TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DAILY ARKANSAS GAZETTE NOVEMBER 10, 1918 P. 19
This may be the last opportunity I’ll have to write before sailing. Don’t fear for me. Something within tells me that I shall return safely, and comparatively soon. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for anything. I feel that I am fulfilling by greatest obligation.
Get an “over there” service flag, a star within a star, and when you receive news the boat on which I sailed arrived safely, hang it out for everyone to see. You’ll be proud of it. You know that you wouldn’t have me remain at home at this time, now, would you? You know how I hate a slacker. You know I am fighting for the greatest nation that ever took up arms against a foe. That should be a consolation to you. Show the true Spartan spirit of the mothers who told their sons, “Come back either with your shield or upon it.” They were no braver than we.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Willis Paul Clary to his mother, Mrs. W. J. Clary of Altheimer, Arkansas. He was born on January 7, 1898 in Altheimer and died in Altheimer. He is buried in the Saint Joseph Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His military headstone application lists him as a soldier from Arkansas serving in Co. C. 114 Supply Train, 39th Div.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
This may be the last opportunity I’ll have to write before sailing. Don’t fear for me. Something within tells me that I shall return safely, and comparatively soon. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for anything. I feel that I am fulfilling by greatest obligation.
Get an “over there” service flag, a star within a star, and when you receive news the boat on which I sailed arrived safely, hang it out for everyone to see. You’ll be proud of it. You know that you wouldn’t have me remain at home at this time, now, would you? You know how I hate a slacker. You know I am fighting for the greatest nation that ever took up arms against a foe. That should be a consolation to you. Show the true Spartan spirit of the mothers who told their sons, “Come back either with your shield or upon it.” They were no braver than we.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Willis Paul Clary to his mother, Mrs. W. J. Clary of Altheimer, Arkansas. He was born on January 7, 1898 in Altheimer and died in Altheimer. He is buried in the Saint Joseph Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His military headstone application lists him as a soldier from Arkansas serving in Co. C. 114 Supply Train, 39th Div.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT