Walter H. Kampf letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - August 31, 1918
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[August 31, 1918] Hon Dr. [Henry Milton] Whelpley c/o Meyer [Brothers]Druggist 415 Clark Ave St. Louis [Missouri] U.S.A. Dear Doctor:- This is just a little reminder that while your letter of some – months past to me was lost was not forgotten. You will except my thanks for trying to get the (druggist) to me but did not receive either my copy or the extra copy mentioned. However we will save both time and expense at present and have you discontinue and wait until I return for future copys. Your special request as to [St. Louis] Collage Ph.G. is always in my mind, and can say up until the present time have located but one, ([Edward] Lemmers) of [St. Louis]. Now Dr. you will pardon pencil but as fountain pens are scarce as well as other writting
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equippiment. The red cross has tried hard and has made every effort to do all they can for the men. It may also be interesting to state the Salvation Army is doing a great deal to the men’s comfort. The Y.M.C.A. has the Canteens which is some help to the boys also as they sell candy, cigars, tobacco, tooth paste, razors etc and furnish stationary as like the [Knights of Columbus] which has done their bit by distributing different articles about stationery etc while they may furnish meals at some places for those attending Church Sundays & holidays early AM The organization to which I belong has traveled about England & France. While I am unable to understand or speak the later tongue, will say like it the better part of Europe. Our boys are doing wonderful work and have been cited in several instances. Yes I have seen the front and have been in the front line under shell fire. I have seen some of the following, barb wire entanglement, shell holes, slept in dug outs, shells burst near & about me, towns and villages which were
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good lace curtain patterns, roads and woods tourn to pieces etc and am now in the hospital and have been for the past three weeks. [written in right margin] Please do not Publish [ms continues as normal] As the story goes on – It happened like this – We were in the front line and a buddy & I was directed to a certain place, - we went – and wiz a few shells passed over us while on our way – we arrived at our destination and started back just in time to be caught in a barrage of heavy artillery & gas. Arrived at the front with Co OK to see a little battle, when sent to headquarters with the nights report. Was then directed to my dug out to go to bed and when I awoke it was then I learned we had absorbed the gas. We were well taken Care of and have been in a number of hospitals field, emergency stations) hospital train evacuating and now in the base hospt #50 Hospt Center. Mesues Bulcy – Mievre A.E.F. The Gas effected me by a few burns were one will prespire and about the head & eyes, but to my luck had the mask over nose & throat so these were left
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in fair condition. While all burns about the body are healed my eyes are very weak and blured (Conjuntivitis). These will soon be alright and then will be shipped to the Co again. Well Dr I will have to close as I am blinking my eyes and trust you realize how we would like to tell you about different instances such as marching 25 miles, sleeping in billets with cows, chickens, horses, hogs, sheep, rabbits, calves etc, nevertheless our thoughts are of our good friends in U.S.A. altho, we are not there. With kind regards and best of wishes to be remembered to Mr. Baush and ask him to remember me to some of my friends he knows. Respectfully Walter H Kaempf Pvt Co. C. 355 Inf American Expeditionary Forces P.O. 761 Via [New York] [censor’s signature]
Details
| Title | Walter H. Kampf letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - August 31, 1918 |
| Creator | Kampf, Walter H |
| Source | Kampf, Walter H. Letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley. 31 August 1918. Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley Collection, 1826-1929. A1737. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Walter H. Kampf sent this letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley. Dr. Whelpley was the dean of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and editor of the Meyer Brothers Druggist magazine. Kampf described his military experiences in great detail including being gassed while serving on the frontlines. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; United States. Army. Infantry, 355th; World War, 1914-1918--Medical Care; World War, 1914-1918--War work--Red Cross; World War, 1914-1918--Y.M.C.A. |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A1737 |
| 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 | August 31, 1918 |
| Language | English |