Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1942-12-03
DIR IBBLES
FROM
Our Boys in Service
by

David c. Harrison Post, No. IA,
American Legion, and Unit of the
American Legion Auxiliary.
Somewhere in Northern Africa
Sunday, November Is, 1912
Dearest Mother, Dad and Every
body:
Well, I'll try and drop you few
lines, telling you everything of in
terest that censorship will permit.
First, I'm o. K. A little more
nervous, perhaps, but otherwise
whole. have seen action and must
confess that I am completely salts
fed. If given the choice, 1 would
be ready to come home. How I
wish it were just that simple. But,
of course, the job is as yet unfiish-
ed, and as such must be carried on
to a conclusion.
How I would have liked to have
heard a broadcast, or seen an
American newspaper, a few days
back. (Can you save all papers
dated from November 8th on :?
When 1 return, it will be interest
ing to read omeone else's versions
of all this.)
Here in Africa, it is hot, dry
windy and dusty in the daytime,
and cold and rainy at night. We
sleep in "Fox Holes" most of the
time during the push, but we have
blankets and other facilities for
keeping warm and dry.
Our outfit held services this
morning, during which played the
field organ.
The natives here are Arabs, and
their standards of living are moth
ing to be compared to our own.
The customary headwear is called
a Fee. No doubt you all know
what this is. I am going to try
and send Dad one when l have the
opportunity. Grapes and olives
are the principal commodities
grown here. From the grapes,
much wine is processed.
Occasionally we get word through
odf what is going on at the other
fronts. However, we have no way
of knowing if these reports are Of
ficail, therefore, we can only hope
and pray that they are true.
Believe me, have done some
hard and sincere praying the last
few nights. 1 fact, t think we all
have. Nobody is ashamed of it,
and think we all sincerely believe
in the efficiency of it.
I have not had my clothes off for
eight days now, except to remove
them to battle.
Strange how one can become &C
customed to just about anything,
even to the point of not caring.
You just seem to accept things that
happen, and don't really mind after
awhile.
1 never thought would witness
q miracle happen right before my
eyes, and recognize it as such, but
I did. Someday, I hope to be able
to tell you all about it.
1 still haven't received my pack
ages, or my mail, but I guess it is
around here some place.
These American soldiers are hot
stuff. One of the men we cap
tured said that we were crazy be-
cause of our reckless abandon, and
the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. attitude,
with which we fight.
Our staff of officers surely know
their stuff, and upon that one fac
tor, lies the foundation of our sue
cess; perhaps the answer as to
whether or not we return home
again.
Folks, keep your worries to a
minimum. I'm quite sure I'll do
enough of that for all of us. All
we leave for you folks to do is to
pray little, and think of us. Re-
member, that though our fighting
hearts are here, the sentimental
side is reserved for you folks alone.
All my love to all,
Reynier.
Pvt. Reynier S. Macklin
Bly,. A, 7th F. A. Bn.
APO. No. 1
Care of Postmaster
New York City, N. Y.
Dribbles feels quite sure that all
who read this column will be very
much interested in the above letter,
which was submitted by Mrs. e. f.
Macklin, Of Clayton, who is the
Mother Of Reynier. We thank you
1Kro 1To o1r1;v, co. Ait, oo~k rsl...aso-