TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MENA WEEKLY STAR NOVEMBER 15, 1917 P. 4
Paris Island, S. C., Nov. 3, 1917.
To The Mena Star, Mena, Ark.
Gentlemen:
Being a resident of Polk county previous to the war, and a reader of the dear old “Star.” I thought probably some of the subscribers might be interested in reading a few lines from a marine.
My father sent me an issue of The Star some time ago which contained several letters from the Polk county boys who are now serving in the several branches of the service. Among all I saw none from the Marines.
The course as a marine recruit involves twelve weeks training. After the twelve weeks are up they are usually sent somewhere for further training. We now are on our last week. The work at first is very hard to anyone who has not been used to laboring. Our drill periods are not very long, all depending on the company’s ability in picking up the different movements. If they are quick, snappy and on the alert the drill period is cut much shorter.
Beside the manual of arms we have physical drills and experiences which are very interesting and are equally as beneficial to the _____ development of the body. Most of the boys have gained in weight since enlisting. I have gained fourteen pounds, besides I am much harder and more competent to undergo the hardships which we all, with pleasure, see awaiting us.
Now the one and the main thing that concerns us is the “chow.” The rations, like the work, are not relished by those who are not accustomed to it. It only requires about one day’s ditch digging, carrying oyster shells, doing some other kind of police work to apply the required flavor. Our food is better now than it was at the beginning. For dinner we had bread, butter, spuds, beans, pudding, beef and tea or water. The canteens furnish us plenty of cookies, candies, etc., while the Y. M. C. A. supplies amusements.
The line of conversation among most of the boys seems to be this question; “When do we leave for France?” All seem to be very anxious to go across and join the Sammies.
May The Star and its subscribers enjoy the best of prosperity.
Sincerely yours,
T. S. Connally,
29th Co. M.
NOTES: Thomas Sidney Connally was born on February 23, 1895 at Mena, Arkansas and died on October 15, 1965. He is buried in the Rocky Cemetery in Polk County. At the time of the draft he was living in Polk County but registered in Okfuskee, Oklahoma. He was described as being of medium height and weight with dark eyes and hair. On December 5, 1917, while stationed in Brooklyn, NY, an express wagon ran over his right foot, crushing it. He returned to Arkansas by late May 1918, having been discharged from the service due to “physical disabilities.” He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Connally.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.
Paris Island, S. C., Nov. 3, 1917.
To The Mena Star, Mena, Ark.
Gentlemen:
Being a resident of Polk county previous to the war, and a reader of the dear old “Star.” I thought probably some of the subscribers might be interested in reading a few lines from a marine.
My father sent me an issue of The Star some time ago which contained several letters from the Polk county boys who are now serving in the several branches of the service. Among all I saw none from the Marines.
The course as a marine recruit involves twelve weeks training. After the twelve weeks are up they are usually sent somewhere for further training. We now are on our last week. The work at first is very hard to anyone who has not been used to laboring. Our drill periods are not very long, all depending on the company’s ability in picking up the different movements. If they are quick, snappy and on the alert the drill period is cut much shorter.
Beside the manual of arms we have physical drills and experiences which are very interesting and are equally as beneficial to the _____ development of the body. Most of the boys have gained in weight since enlisting. I have gained fourteen pounds, besides I am much harder and more competent to undergo the hardships which we all, with pleasure, see awaiting us.
Now the one and the main thing that concerns us is the “chow.” The rations, like the work, are not relished by those who are not accustomed to it. It only requires about one day’s ditch digging, carrying oyster shells, doing some other kind of police work to apply the required flavor. Our food is better now than it was at the beginning. For dinner we had bread, butter, spuds, beans, pudding, beef and tea or water. The canteens furnish us plenty of cookies, candies, etc., while the Y. M. C. A. supplies amusements.
The line of conversation among most of the boys seems to be this question; “When do we leave for France?” All seem to be very anxious to go across and join the Sammies.
May The Star and its subscribers enjoy the best of prosperity.
Sincerely yours,
T. S. Connally,
29th Co. M.
NOTES: Thomas Sidney Connally was born on February 23, 1895 at Mena, Arkansas and died on October 15, 1965. He is buried in the Rocky Cemetery in Polk County. At the time of the draft he was living in Polk County but registered in Okfuskee, Oklahoma. He was described as being of medium height and weight with dark eyes and hair. On December 5, 1917, while stationed in Brooklyn, NY, an express wagon ran over his right foot, crushing it. He returned to Arkansas by late May 1918, having been discharged from the service due to “physical disabilities.” He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Connally.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.