TRANSCRIBED FROM MENA WEEKLY STAR JANUARY 9, 1919, P 4
Charmant, France Dec. 14, 1918
To the Editor of The Star.
Dear Mr. St. John:
Have just received a Mena Star and was very glad to get it, made me feel almost as though I was back at old Board Camp again to read it. I will drop you a few lines, and if you can find room for them they might be of some interest to my friends.
I am glad I can say I am one of the lucky number that has done his bit in this war and will be riding the waves again soon toward the good old U.S A. It is just six months to a day since I got on board the boat that brought me over here. I went in the trenches about the first of August in the Alsace-Lorraine sector near Mulhausen. We held that sector until sometime in September. I was in the trenches two different times during the time we were in Alsace. Was quite exciting at times I thought, but as the old saying is, “the worst was yet to come.”
We left that sector and went up to the Argonne woods on the Verdun front. I am sure you all have read of some of the battles that were fought there, but if anyone hasn’t I can tell him it was hot times there. I was only there two weeks and took sick and was sent to the hospital. By the time I got well the war was over, and I wasn’t a bit mad. But I am mad because I can’t get back to my company. I am on detached service here, having a good time, doing very little work and getting plenty to eat and have a good bed to sleep on. Ought to be satisfied but long to get back with the boys that I came over with for it is like leaving home to leave a company. I long to say good bye to France and hello Mena, and I think that time is close at hand. I had the good luck to see my brother twice over here, but haven’t seen any of my friends.
I wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Wish I could spend Xmas at home but that is impossible but I will be there someday.
Yours truly,
Argus D. Bain
Base Hospital 18, A.E.F., A.P.O. 708.
NOTES: Argus Daniels Bain was born on February 28, 1896 in Hot Springs, Arkansas and died on October 12, 1930. He is buried in the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. his military headstone identifies him as serving in Co. E, 116th Infantry during WWI. He was described as being of medium height and slim build with gray eyes and brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Charmant, France Dec. 14, 1918
To the Editor of The Star.
Dear Mr. St. John:
Have just received a Mena Star and was very glad to get it, made me feel almost as though I was back at old Board Camp again to read it. I will drop you a few lines, and if you can find room for them they might be of some interest to my friends.
I am glad I can say I am one of the lucky number that has done his bit in this war and will be riding the waves again soon toward the good old U.S A. It is just six months to a day since I got on board the boat that brought me over here. I went in the trenches about the first of August in the Alsace-Lorraine sector near Mulhausen. We held that sector until sometime in September. I was in the trenches two different times during the time we were in Alsace. Was quite exciting at times I thought, but as the old saying is, “the worst was yet to come.”
We left that sector and went up to the Argonne woods on the Verdun front. I am sure you all have read of some of the battles that were fought there, but if anyone hasn’t I can tell him it was hot times there. I was only there two weeks and took sick and was sent to the hospital. By the time I got well the war was over, and I wasn’t a bit mad. But I am mad because I can’t get back to my company. I am on detached service here, having a good time, doing very little work and getting plenty to eat and have a good bed to sleep on. Ought to be satisfied but long to get back with the boys that I came over with for it is like leaving home to leave a company. I long to say good bye to France and hello Mena, and I think that time is close at hand. I had the good luck to see my brother twice over here, but haven’t seen any of my friends.
I wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Wish I could spend Xmas at home but that is impossible but I will be there someday.
Yours truly,
Argus D. Bain
Base Hospital 18, A.E.F., A.P.O. 708.
NOTES: Argus Daniels Bain was born on February 28, 1896 in Hot Springs, Arkansas and died on October 12, 1930. He is buried in the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. his military headstone identifies him as serving in Co. E, 116th Infantry during WWI. He was described as being of medium height and slim build with gray eyes and brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT