Sidney Towner Phelan letter to mother - September 28, 1917
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[September] 28, 1917 Dearest Mother, Mr. Northover, my section chief (S.S.U. 24) came to Paris today. He has been awarded the Croix de Guerre. He brings news of the section. The new lieutenant they have is a peach of a fellow. The section expects to get another trip to the actual front posts. Mr. Northover says there is practically a citation for them as soon as they go there again (nominally for what they will do actually
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for what they have done.) I would love to get back for their second little party but as they are still a civilian organization it's impossible. Did I tell you that Jack Harris did not get the Croix de Guerre as I had heard. Jack drove his car the other man on it sat beside him. The other man got a Croix de Guerre. Jack got nothing. There were five non Americans in our section one quit cold the other four got the Croix de Guerre. No
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American got one. This is no criticism or soreheadedness I am just remarking what queer coincidences there are. It's a shame that Steve Sutherland didn't get one. I am getting used to this being a private in the army. But I can tell you it's hard to fit yourself to a detailed regulation of everything you do and say and write and wear and eat and (think!). Especially when you have seen more hell and war in five minutes than your superior officers have in a lifetime. Don't worry about my cutting up a bit I won't though petty annoyance gets my goat. In answering all your questions concerning what people have sent me thank them very much and let them know that I appreciate their sending it. Somebody must enjoy those gifts but I haven't
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gotten them. The only things I have had from the states are sweater & wristlets, a tin of milk chocolate and a book by Alan Seeger. Many thanks they hit the right spot. Now that I am in the army it may change things (in regard to incoming mail). I told you my address was American Red Cross Military Hospital No. 5, American Expeditionary Forces, France, via New York. That last speeds up things I am told. I am on night guard duty now so I am writing letters and reading.
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With all due respect to the fact that the Lord God created the world in six days and spent five of those days on the US Army which is his most perfect work with all due respect to that fact I don't like to be put to bed at 10:30 every night and be gotten up at 6:00 A.M. forced to do everything by schedule and have every detail of my life mapped out for me by somebody else. I don't doubt that it's for my own good and all that but I can't see the idea.
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I suppose what I have just written is mutiny in the nth degree and merits instant death. Tell Janet I have some autographs for her also some monograms etc. I can't send any pictures home of any kind (new U.S. Army censorship regulations) so I can't send one to Aunt Winnie. Wish I could. I have five of the pictures I took (all that I saved the rest were stolen from my duffel bag with my camera.) But I don't need a new camera. It's a high crime for a U.S. soldier to carry a camera. Now, Mother, don't get the idea that I am disappointed with the army. It's much easier and nicer than I believed. I knew what I was in for when I enlisted. To be frank I haven't a single complaint though I am considerably annoyed. Our army is a fine one and is doing wonders. It's great, but I do find it hard to change from an individual into a very small cog of a very large machine. Lots of love, Towner
Details
| Title | Sidney Towner Phelan letter to mother - September 28, 1917 |
| Creator | Phelan, Sidney Towner |
| Source | Phelan, Sidney Towner. Letter to mother. 28 September 1917. Sidney Towner Phelan Papers, 1899-1960. A1209. Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Sidney Towner Phelan, a St. Louis, Missouri native, wrote this letter to his Mother while serving as a volunteer ambulance driver in France during World War I. Phelan wrote that he may be headed back to the front lines and be awarded the Croix de Guerre. Phelan also explained that he belived the Army had too many regulations. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--France; United States. Army. Ambulance Company No. 5.; Ambulance driving |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A1209 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| 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. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | September 28, 1917 |
| Language | English |