Lauds French Courtesy Toward U. S. Soldiers

Thursday, July 23, 1918
Dear Mother,
Let me tell you of my good fortune. I've received the appointment of Chief Mechanic in this organization--a rank practically as good as that I sacrificed back in Funston [sic], and the best part of it all, I am at last in France.
It has taken a long time to get there, but it has been done. I joined the first of May last year with he promose of immediate overseas service, and it took more than fifteen months to get what I was after. My only regret is that I am just starting to earn my first service stripe, instead of the third. A man receives a gold stripe for every six months of foreign service.
Our company is billeted in a small town in vacant barns, houses, or some of us may pitch our tents. Just now I am in my pup tent and sleep on Old Mother earth each night. After the journey we were given a solid week during which to rest, and take life easy. I, for one, truly appreciated this. It gave me an opportunity to wash up soiled clothes. The French people are cordial and polite to a fault. It seems to be their one desire to please and satisfy the American soldiers. And I think every one of us realizes it, and appreciates all they do.