Charlevoix county herald., 1919-02-07

to stop the attack, as all firing would
cease at IL 90 o'clocka. N, you have no
conception of what that meant or what
the sensation was, when all firing ceas-
ed, everything became quiet, and we
realized it was all over. After being un-
der fire so long, and our nerves strain
ed almost to the breaking point at times
then to have it cease all at once, is be-
yond description. The silence became
SO oppressive that it was almost painful
and for days we would find ourselves
unconsciously listening for the shells
that did not come.
Captain, cannot pay tribute great
enough to convey to you the heroism OF
the Michigan men. Words will never
express in fitting way their deeds and
the spirit that inspired them and car
ried them through the most grueling
tests men were ever subjected to.
The Kaiser did not dream that Amer
ica's raw soldiery could defeat his train
ed fighting men, and according to the
theory of all things military they should
not have done SO. One thing, however,
he overlooked. He did not realize the
esprit de corps that existed naturally
in free country like the u. S. A., and
that the righteous indignation in the
heart Of every American because Of his
crimes against humanity, had resulted
in every soldier feeling that he had
personal grievance to settle. He did
not know how much the Stars and
Stripes meant to a free American, and
that while he was fighting for it, life
was only secondary consideration.
But one thing is certain, the Ameri-
can soldier has been tried under all
kinds Of conditions, and has been ac-
knowledged by all nations to have no
superior. Truly the National Guard
has shown its ability to fight and has
exploded a great many theories as to
its non-efficiency. II has borne the
brunt OF the fighting, while an army
could be trained, and surely has justi-
fled its existance.
am pleased indeed to be a part OF
this branch of the U. S. Army, and the
letters, IN. G." mean more to me than
they ever have before. AS you know,
of course, we are now part of the Ar
my of Occupation, and are now across
the Rhine. Our Division was one of
the three Divisions selected for the
front line of the Army Of Occupation.
This is great tribute to our unit, as
the lst and End Regulars and SIND were
selected.
We do not know how long our duties
will keep US here, but hope soon to be
able to see our friends in the u. S. A.
can tell you some very interesting
stories Captain, when | get back, of
my experiences, in France, Belgium
and Germany. But if there is any one
thing necessary to make one proud of
the Y. S. A, it is to spend a year in
Europe under the same conditions we
have spent this. This war will make
OCttCh hhhCii SitiLChS vi CNCTI tudu
in the A. E. F., and when the Statue
OF Liberty comes in sight, it is going to
cause thrill that will be beyond de-
scription.
AS we came through Luxembourg,
one bit Of decoration among thousands
of others seemed to me to mean vol
umes, because il showed that Europe
understands US at last. On a board
suspended across the street, was the
inscription, welcome Americans,
Liberators of Nations" In few years
Germany will also regard us as deliver
ers from the iron hand of William
Hobenzollern, the greatest criminal the
world has ever known.
Hope to see you soon Captain, in the
U. S. A., and be able to tell you how
good it will be to see old friends again.
Your friend,
Capt. w. C. Spring,
125th Inf'y, u. s. Army.