
company. We were camped in a field
in "pup-tents" one night and a Ger
man plane came over and dropped
three bombs all around us aiming for
an ammunition dump nearby in the
woods. We thought we We're all about
to die sure. 1t rocked the earth it
was so close. So we all thanked our
/ lucky star that night. In one of our
companies our captain got wounded
and quite number of men killed, the
shell striking their kitchen. Many
accidents like that happened but we
were lucky not to lose any men eX-
cept in case of sickness.
Well. after the arnlstice was
signed we were lucky to be picked for
the unit of engineers to go as part of
the Army of Occupation and were
sent to Germany. Hiking it from
,, Dombasle. France. to Petange and
then to PfalZel. Germany. from there
we came to Dierdorf, Germany. by
rail and now we are at watch on the
Rhine. Attached to the 32d Div. we
are doing quartermaster work here on
supplies.
Tonight we hear good news that
tn" third army is to be relieved the
18th of this month by the second
army. If that is true it means our
return to Z. S. in few months.
And I am ready to return also.
have had enough of wild life to last
me for awhile.
Well, Hayes how goes everything
with you. Have you got married yet?
Gee! I wish you were with me, not
wishing You any harm or misfortune,
but just for comradeship.
1t has been a great experience and
wouldn't take anything for it but
would not go through it again for a
million, no! never.
Well, will be home before long
and then we will have regular re-
union.
Is Mac" in the State of Maine yet?
would like to see him and hear from
him. Remember me to him when you
hear from him again and also the rest
of the boys too. How is everything
at home, do you see my folks much?
Mother speaks of you quite often.
/ will probably be starting for home
before receiving reply to this letter
SO shouldn't be asking questions. l
will ask many when l see you.
Remember me to your folks and
also your friend, Hayes. We will
celebrate when I get home even if
we have to go to Philadelphia
tough luck for me, Ell.
Well, SO long for this time. Must
turn in. am on duty tomorrow.
Sincerely your friend.
VJNTON