TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HOME NEWS APRIL 27, 1917 P. 3
I hope that a number of Little Rock boys are enlisting in the service. I know that I am glad that I did. There is a chance here to learn a good trade, which will be useful in the future, and to get a good military training also. In the marines we are not fed just ‘beans’ three times a day, but soup, eggs, meat, potatoes, coffee and fruit, the best on the market. The men are all happy and have a good time every night. At the barracks Y.M.C.A. we have boxing and movies every night, and occasional dances. The officers take interest in the men, and the drills are not hard nor is any of the other work. The boys here are from 17 years old up, but more of them are under 21 than over that age. The trip I had from Little Rock to Paris Island is almost worth the work I have had to do, and we are all pleased with the chance we will have to see the world. Anyone who wants to travel and serve his country at the same time ought to join the marines.
Ark. Gazette
NOTES: This letter was written by Little Rock soldier Claude Earl Billings who was serving in the marines. He was writing to the Arkansas Gazette staff. He was born in Noble, Illinois on March 13, 1901. (Military documents show 1899. He was likely lying about his age) He died in San Diego, California. He is is buried in the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in San Diego. He enlisted on March 17, 1917 and was discharged on December 19, 1919.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
I hope that a number of Little Rock boys are enlisting in the service. I know that I am glad that I did. There is a chance here to learn a good trade, which will be useful in the future, and to get a good military training also. In the marines we are not fed just ‘beans’ three times a day, but soup, eggs, meat, potatoes, coffee and fruit, the best on the market. The men are all happy and have a good time every night. At the barracks Y.M.C.A. we have boxing and movies every night, and occasional dances. The officers take interest in the men, and the drills are not hard nor is any of the other work. The boys here are from 17 years old up, but more of them are under 21 than over that age. The trip I had from Little Rock to Paris Island is almost worth the work I have had to do, and we are all pleased with the chance we will have to see the world. Anyone who wants to travel and serve his country at the same time ought to join the marines.
Ark. Gazette
NOTES: This letter was written by Little Rock soldier Claude Earl Billings who was serving in the marines. He was writing to the Arkansas Gazette staff. He was born in Noble, Illinois on March 13, 1901. (Military documents show 1899. He was likely lying about his age) He died in San Diego, California. He is is buried in the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in San Diego. He enlisted on March 17, 1917 and was discharged on December 19, 1919.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON