James E. Henschel letter to Leopold H. Henschel - October 13, 1918
Transcript
Decize (Nievre) le 13th of October 1918 - Dear Dad - It's been quite a while since I headed a letter like that - hasn't it? - but of course you all know that no matter to whom they are addressed - all that I send home are intended for the entire family. I am thinking of all of you when I write - so really it doesn't make a lot of difference whether I put down you or mother at the start. You will appreciate that there is little news to give you when I fill a third of a page with that sort of stuff. Oh my yes - I nearly neglected only bit of importance at all. This morning one J.E. Henschel, late of American fighting forces, was mentally and physically examined to determine his fitness to become an officer. We all think that he passed gloriously, for the Colonel smiled most kindly, and the surgeon went into raptures over his heart action! Can you imagine it - he exclaimed that it was perfect - wonderful - and a lot of other things - and seemed disappointed when I told him I smoked. Said he didn't believe it, and that I should endure to a ripe old age,
Transcript
(which is highly probable at Decize). All this was so surprising that I enter it on record as the most important item in this communication. Tomorrow morning twenty comrades excellent leave for a tour of the front. After ten days they will climb a gang plank and all join in that beautiful chorus. "Homeward Bound". Gee - I wish I were going along! They will be instructors at the army motor school at Camp Johnston, for three months. Lucky fellows! As a result of their departure, I will inherit Company "C" at the School, as acting top-sergeant. Company "C" is composed of more than a hundred officer-candidates, most of whom are that fortunate thing, a sergeant, 1st class, or master-engineers, or quartermaster sergeant, senior grade, so that my new job as top-kicker will be peculiar to say the least. However there are lots of queer things that go on. We privates acting as instructors have strange duties. One of us is first sergeant of a company of majors, captains and lieutenants. Only one major - In the meantime, I shall continue to be an "instructor in convoy". Which is all of importance. A letter from Ramsey and one from Harvey. I am applying for a three day leave to visit Harvey. Things go along, and I continue to exist - a valiant soldier of the sear, learning of the war from the papers. Love to you and Mother - Ned. M.T.C. School #1 A.P.O 772. Am. Ex. Forces France (Don't forget the new address)
Details
| Title | James E. Henschel letter to Leopold H. Henschel - October 13, 1918 |
| Creator | Henschel, James E. |
| Source | Henschel, James E. Letter to Leopold H. Henschel. 13 October 1918. James Edward Henschel Collection, 1917-1919. 1996.51. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter dated October 13, 1918, Henschel wrote his father about his examination to determine whether or not he was fit to become an officer. Henschel also indicated that he would be applying for a leave to visit his brother, Harvey. |
| Subject LCSH | American Field Service; Missouri. National Guard; United States. Army. Motor Transport Corps; United States. Army--Examinations. |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Motor Transport Corps School |
| Site Accession Number | 1996.51 |
| Contributing Institution | National World War I Museum and Memorial |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the National World War I Museum and Memorial: (816) 888-8100. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | October 13, 1918 |
| Language | English |