Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1919-02-14
Ups and Downs
of Army Life
Capt. Winters Writes To Otis j.
Smith and Atty Wilson.
Harshback. Germany
Dec. 80, 1918.

Dec. 80, 1918.
Mr. Otis j. Smith,
East Jordan, Mich.
My Dear Smith,
Well Rome we did not get Bill, but
believe me we raised h with the
Crown Prince, both at Chateau. Thierry
and Argonne-Meuse, and because OF
that we are wintering in sleepy little
German villages instead OF occupying
shell holes in the Meuse country.
When tell you Smith that the Yanks
put the fear OF God into Fritz, am tell
ing you the truth, not because he knew
tactics, but because he did not, when
according to all rules Of the game we
should have retired, being whipped.
We got their goats by pushing forward,
regardless of cost. Such actions they
could not understand, nor can they yet.
Nevertheless, this crude, unsoldier like
method brought the war to an end.
During the Argonne-Meuse Drive i
had the honor OF commanding our 2nd
Battalion. We took most active part
in breaking through the Kriemlielde
Line, and on Oct 18th, my outfit was
actually 100 yards in advance of any
Battalion in our sector. think | had
9l2 men and 28 officers when we start
ed, only few days before, and at
check roll, Oct. II, we had 220 men and
three officers left, but fortunately a
large per cent Of our casuals were only
wounded by machine-gun- bullets, so
you see Smith, we were up against the
real thing, and Rome ! am lucky that I
am here tonight, forI sure had some
very close calls. But enough of this
stuff. How goes the battle with you?
Do you ever take in Saturday night
dances now, or are you getting more
aristocratic, and spending your money
at the Sugar Bowl. would like to
drop in there some night, and have a
regular time, but ] am afraid that con-
ditions are such that won't be able to
visit East Jordan--at least / can't re.
turn with the boys. l was separated
from my old command after Chateau.
Thierry, and although am still in the
Regiment, see but little of the East
Jordan bunch, but one thing Smith,
East Jordan should be proud of their
soldier boys, for am sure that more
East Jordan boys were decorated both
by the French Government and Uncle
Sam than any other bunch of men in
the United States. John Howell and
Miles with the Croix de Guerre, and
Goodman with the D. S. C. Yours
Truly has also been recommended for
d. S. c. and have hopes of il going
through all right, so you see out of thir-
teen, that is quite large number.
Our great hike, up through northern
France, Belgium, Luxembourg and
through the Rhine country, will always
be remembered by each and every one
Of this Army Of Occupation. think Of
one place in Belgium where I was oblig.
ed to get off my horse and lead him
through more patriotic crowd, than
ever gave welcome to Boneaparte.
Believe me, Rome, was there that day
with big mitt. The next day Twas
relieved from my command and horse
and could be seen hiking along in the
rear Of my company. Gee, Smith,
have sure had my ups and downs in
the army, one time commanding officer
Of the Divisional School at La Fonde,
with q Dodge car, motorcycle, and
saddle horse. Twice recommended for
Majority, C. o. Of End Battalion during
greatest drive in History, and now only
Capt. H. L. Winters, Com'd'g Co. "F"
i25th Inf, can you beet that for luck,
and still, Rome, have nothing to re-
gret, and would have returned q Major
had been Regular Army instead Of
National Guard.
Well, Smith, this is the longest letter
! have written for months, so must
ring off. My best to. all the boys and
kindest regards;to you and family.
HANK
East Jordan boys all well by last re-
port. - -