2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
Life In The Service, 18pp., ruled paper, ribbon tied, by WWI soldier, Jesse Fisher, 1918. Opening with, "In behalf of one bunch of Indiana boys who left their happily homes to become soldiers of the United States Army in what is known as the "World War," I being one of the bunch, I feel it only a pleasure to write something for my friends on the occasion." He continues with a travelog, "joining at Greencastle, Indiana May 20, 1918 ..." Fisher provides a detail of the army regiments, clothing supplies, "the first few days we were not rushed much but received plenty of physical exercise ..." ... continues, "... it is known that six months is all it takes to train an American for Army service ..." and, "two or three afternoons a week we would take a "Hike" four or five miles out." "We began to learn the bayonet Drill ... real pleasant learning to stab another man but we enjoyed it so long as we were stabbing a "Hun." He then describes the equipment for Oversea including , "The gas mask which we were given tests on ... and the tin hat ....The contents of our baggage weighed 94 lbs in all." We were doing fine as we could hear rumors from the officers to that effect when all at once the "War" broke out demoralizing our division. Some thinking it a wise idea to keep a record of haw many died ... for a period of 3 days when 744 died..." After the "Armistice" was signed the boys began to loose interest ..." Fisher then describes his return home.
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