Veteran's Day

In honor of Veteran's Day, I am posting a couple of letters that were written by grandfather during WWI. He was a farmboy from Iowa who hadn't seen much of the world before being sent overseas, so his letters reflect that. I've kept spelling and grammatical errors intact.

This one is from August 10 - 18, 1918:

Dearest mother:

With a little breathing spell, I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am feeling fine. Got a letter from Otto yesterday. Said he was fine and enjoying everything so far. Quite a bit of action lately. Haven't had time to write to any body. Ivan Hoatman is still in England. Witnessed an air fight a few minutes ago. He tries to get our balloons but fails most of the time. The anti-air craft guns sure make them flag themselves back towards there lines. Once in a while Jerry gets peeved and sends us a few souvenirs and when we hear them whistling, we dig a little deeper each time. Its a great life if you don't weaken. Haven't seen anybody from home, altho was near the NY a couple of times. How is every body at home? Hope all are well. Write often as I don't have much time to write.

with love,

[name]

P.S. Today's paper shows the Brittish making a drive — looks good. Expect you get some of the dope before we do, as the papers are a day old before they up to us.

This one is from October 18, 1918:

Dear Dad:

Will answer your most welcome letter which I received last night — dated Sept. 23 — not quite a month in coming. Everything is going fine here — Lots of rain — maybe you'd smile if you seen to my home — I'll describe it the best I can, its a hole about 4' x 6' & about 18" deep — It's built on a hill side in clay — The water doesn't come in thru the tent but seeps up thru the ground — & my bed is 4 "basket carriers", that is a wicker dohicky that the Germans carry their 77 shell cases in — 3 in one basket — and as they are about 4" deep they keep me very dry — of course it isn't like the Franklin [Note: that's the name of a nice hotel near his home town] but it does very well where we're at —

I seen where Iowa was the 1st over the top — guess they're right there.

with love,
[name}

If you know a veteran, be sure to thank him or her today.