TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HOT SPRINGS NEW ERA OCTOBER 8, 1918 P. 6
On the Front in France,
Aug. 21, 1918.
Dearest Father and Mother and All:
You will most likely be surprised to hear of me being on the ‘firing line, or rather within striking distance of the front. I mentioned in my last letter that by the time you received it, I would be where the “big boys” fall pretty close and keep you a little fussed up.
I had quite an enjoyable trip all the way up here and was enroute about three days. We traveled most all the way in a six by eight box car and slept on “wooden” springs, about sixteen in a car. Our meals were not exactly Table d’Hote but even so “Tam” was our dessert. Some class these days.
Our trip was very scenic, passing through the best part of France, and one of the most beautiful of its cities Verseilles. We were almost within a stone’s throw of Paris, but did not stay there very long.
The more I see of France the better I like it. At first I was a little in doubt. The part of France we were in did not appeal to me very much, but since taking such a long trip and getting pretty good views of the country round about, have changed my mind, somewhat.
At the present am in a beautiful mountainous country swell scenery and the finest of weather and water.
Have had some real views of aerial attacks, something of a new diversion and exciting. Business has began to pick up a bit since we are here. Getting a little heated up these days. I guess we will have to settle this argument real soon.
I have written a letter to Joe and one to Ferd’s friend, Mabel.
Lieutenant Robert Thornton has returned to the U. S. as instructor. Chances are that if he should visit back home you would have a chance to see him. Think I will close for this time. With a few good words to all my friends and hoping that all are in the best of health. I am,
Your son,
LIONEL
NOTES: Lionel Lawrence Mazzia was born on February 22, 1891 and died on June 18, 1972. He is buried in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the 128th Field Artillery, Company B. He was writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mazzia who lived at 1242 Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a Pfc. in the US Army.
TRANSCRIBED BY KAREN PITTMAN
On the Front in France,
Aug. 21, 1918.
Dearest Father and Mother and All:
You will most likely be surprised to hear of me being on the ‘firing line, or rather within striking distance of the front. I mentioned in my last letter that by the time you received it, I would be where the “big boys” fall pretty close and keep you a little fussed up.
I had quite an enjoyable trip all the way up here and was enroute about three days. We traveled most all the way in a six by eight box car and slept on “wooden” springs, about sixteen in a car. Our meals were not exactly Table d’Hote but even so “Tam” was our dessert. Some class these days.
Our trip was very scenic, passing through the best part of France, and one of the most beautiful of its cities Verseilles. We were almost within a stone’s throw of Paris, but did not stay there very long.
The more I see of France the better I like it. At first I was a little in doubt. The part of France we were in did not appeal to me very much, but since taking such a long trip and getting pretty good views of the country round about, have changed my mind, somewhat.
At the present am in a beautiful mountainous country swell scenery and the finest of weather and water.
Have had some real views of aerial attacks, something of a new diversion and exciting. Business has began to pick up a bit since we are here. Getting a little heated up these days. I guess we will have to settle this argument real soon.
I have written a letter to Joe and one to Ferd’s friend, Mabel.
Lieutenant Robert Thornton has returned to the U. S. as instructor. Chances are that if he should visit back home you would have a chance to see him. Think I will close for this time. With a few good words to all my friends and hoping that all are in the best of health. I am,
Your son,
LIONEL
NOTES: Lionel Lawrence Mazzia was born on February 22, 1891 and died on June 18, 1972. He is buried in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the 128th Field Artillery, Company B. He was writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mazzia who lived at 1242 Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a Pfc. in the US Army.
TRANSCRIBED BY KAREN PITTMAN