L.J. Hall letter to Bennett Champ Clark - August 12, 1918

Transcript

August 12, 1918 Bennett Clark, Lieut. Colonel, U.S.A. Am. Expeditionary Force, France. Dear Bennett: Corporal (maybe Sergeant) Roy H. Hall, is on his way to France with Company “K”, 349th Infantry. Roy volunteered for service in the Signal Corps and also Engineer Corps but was rejected on account of defective hearing. The Exemption Board accepted him sent him to Camp Dodge for training in the Infantry and he is now on his way over. He is absolutely deaf in one ear which was destroyed by scarlet fever when he was a child. It has been running ever since. As you know he is a capable lad—chemist, electrician, d draughtsman, map maker. When he has a cold he is almost entirely deaf. I am writing to ask if you cannot take some steps toward having him examined and transferred to some line in which he would be able to render more efficient service. I have written to Col. Stuarte Heintzleman, Chief of Staff, 4th Army Corps and also to General Pershing whom I knew slightly a number of years ago. Gene expects to be sent over with section of Signal Corps in a short time. Carrington, the kid, is at West Point. Bennett, if you will take this matter up, I shall appreciate it very much. The boy is unfit for the line but could render good service in many other ways. God bless you, old fellow, and keep you and bring success to our boys. With best wishes, L.J. Hall Visited with your Dad and sister in the office yesterday. They are both well and cheerful.