Henry Clinton

SERG’T HENRY J. CLINTON

HVT – Nov. 2, 1918 — Letter was received by Mrs. M. Clinton 

from her son, Serg’t. H. J. Clinton, in France

My dearest Mother:

Well, the first chance I’ve had to write in a long time and it’s going to you. We have been busy again, as you probably know by this time. I was rather lonesome yesterday as it was my twenty-fourth birthday, getting to be quite an old man now, eh?

I am sending you a shoulder strap off a Boche’s coat. It was one of the last bunch we were up against, but they are on their last legs now. Our first real hard fight was with them.

I haven’t heard from you for over a month and a half, but I know I have a bunch on the way.

The weather is getting to be pretty cold now, I hope it won’t be as cold as it was last winter. Time flies quite fast in this man’s war. 

Away from the States a year and a day, but two service stripes is all that I care to wear. The next time I enlist, I don’t think it will be with the Infantry, but let us all hope it will be the last war.

You hadn’t better plan to save my Christmas dinner for me, because I sure think I will eat it over here, but it’s a cinch it will be the last one I eat over here, but keep the Easter eggs warm.

I had rather stay here forever than to see the Boches win, but the Americans sure have their goat by the horns.

So, Jean is in France. See if you can get his address, for I would sure like to run across him over here. I haven’t met anyone I know, and every time I see a new outfit, I always look them over to see if I know anyone.

I am still in the best of health and expect to keep so. We get quite a variety in the line of eats; our mainstay is beef, mutton, bacon, potatoes, rice and beans. Most of our vegetables are canned.

The Government issues “Bull Durham” every day, and the Y.M.C.A. is, as a rule, within walking distance of our position, so we are O.K. But whatever you do, don’t worry, and write often.

I am, as ever, your loving son.

         Supply Sgt. H. J. Clinton

         Co. A, 102ndU.S. Infantry

         American Expeditionary Forces

         51stBrigade, 26 Division

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