Journal of Roy C. Hilton, Note Book C: Food and Drink Recipes & A Personal Letter, 1943-1944

Journal of Roy C. Hilton, Note Book C: Food and Drink Recipes & A Personal Letter, 1943-1944

The third part of Hilton's letter to his daughters. This journal continues his service in World War I through his time in Hawaii in 1934. It also contains food and drink recipes, thoughts on the history and serving of wine and the menu for a farewell dinner in 1941.

A2010.26

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[Page 1]
Note Book
No.
“C”

Col. Roy C. Hilton
G.S.C. (Inf.)
P.W. No. 53.

Laurens, S.C., U.S.A.

Food and Drink Recipes, & A Private Letter (Cont’d.)

Camp Shira Kawa
(White River), S.W. Taiwan

[Page 2]
3
Recipes

1. Chocolate Melba Toast

Butter rather heavily slices of bread with crusts left on. Place in hot oven until brown. Pour chocolate sauce (see page 6, herein) over the toast and serve. If sauce is thick, thin it with evaporated milk.

2. Cleveland’s Choice. (Candy recipe of fame - not in the book)

4 cups sugar; ¾ cup white karo syrup; 1 ½ cups cream; 1-teaspoon vanilla ext.; make a fondant of the above - by a fondant recipe, stiff. Dip in chocolate.

Has caromel [sic] flavor. Caution: avoid stirring into chrystals [sic] on side of pan. Chrystals [sic] may be wiped off with damp cloth.

3. Cheese Sauce. Put 2 tablespoons of butter in sauce pan and let it melt. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and let it melt. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and mix well, then stir in 1-pint of milk. Bring to a boil, stirring all the while. (over)

[Page 3]
4
add salt to taste, and 1-teaspoonful of Worcester Sauce. Finally, stir in ½ lb. of grated cheese (cheddar). Stir until cheese is dissolved, then serve. (Use on cauliflower, brussel sprouts, brocoli [sic], etc.

4. French Rum Omelette. Place eggs in bowl and add salt and pepper. Add 1-tablespoon of whole milk for each egg. Break up yolks with fork used as an egg whip and mix only enough to scatter yolks around thoroughly. Grease bottom of pan, and sides, with melted butter and place on low fire. With fork pick up and drop back the solidified portions as fast as they form until entire mass is jelly, but quite soft. Reduce heat further and cook until a little stiffer. (It rises slightly). Place on hot platter and put desired filler (jam, jelly, etc) on one-half the omelette, then sprinkle omelette filler with powdered sugar and fold over. Place more filler on,

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5
top and sprinkle with sugar. Score across top with hot iron to make squares. Pour on one jigger of rum (Dark Negretto). Set the rum afire.

Serve with green peas, sliced ham, French fried potatoes, toasted French bread, etc.

5. Hot Cakes - (Four persons)

½ cup sugar; 1-egg; ½ cup shortening; 2 ½ level cups flour (or, part flour and part corn meal); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup evaporated milk; 1-cup water.

Beat sugar, egg and shortening together well. Sift flour well and add salt and baking powder to flour. Mix flour, etc., to sugar, egg and shortening. Add evaporated milk and one cup of water. Leave mixture in cool place overnight. Before cooking, add one teaspoonful of baking powder.

6. Sauces. 1-cup creamed butter; 1-cup honey; 1-teaspoon vanilla ext.; flavor with whiskey (stir together into creamy mixture. (For cakes, ice cream, etc)

[Page 5]
6
Intoxicating Drinks:

7 - Chocolate Sauce: 1-cup sugar; 2-tablespoons grated bitter chocolate (Baker’s); 1-cup water; 1-teaspoonful vanilla ext.; Boil water and add sugar, then chocolate. Let partly cool and add vanilla extract. Stir during each mixture (For ice cream, cakes, etc.)

8. Nectar of the Gods, or Ramos Fizz.
(Worlds best sweet mixed drink which netted inventor, Ramon of New Orleans, a million dollars before recipe was discovered by others). Note: use large shaker, not less than 1-Qt size, for 2 drinks: ½ galon [sic] size for 4 drinks. Mix in following order:
1 - Place large glassful of ½ egg size of cracked ice in shaker.
2 - Add one rounded dessert spoon of powdered sugar.
3 - ½ jigger of best dry gin.
4 - Juice of one lemon.
5 - ¾ teaspoon of Orange Flower water (Warrick Freres; Grasse, or France).

[Page 6]
7
Intoxicating Drinks, Cont’d.

6 - Two drops of almond extract.
7 - White of one egg, unbeaten.
8 - Cap container and shake a few times to mix ingredients.
9 - Add one jigger of coffee cream and one jigger of fresh milk.
10 - Cap again and shake into tall glass and serve.

Brandies: 90 Proof.

5-lbs. seedless Sunmaid raisins (or, 5-lbs. dried peaches; or dried apples).
5-lbs sugar
5-cakes yeast
5 galons [sic] water

(Age in oak.)

Place in white-oak barrel. Stir and mix well. Keep at room temperature for 72-hours. Distill by steaming at 180 [degrees] - 190 [degrees], and condense.

[Page 7]
8.
Intoxicating Drinks, Cont’d.

Eggnog. (Col. S. A. Hamilton’s recipe)

Mix yolks of 24 eggs with two quarts of bourbon whiskey after beating yolks thoroughly. Dissolve two teaspoons cups of granulated sugar into yolks - after beating yolks and before pouring whiskey into yolks. Pour whiskey slowly into sweetened yolks of eggs, stirring thoroughly all the while. Then stir into this mixture slowly two quarts of table cream - unbeaten. Next pour in slowly, while stirring, two more quarts of bourbon whiskey. Just before serving, sprinkle with nutmeg. (Makes about 7, or 8, quarts).

Will keep overnight

[Page 8]
9.
Intoxicating Drinks, Cont’d.

Eggnog. (Col. R. C. Hilton’s recipe).

1-Qt. Bourbon whiskey.
12 eggs.
1-Qt. whole milk.
1-Qt. whipping cream.
1-cup granulated sugar.

Beat yolks of eggs thoroughly and stir in sugar until sugar is dissolved. Pour the whiskey into the beaten yolks, stirring all the while - pour whiskey slowly. Add, while stirring, the whole milk, the beaten cream, and the beaten whites of eggs, in order mentioned. (Makes about 4 quarts).

Just before serving, sprinkle with grated nutmeg.

Will keep overnight.

[Page 9]
10.
Intoxicating Drinks, Cont’d.

Dandelion Wine.

Fill 5-galon [sic] earthen crock about ¾ full of washed blossoms of young, or middle aged, dandelions - after removing stems.

Dissolve 4-lbs. of granulated sugar in enough water to fill crock to about one inch from top.

Slice four oranges and add to above.

Dissolve one yeast cake in lukewarm water (about 100 [degrees]) and pour into crock.

Cover crock with cheese cloth and allow to stand 8-10 days, or until all fermentation ceases. Skim off froth occasionally, if indicated.

Strain and bottle after fermentation ceases. Scald bottles just before bottling.

[Page 10]
11.
Intoxicating Drinks, Cont’d.

Corn Whiskey

5-lbs. corn sugar
5-lbs. corn meal
5-galons water
3-cakes yeast

Bring water to boil. Stir in meal and sugar. Boil for ten minutes, then cool to 80 [degrees] Fahr. Add yeast. Keep at 80 [degrees] Fahr. for 72 hours. Distill at 180 [degrees] - 190 [degrees]. (Makes about 5-Qts). Age in oak.

Home-made Peach Cordial (Col. Lawrence).

Peel ripe peaches and place in closed fruit jars together with equal portions of water and pure alcohol. Let stand for two weeks to one month. For sweet cordial, add 1-lb. of granulated sugar (white) to each pound of water in alcohol solution in jars. (Place peaches in jars first, then pour in water and alcohol mixture).

Hot Buttered Rum

2-cups maple sugar
2-Qts. Rum
¼ lb. Butter
½ bottle powdered cinnamon
2-Qts. boiling water

Dissolve sugar in small amount of water in large container - add rum, butter, cinnamon; then pour mixture, while stirring into boiling water. Serve hot.

[Page 11]
12.
Wines

Lecture by Col. Mallonnee, F.A., US Army, - son of a French connoisseur of wines - given at Kerenko, Taiwan, Feb. 19, 1943.

I. Classifications. Wines are classified as still wines, sparkling wines, fortified wines (alcohol added) and distilled wines.

The big wine producing countries are: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

II. General. French wines are, by government control, required to be labelled by districts in which they are produced: i.e., Burgundy, Bordeaux, etc.

French wines are generally excellent; German wines compare favorably with French wines; some Italian wines are good and others, ordinary.

American wines now compare favorably with imported wines. A good American champagne is the “Great Western” brand (N.Y. wine). A good American white wine is the

[Page 12]
13.
Wines.

“Beaulieu” brand. American wines may be bought as the Burgundy type, the Bordeau type, etc.

The New York white wines and the California red wines are recommended.

III. Still wines. Among these are French (a.) Bordeau and (b) Burgundy - Rhone Valley and Dijon - Anjou (white, sweet wine). Alcoholic content of still wine is 10% to 12%. Bordeau is the greatest producing country for still wines. Among Bordeau wines are: Red (Claret), White (Santerne), Graves and Barsap is name of a good wine and of the distributor. These wines bear the label of the chateaux by which made and are true wines of these chateaux (refers to Bordeau wines). Bordeau wines are: Haute sauterne (white-sweet); Sec (dry and natural; demi-sec (sweetened). Graves and Barsap wines are gravely and dry to the taste.

[Page 13]
14.
Wines

“Chateau Le Tour” and Chateau La Blanc” are excellent. The best white wine of Graves and Barsap is “Chateau Y’Quien”.

Of the Bordeau and Burgundy wines: Red wines are dry (natural) and white wines are sweet, demi-sec, and dry.

b. Burgundy wine are red, white and chabliss (white). Rhone and Dijon are excellent. Burgundy is superior to Bordeau, - it has more variance, fuller and better flavor. Anjou is a white dessert wine. “Chateau Volnay” and “Chateau Rothchild” are excellent.

IV. Fortified Wines. - about 24% alcohol, or 12% to 24%. “Eau de Vie,” “Benedictine,” “Chartreuse,” and cordials are examples.

Sherry is a Spanish fortified wine.

Port is a Portuguese fortified wine.

All handled by Duff Gordon, N.Y., wine dealer.

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15
Wines.

V. Distilled Wines. Includes real brandies, Cognac, Henessy 5, or 7, Star wines - excellent. Spanish wine - Pedro de Domecq - is good.

VI. Sparkling Wines. Includes champagne, sparkling burgundy, etc. “Chiquot” and Pomeroy champagnes are excellent French champagne district champagnes. German champagne is sweet and excellent. Italian champagne is sweet, good and medium. Italian “acosta” is good. These wines are about 17% to 18% alcohol. “Sparkling Burgundy” is comparable to champagne but is not on market on account of greater demand for other Burgundy wines. Domestic champagne is better than sparkling burgundy.

[Page 15]
16.
Serving Wines.

The purpose of serving wines with meals is to whet the appetite and to bring out the flavors of foods, - thus adding to the enjoyment of foods.

Whiskey should not be served with, or before, a wine meal because this drink lessens the effect of the wines.

Red wines are served with meats, steaks, and with the main dinner.

White wines, sauternes, are served with soups or entrees (fowl, fish). This refers to dry white wines. Sweet white wines are served with desserts.

Sherry wine (a Spanish fortified wine) is served as an appetiser [sic] - before meals - and with soups. Sherry is pale, golden, or tawny in color.

Port wine (a Portuguese fortified wine) is served after meals, with cheese, fruit or coffee.

Brandies may be served before meals and after meals with coffee.

Sparkling wines (i.e., champagne) is served before, or after, meals or for

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17
Serving Wines

Celebrations. It is not used with meals. Domestic champagne is better than sparkling Burgundy.

Cordials, and liquors, are used after meals - separately -, or with cheese.

With clear soups, turtle or tomato soups, use Sherry wine.

With heavy, creamy, soups, use dry sauterne.

The best wines are served with the best parts of meals and are served progressively.

With fish, serve dry white wines (i.e. Moselle). After this, sherbert is good.

With separate dishes, serve demi-sec white wine.

With chops, steaks, or heavy meats, use red Bordeau wine.

With desserts, use sweet sauterne wine.

After meals, serve liquers [sic], or brandies.

With light meats - chops, cutlets, etc. - Sherry is good.

With the main dinner course, serve Red Burgandy, Red Bordeau, or Red Rhone.

[Page 17]
18. Serving Wines (Cont’d.)

Serving temperatures for wines.

Red wines are served at room temperature; white wines are chilled; dessert wines are more chilled; champagne is iced - bottle placed in ice before serving; brandies are used at room temperature.

Summary. Do not serve whiskey with wine meals because whiskey destroys the purpose of wines.

Cordials are drinks which are fortified but not distilled, - i.e. blackberry wine, peach brandy, apricot brandy.

Liquers [sic] are distilled cordials (not necessarily of grapes, - i.e. Creme de Menthe (peppermint), Eau de Vie.

Addressee of wine merchants.

Great Western Wine Corp. (see advertisements).

Greystone Vineyards, N.Y. (see adv.)

[Page 18]
19

[Page 19]
20.
Recipes - Cont’d.

Dry Rice - family cooking.

Cover rice with about one inch of cold, or warm, water in heavy alluminum [sic] pot. Boil for about ten minutes until water seems to disappear, using lid on pot; then let simmer slowly until water is boiled out. Stir to allow steam to escape then replace lid and let it stand until ready for serving. Simmering requires about twenty minutes. Add salt after cooking.

Above method of rice cooking is used, in general, by Philippino’s and by the Nipponese: both use heavy iron cauldrons and use about 60% water to 40% rice, by weight. The Nipponese use about 60% rice to 40% barley for Army use. (Dry barley - similar to rolled oats).

[Page 20]
21.
Farewell Dinner - Nov. 18, 1941.

S. S. President Coolidge.
(En route San Francisco to Manilla.)

1. Appetizers: California fruit cup with cherries. Chilled celery - Queen stuffed olives.
Garden Rose radishes - sliced eggs.
Italian Antipasto - sardines in tomato sauce

2. Soup. Cream of celery with tapioca.
Chilled essence of tomatoes. Consume en tasse.

3. Fish: Fried filet of English sole saute. Meuniere, Parsely, Potatoes

4. Entrees: Quarted spring chicken w/ artichokes en casserole; Mascotte; - Pork tenderloin w/ onions; saussages [sic], croutons, chipolata. - Cling Peach fritters w/ apricot sauce.

Roasts: Roast leg of milk fed veal with gravy and prunes. - Watertown gosling w/ dressing and baked apple.

Grill: (To order from charcoal burner)
Broiled surloin [sic] steak, Maitre de Hotel, minute potatoes.

5. Vegetables: Mashed potatoes; Idaho potatoes; Fresh string beans; Steamed Patina potatoes; Eggplant saute. (see page 26).

[Page 21]
[See chart on original document.]

[Page 22]
[See chart on original document.]

[Page 23]
[See chart on original document.]

[Page 24]
[See chart on original document.]

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26.
Farewell Dinner, Cont’d.
(see page 21.).

6. Salads: Four seasons; Sliced tomatoes; Dressings: French; Thousand Island; Mayonnaise; Roquefort

7. Desserts: Orange water ice; Jello; Cookies; Honey layer cake; Pecan pound cake;

8. Cheeses: Brookfield; Monterey Jack; Camembert; Saltines soda and toasted bents; wafer crackers;

Fresh fruit in season

x x x x x x x x

Other menu Combinations, from menues [sic] of S. S. President Coolidge; Enroute to Manila.

1. Cocktails: Fruit; shrimp; crabmeat.

2. Appetizers: Celery hearts; Tuna fish; Pickled white onions.

3. Soups: French onion soup au gratin. Consumme Margueritte.

(see next page).

[Page 26]
27
(cont’d from page 26)

4. Fish: Broiled King salmon w/ Anchovy butter.

5. Entrees (Main Dinner):
Roast prime ribs of steer beef;
Roast duckling with apple sauce;
Broiled lamb chops (charcoal broiler);
Roast Philadelphia capon, - cranberry sauce.

6. Vegetables: Fresh brocolli [sic]; steamed rice; Baked summer squash.

7. Salads: Cosmopolitan; Heart of lettuce.

8. Desserts: Layer cake; ice cream.

9. Cheeses: Young American; Pineapple.

10. Demi tasse.

(over).

[Page 27]
28.
Other menu combinations, (cont’d).
From S. S. President Coolidge.

1. Appetizers: Goose liver paste in aspic; Stuffed eggs; Crabmeat salad.

2. Soup: Cream of oyster

3. Fish: Fried filet of English Lemon Sole;

4. Entrees (Main Dinner):
Roast domestic duckling, - dressing, - prunes; New England boiled vegetable dinner;
Broiled lamb chops, - bacon on toast.

5. Vegetables: Glazed banana squash; sugar pear.

6. Salad: Combination.

7. Desserts: Butterscotch sundae;

8. Cheese: Fromage de Brie; Roquefort; Gorgonzola.

[Page 28]
29

[Page 29]
157. 31
A Personal Letter (Cont’d)
from Book “B”
(To: Misses Ruth and Laura Anne Hilton, Laurens, SC.) U.S.A.

For the next few days we fought to straighten and organize our line for defense while still receiving enemy fire from the front and from both flanks. During one of these short advances my Company supported the attack of part of my regiment across an open field between wooded areas. From the edge of a woods ahead of us the enemy poured machine gun fire as thick as hail on us. One of my messengers was wounded here while just a few feet behind me - all of us had to keep close to the ground. I sent him to the rear to an aid station but, a few minutes later, I noticed him close behind following me again. In answer to my inquiry, he said that he had gone back a short distance and found that his wound was not serious and that he wanted to go forward with me. Poor fellow, within a short

[Page 30]
time he received another wound about the forehead from a shell fragment. This time I made him go back for treatment. Furthermore, I saw that he was issued a medal some time later for this act of bravery. On several occasions days, while we were waiting for the French troops to come abreast of us, some of our companies were cut of from the rest of regiment by enemy troops working around and behind them. These units were able to fight their way back to supporting troops. Major Denig, commanding the 3rd Bn., 9th Infantry received a wound in this engagement and went back for hospital treatment.

The French troops on our right and left came abreast of us after a few days and a line of defense was organized at our objective. During the night of October 9th, or 10th, units of the American 36th Division

[Page 31]
159. 33
came up and relieved us.

Casualties had been heavy in my division, even among the Field Officers. It was 2nd Division policy to fill vacancies from younger officers in the division, by promotion, rather than have older officers with less experience join us. By this policy my regiment had two very young (temporary) Majors as battalion commanders, viz: Maj Yanda, age 21, and Major Day, age 23 years.

By this time the 2nd. American Division had won high respect in the eyes of our enemy. One of his communiques which we captured stated, “The American Second Division compares favorably with our Shock Troops.”

Again, about October 11th we moved to the rear for reorganization and rest. My company had suffered a goodly number of casualties in my company and I was able to reward many of my men with citations and medals, and now I received new men as replacements.

[Page 32]
Some of the replacements had never seen a machine gun and had to be trained in the use of these weapons.

All of this time the German line was being driven steadily back. It was necessary for the Allies to continue an unrelenting pressure upon their enemy to force a surrender. My division had just completed one severe test in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and was destined to participate again in the final drive of November 1st-11th, 1918.

With a few weeks rest, reorganization, and additional training, we were ordered forward to battle again. This time we relieved the American 42nd. Division, about Oct. 30th, for participation in the final campaign. Our zone of advance led from the towns of St. George and Laudres St. George northward to Mouzon on the Meause River (Between Sedain and

[Page 33]
161. 35
Stenay). We again constituted the spear-head of our Army Corps which was commanded by General Charles P. Summerall.

For the initial stage of this attack my Company was to follow in reserve, being again attached to our 3rd Battalion which was in reserve. This made my Company available, with many others, to deliver overhead fire in support of the initial attack. My firing mission lasted for three hours, from H-2 to H-1, and included probable enemy concentration areas and communication centers in his front lines and to the rear of them. Data for indirect fire, and gun positions were planned ahead of time so that when we occupied the position late on Oct. 31st we were prepared to fire. During this three-hour firing period, I fired about 40,000 rounds of ammunition. This was directed on the enemy front line until our hour of attack and then our fire was

[Page 34] lifted to targets farther to the rear.

Just as my Company was dismounting guns to join our infantry battalion, Sgt. Polman, one of my platoon Sergeants, received a stray enemy bullet through his leg and had to remain behind. In a prior engagement he was caught by enemy machine gun fire and had received sixteen bullets in the soft part of his anatomy. He was really anxious for revenge and we left him cursing his ill-luck at not being able to get revenge. He finally recuperated and joined us again in Germany.

Upon moving from our firing position along a road where we were to join the Infantry battalion, the battalion could not be found. This was just after dawn and in a fog so we were not able to see but a short distance ahead. Artillery pieces were thick around us and were delivering heavy fire in support of attacking units.

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163 37
Not being able to see troops ahead and not to get any information from the artillerymen concerning my regiment, I took my compass and led my Company forward in the zone assigned to us but in which I was unable to see any of our troops. ‘Buster Brown’, my old First Sergeant, got nervous over this situation and said, “Captain, I don’t believe any of our troops are ahead of us.” However, after advancing for ten or fifteen minutes in this zone, I caught up with our 3rd Battalion and followed it in reserve.

By this time the units of my division had become veteran units and had adopted a standard type of attack. Being assigned a narrow frontage, each Brigade attacked in column of battalions. Within regiments the battalions followed the assault battalion to a designated objective where rear battalions leap-frogged the assault battalion which then followed in reserve. Each regiment adopted a

[Page 36]
different shape sleeve patch for its personnel and each battalion had a certain color of its regimental-shaped patch. This enabled commanders to determined distinguish the regiment and the battalion of different personnel in executing passage of assault waves of one unit through another.

It was on the third of November that our turn came to take up the assault. We had to fight our way to the jump-off line for about one mile on this morning. The enemy opposing us were rear guard units protecting their main body which was retreating to positions in rear of (North) of the Meuse River. After breaking through his forward position we did not meet much resistance until we approached a large woods about mid-afternoon. From the edge of this woods, the enemy had organized a machine gun and artillery defense and fire from his position pinned

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165 39
us to the ground.

Knowing the enemy plan to delay our advance, and the difficulty of fighting through woods, my regimental commander, Col. Robt. O. Van Horn, recommended to the division commander that we be permitted to march through this woods under cover of darkness to its northern edge, about five miles away. This recommendation was approved, and there followed the famous march of the Third Brigade for a distance of about five miles through the German lines.

For this maneuver the 3rd Battalion 9th Infantry, with my machine gun company attached, composed the Advance Guard for the brigade. Maj. Yanda age 21 years, commanded the Third Battalion and Lt. Col. Milo C. Corey commanded the regimental column for the march. This was to prove the most interesting and the most exciting of my war experiences. In compliance with orders

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166.
we began forming for the march about dusk. It was evident that the enemy was observing our formation because the column of which my company was a part immediately had a heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire directed at it. Fortunately, the concentration was a few yards short but it was close enough to throw clods of dirt upon us and to expedite our movement. Upon approaching the edge of the woods along the one road available to us, we drew machine gun fire from both sides of the road. The column halted while patrols moved out to both flanks with orders to clear away the enemy machine guns. The elements favored our advance for it began to rain which helped to conceal our movements. In a short while the enemy machine guns were silence and, observing utmost silence,

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167
our advance continued. No word was spoken and no light from cigarettes was allowed - only the slush, slush of marching feet upon the wet road could be heard.

At the head of our column had been placed German speaking soldiers to deceive and intercept any enemy detachments encountered. By this method several relief detachments were captured without the necessity of firing upon them.

At a clearing a short distance within the woods, German voices were heard as coming from troops in bivouac. This proved to be a machine gun battalion. Our leading company quietly deployed along the road facing the enemy camp and opened fire upon the camp. This caused consternation and much yelling among enemy troops. During this commotion an automobile was heard

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to crank up and move hastily away. According to prisoners taken here, the automobile contained some of their officers who made haste to get away.

Near the middle of the woods we came upon a supply camp on the opposite side of the road from the troop bivouac. Teamsters could be heard talking to their teams and the rattle of wagon wheels were noisy as they moved about. Again a firing line was farmed along our route of march and fire was directed into the enemy camp. A mad scramble and noises sounds of runaway teams were heard. Soon all was over and our column moved quietly forward. Near the far edge of this woods there was an enemy aid station in operation the personnel of which were made prisoners.

Finally, at about midnight, we

[Page 41]
169. arrived at the far (North) edge of the woods. The 23rd Infantry regiment had followed my regiment to a road-fork within the woods and had moved along the fork so as to arrive at the edge of the woods on our left. Both regiments then deployed along the edge of the woods and formed a junction of lines.

While deploying, we had noticed a lighted farmhouse in an open field just ahead of us. Also, from this house there appeared to be light lamp signals being sent to units within the woods, probably to artillery units. When our units had completed deployment, a patrol was sent to surround the house and to capture the personnel therein. In carrying out its instructions the patrol surrounded the house (La Tuillerie Farms), then a few men of the patrol appeared in the doorway and demanded surrender. The enemy

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170.
were completely taken by surprise and could not believe what they saw before them. An officer in a gruff voice replied, “What do you mean, surrender.” About this time, more members of our patrol appeared at the doorway which furnished an answer to his querry [sic]. About forty prisoners, which proved to be members of a [illegible] detachment, were taken prisoners. Their weapons and other equipment were also captured.

During the remainder of the night we continued to strengthen our position. We learned at daylight that the enemy in front of us were also strengthening their defense. In our critical position, with enemy troops to our front and rear, it was not safe to send a message back unless the messenger was protected by a strong patrol.

Shortly after daylight on November 4th, my regiment, in conjunction

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171
with the 23rd Infantry, attempted to advance across the field to our front to a height ridge about one thousand yards away (overlooking Bourmont). Our advance was immediately halted by a hail of machine gun and rifle fire which literally pinned us to the ground with grazing fire. Patrols were sent out to outflank enemy detachments, and our 37mm. gun went into action from the loft of a barn at La Tueillerie Farm. Slowly, but gradually, this method of attack lessened the enemy fire. Our 37 mm. gun destroyed several enemy machine gun and their crews who had occupied a prepared position astride the road we had used during the night march.

Later during this morning, Richthoffer’s famous air circus paid us a visit with about twelve of his fancy colored planes. These planes circled the field and fired upon

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172
us for ten, or fifteen, minutes while we watched them and returned scattering fire. As far as I could judge, there were no casualties on either side from this air attack. The planes created more interest than fear from our troops. By early afternoon the enemy detachments had withdrawn, the Marine (4th) Brigade passed through our line and took up the assault, and we followed in reserve for the next few days.

Following the Marine Brigade, we leap-frogged them and again took up the assault about November 7th. It was a damp morning and the weather was chilly. This was my birthday and I have a clear recollection of a few incidents of that day. Troops of our First Division were passing diagonally across our columns in their haste to capture Sedan, that historic city on the Meuse. At a French farm-house

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173.
near Villermontre we captured a German officer and his orderly in the early morning. The family at this house were so happy to see us that they prepared a breakfast of rabbit and fried potatoes for us. I was one of those to celebrate my birthday by stopping here long enough to help eat this breakfast by a warm fire.

One of my platoons occupied the town of Villermontre about Nov. 7th and I continued with the remainder of my Company to Mouzon - on the Meuse about midway between Sedan and Stenay - in support of units of the 3rd Battalion of my regiment. We occupied this position, just across the river from German troops, until the termination of the war by the Armistice. In the stone building occupied by my headquarters, we received enemy artillery fire continuously

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from the opposite slope of the valley. Enemy snipers in Mouzon fired upon anyone of us who exposed [illegible] in our position during daylight. Our snipers also denied the enemy access to the streets during daylight; both opposing forces fired in direction of any noise made on opposite banks of the river during the nights. During the last few days preceding the Armistice, two gas sentries at the doorway of our headquarters building were wounded by enemy artillery shells causing masonry to fall upon them.

Several companies of my regiment, assisted by units of our Second Engineer Regiment, crossed the Meuse on the nights of November 9th and 10th. Many casualties were suffered during these crossings but they were made and the advance beyond the river was continued in spite of casualties.

It was at my headquarters in this ‘hot spot’ that I witnessed an act

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of heroism which won a Congressional Medal for one of our Ninth Infantrymen. The bridge which spanned the river here was known to have been damaged by the enemy, but airplane photographs showed the bridge to be still in place. The 3rd Battalion was ordered to reconnoiter this bridge and to determine if it was serviceable for troop crossing. Considering the deadly firing of the enemy here by daylight, and the fact that he posted machine guns at his end of the bridge by night, this was an extremely hazardous mission. It seemed to be certain suicide for anyone who attempted to approach the bridge. Maj. Yanda, the battalion commander, called for a volunteer patrol for this mission. Without hesitation, Corporal Van Jersel volunteered to lead such a patrol, and secured other volunteers to make up his patrol. Corporal Van Jersel came into our headquarters

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and received his orders in my presence. He appeared as cool and calm as if he were receiving orders to go on furlough. Although his features plainly showed fatigue and strain of battle, he seemed interested and anxious for this chance to do a service, though a most dangerous one, for his commander. He and some other members of his patrol spoke German which made them especially qualified for such a task. This patrol was ordered to cross the bridge under cover of darkness and to reconnoiter the enemy position in Mouzon, across the river. A report was to be made by the patrol leader of the condition of the bridge and of the strength and location of enemy troops in the town. In approaching the bridge from our side there was an open space of about one hundred yards nearest the river on which were no buildings. This

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space made the approach more hazardous.

Having received his instructions, Corporal Van Jersel formed his patrol, inspected it, and led it forward in patrol formation on both sides of the road. As he reached the river bank, a slight noise of falling dirt from the bank brought enemy machine gun fire and caused the loss of one of his men by casualty. He saw that the bridge had been blown up but it appeared to have crashed from its former position and was floating on the water below. He, therefore, lowered himself quietly to the water level and started across the floating bridge. His patrol was following close behind. As he arrived near the center of the bridge, a section of the bridge, - a prepared trap - broke loose and floated down river with him. His followers saw the situation, heard their leader

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splash into the water a short distance down stream, and returned to report the situation. They reported their leader as drowned or captured, and reported the trap in the bridge.

Within the next hour, Corporal Van Jersel returned, [illegible] wet, and made a complete report of the enemy trap. He had, by risking his life, found that the bridge was not useable as a means of crossing troops over the river. This was the main item of information desired. For this act he was recommended for, and later received the highest decoration for bravery which our army awards - The Congressional Medal.

Since dawn on November first we had been on continuous - physical and mental strain - under stress of battle. Then at about six o’clock on the morning of November the eleventh, the grand new came to us over

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our field telephone that the Armistice had been signed and that all firing would cease at eleven o’clock on that day. Words cannot express the joy we felt upon receipt of this message. For the remainder of the morning all was quiet around our headquarters. Around eleven o’clock a few men on each side of the river risked peeping out from their places of concealment for a look-around. Then, when they were not fired upon, they poked their heads farther out. Still no one fired. Finally, a few men stepped out upon the streets, still somewhat distrustful of their adversaries. These were followed by numerous others on both sides of the river and a celebration began. The Germans built a huge bon-fire on their side of the river and beckoned us to come over and join them in their celebration.

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However, our orders called for no advance beyond the line we then held, so no one went over.

A copy of the last field message which I sent to my platoon leaders is in a Field Message Book in my personnel War Record file. It reads, “The Armistice has been signed, all firing ceases at Eleven A.M. today.” Lt. Beach, now an official of a Trust Company in New York told me that he still has, and prizes, his copy of this message.

During the afternoon of Nov. 11th, we were relieved by other troops and my company marched back to Bourmont, four or five miles away, for rest. Up to this time I had not felt fatigued but was unconsciously stimulated by the excitement of battle conditions. After reaching Bourmont, where I was assigned a room with a real bed, I felt completely exhausted. When I lay down to sleep, I felt as if I could sleep for a week and enjoy it. A good night’s rest did wonders, and on the 13th I was ready for events of the day.

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181.
Immediately following the Armistice, we began preparation for marching to the Rhine River Valley in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. For my company this included turning in our Hotchkiss machine guns in exchange for Browning (American) guns. These being new weapons, my men, had to be instructed in the operation of them.

Then, about the 13th of December (1918) our long march started. Our route led through Arlon and Virton, Luxemburg, to Andernach on the Rhine, and then toward Coblercz to Bendorf. Our troops, by terms of the Armistice, were one day’s march behind the movement of the defeated German army. At some places along our route, we halted at night in billets which were vacated by German troops in the early morning of the same day. Some of these marches

[Page 54]
were long and tiresome but, for my part, my faithful steed, Dynamite, absorbed the greater part of my share of fatigue. By agreement, we could not cross the German border before December first. Having arrived at the border about November twenty third, we were required to halt for about one week along the Luxemburg - German border. At In a small town during this halt I was able to give my Company a real Thanksgiving Dinner. Since July when I took command of the Company I had carried in my purse a larger amount of Company Fund than I cared to have in my possession. There had been no prior opportunity to use it for the Company’s benefit and enjoyment. I therefore let them celebrate this holiday of ours by ordering purchasing a calf and a pig and having these animals barbecued for dinner. With this

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addition to our regular dinner we also included apple cider by local purchase. ‘Tis needless to say that all of us enjoyed this method of celebration.

On December first we crossed into Germany and continued the march to the town of Bendorf-am-Rhine which was the billetting [sic] station assigned to the Ninth Infantry. After At each day’s halt for the night in a German town, before I dismissed my Company to billets. I provided a guard for duty during the night, selected locations for placing machine guns, and announced an assembly place for the Company in case of any alarm trouble with inhabitants.

After the Second Division had settled in billeting areas, it was found that my regiment was over-crowded in Bendorf and that the town of Urbar, across the Rhine from Coblenz, was not occupied. This town was made available to my regiment and, by good fortune, to my Company. Early in 1919 I, therefore,

[Page 56]
moved to Urbar, at the foot of the German fortress of Ehrenbreitzein, and had this town for my company. Lt. James of my Company who spoke German fluently but who had joined me after the Armistice was designated as billeting officer. When he had completed placing all personnel in billets which he had arranged for them, I made an inspection to see how my personnel was provided for. I found that Lt. James had accepted hall-ways and back rooms as quarters for my enlisted men, leaving the best rooms for the inhabitants. In every case where I found this condition, I had the inhabitants to exchange places with my men. This caused tears from many of the inhabitants but, again, ‘C’est La Guerre’ - or such is the privilege of the victor in war.

{(a) see p. 186}

From Urbar the view of the Rhine Valley is beautiful. Urbar is a quiet little town on the slope of the Rhine Valley. I was the senior American officer there so I had everything as I wished it. I enjoyed

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seeing boats, including our excursion boats, sailing serenely along the river. On one occasion I took an excursion trip down up the Rhine to the famous German resort city of Wiesbaden. This trip took me by the famous rock and castle mentioned in the poem, “The Lorelei”. Wiesbaden was a fine resort city and I had a pleasant visit there. Oftimes, I rode horseback with one, or several, of my officers across the Rhine River bridge into Coblenz, and around the monument of Kaiser Wilhelm, Deinnal, at the junction of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers.

(See P. 186) (b)

Our time in the Army of Occupation was spent in further training including ceremonies, and inspections. I have an enlarged photograph of an assembly of officers and N.C.O.s of my division near Bendorf during an inspection by General Pershing. The assembly is for a speech from Gen. Pershing. I also have several enlarged photographs

[Page 58]
of my Company at Urbar, one of which shows the Rhine River in the background. (c) (See P. 187)

(a) P. 184 The Rhine River Valley is quite beautiful in many places, and is a thickly populated industrial and commercial area. Busy towns and cities lie along its course. In many places the steep banks are terraced and made into vineyards. The river itself is wide and sluggish.

(P. 185) (b) While returning from a horseback ride to Coblenz with two of my officers one day, a train passed us while as we were in a narrow space between the railroad and the steep slope of Ehrenbreitzein. My horse became frightened, began to pitch and, by a quick turn, he threw me off. To make matters serious, my left foot caught in the stirrup. Then, for about three leaps of my horse, as he ran forward, his heel missed my head by only a few inches. Fortunately,

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after a few leaps my foot was released from the stirrup and I skidded along the paved road for a short distance without painful injury. On this occasion, I was riding a Buckskin horse of my company animals.

(c) Our officers mess at Urbar was a private room in a German restaurant by the river. During mealtime, if we desired wines or beer with our meals, we pushed an electric button and a German madchen (maid) appeared from the restaurant to take our orders.

In February, 1919, I took a leave of absence and visited London. This trip was made by train to La Havre, and via Paris. I had visited Paris several times and had enjoyed its art, culture, and its famous hospitality, but had not seen London. On my short voyage across the English Channel on a small ship I met another American officer, a Capt. Ward the Quartermaster

[Page 60]
Corps, who was on his way to London. He had an aunt who managed a Red Cross Hotel for Americans in London so, at his invitation, we planned to see London together. We stopped at the hotel which was operated by my new friends aunt and found it to be very satisfactory. Besides the good fortune in finding a pleasant lodging place, his aunt, who had lived in London for some time, had some influencial [sic] friends and was very helpful in making our visit interesting and instructive. She secured passes for us to visit the Houses of Parliament (see my pass in my overseas records) and directed us to the famous Chelsea Cheese eating place, and many other interesting places. We visited London tower and saw the priceless crowns which are worn by the King and Queen on ceremonial occasions. Buckingham Palace with its famous Horse Guards, the famous cathedrals of Westminster Abbey & St. Paul’s, the museums, historic spots in the city, etc., were all very interesting.

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I shall not attempt to cover here all of the interesting things we did and saw during my seven days in London. I might cover the story by saying that we did not miss much that was worth seeing. Incidentally after I returned home I again saw Captain Ward in Spartanburg, S.C. and learned this was his home.

For the last month, or two, of our tour in the Army of Occupation, my regiment moved to Dierdorf and my company occupied the town of Giershofen - on the rim of our bridge-head area. The Treaty of Peace was being prepared and was due to be signed about JUne 28th and our move was in preparation for a farther advance into Germany in case the Germans failed to sign. About June 24th we moved out into the field making a demonstration of strength by the move - and were assigned sectors of advance. I have in my files a copy of secret orders on treatment of enemy inhabitants in case we had to move farther into Germany. We, also, picked out a town at a distance in our

[Page 62]
prospective zone of advance which we planned to reach the first day.

At Giershofen I took upon myself the dangerous task of breaking a mean horse of a vicious habit. This horse, a large black animal, was being ridden by my orderly as he followed me about on my duties. Each time we passed the stables, his horse would cease to follow my mount and would take his rider into the stable. I got disgusted with this act and one day exchanged horses with my orderly. As we passed the stables, this horse tried his stable act with me. I applied my spurs and riding crop to him with plenty of force which caused him to rear-up almost to the angle of falling backwards - this while he worked his way toward the stable on a cobblestone street. However, the more he objected to moving by the stable, the more I applied punishment to him. After a few minutes of this act, and with a

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village audience looking on, I conquered this horse and rode him back and forth by his stable until he would not even look in that direction. The orderly did not have any further trouble in riding him by the stables after this.

The Treaty of Peace was signed, as scheduled, about June 28th and we went back to our billets at Giershofen. The Second Division made immediate preparations for return to the good old U.S.A. In the meantime, I was offered an opportunity to stay with the Army of Occupation, and to attend anyone of several continental European universities, with free tuition, but I would choose to stay with the division with which I had been baptized in blood and to return to the United States. By July 15th, we were en route to New York via Brest, France. My return voyage was made on the Princess Matoika, a small ship.

Arriving at New York about August first (1919), we moved into Camp Mills

[Page 64]
(or Camp Merritt?) and delayed demobilization until the division had paraded up Broadway. This parade was made on August 11th and was a spectacular affair. Our column was made up of massed battalions and with a front of about four columns of squads abreast. We were received and applauded as heroes along the route of march.

Then came the time for demobilizing our emergency officers and enlisted men. After a few days our companies consisted of one, or two officers and about twenty enlisted men - the regular Army personnel. With this reduced personnel we were ordered to station at San Antonio, Texas, and left New York about August 15th, by a succession of troop trains for Camp Travis.

Again, along our route we were feted. The 9th Infantry had left Syracuse, N. Y. when it moved over-

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seas and was called by that city, Syracuse’s own. When our trains reached Syracuse, about six o’clock, the first morning on our travel we were greeted by long and continuous blasts of all of the cities whistles, and by the ringing of bells. Somewhat later we passed along the shores of Lake Erie. Our troop commander remarked to the conductor that the lake looked very inviting for a swim. Within the same hour, our train was on a siding and we were swimming in Lake Erie. All along our route, the Red Cross sent invitations by wire for us to stop at various stations so that they could serve us. We were near enough to the head of our column of trains to select the stations at which we wished to stop. Our selection included St. Louis, Mo. and a swim in the Y.M.C.A. pool there as arranged by the Red Cross.

After a few days of travel, we arrived at Camp Travis, Texas in winter

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uniforms and in the hottest part of August. The first order of business after detraining was to outfit our units in khaki clothing. Then a few weeks were required to settle into our peace-time home - the war time barracks of Camp Travis on the 7th Sam Houston Reservation.
Recruits were sent us here to build up the units to peace strength.

My two years of provisional appointment had expired by this time and an examination for permanent appointment was ordered. Fortunately, Lt. Col. Milo C. Corey, who had served with my regiment during the war, was a member of my examining board. Based upon my war record, he recommended that the mental examination in my case be waived. This recommendation was approved and the only part of the examination which I was required to undergo was a three hour (about 18 miles) horseback

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ride. The ride was made successfully and I thus was given a permanent appointment as First Lieutenant of Infantry. I still held the rank of temporary Captain since May 1918, but which dated back to Aug. 5, 1917.

Fort Sam Houston was a fine old Southern post and a pleasant station for duty. The climate there is about ideal for all year training. This was the station of the largest number number of troops which we had in the U.S. For summer training and field maneuvers, we moved out to Camp Bullis or to Camp Stanley (adjoining Camp Bullis), about twenty miles out of San Antonio. The civilians of San Antonio were very cordial to army personnel which condition added to the pleasure of serving there.

After completing requirements for my permanent appointment, I took a leave of absence and visited my home-folks and my fiance.

[Page 68]
Railroads were still operating under government control and I traveled to South Carolina, and return, for about one cent per mile. I somewhat expected to be married on this trip but it turned out that your mother and I arranged our wedding for the following year.

During the year which followed I was able to enjoy San Antonio hospitality. Being a bachelor, there were many social events, including ‘Coming Out Parties’ for debutantes, of in which I participated. My best girlfriend was Hazal Hutchins who lived on Kings Highway (St.) The Annual Fiesta is a big event in San Antonio, and a very colorful one. I believe one name for this fiesta is ‘The Battle of the Flowers’. It somewhat resembles, and serves the same purpose, as does the Mardi Gras does for New Orleans.

There was important history made at and around San Antonio. The famous Alamo which was defended against Mexican Forces of Santa Anna to the last man, stands first in

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historic importance. The old mission houses, some of which are connected by underground tunnels are interesting institutions of the past. (I believe the Alamo was also a mission house.)

Besides the interesting social and historic phases of this city, the surrounding country itself is of interest. This is in a land of the wide, open spaces - in the largest state in our Union. I was introduced here to the beautiful blue bottle fields and also to the also beautiful cactus blooms. There is much fertile farmland and also many square miles of desert waste in this state.

Early in July, 1920, I received my permanent appointment as Captain of Infantry dated from June 20th of the same year. About this time, I also received orders to go its school attend the Company Officers’ course at Fort Benning (Columbus, Ga.) which began in September. On about Sept 15th, therefore, I changed stations and reported to the Infantry School at Fort Benning.

[Page 70] After one month of the Infantry School course, the 29th Infantry at Fort Benning asked the school for a group of officers - one Major, four Captains and twenty Lieutenants. I was one of the four Captains to get the assignment to this school demonstration regiment. All of those who were assigned to the 29th Inf. from the School were promised that they should return to school for the next course. My first month at the school was spent chiefly in rifle marksmanship under the coaching and direction of Col. McNab. I lived during this time in a barracks which was assigned to bachelor officers.

After reporting for duty with the 29th Infantry, I was assigned to organize and command the Howitzer Company of that regiment; I believe this was the first Howitzer Company which our army had organized. This was an interesting assignment. It also included operation of the 4” mortar for chemical warfare demonstrations.

[Paragraph on the bottom of page 70 will be transcribed on the following page.]

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for the school. My two Lieutenants were Harlan N. Hartness and Lt Pendleton. Lt. Heidemeyer was later assigned to my Company - he states that I was his first Company Commander.

In the meantime, I had arranged to be married and secured a leave of absence for this purpose. The date for this big event in my life was set for December 8th (1920). My fiance planned a beautiful wedding arrangement and the ceremony went off as scheduled, at 8 o’clock on the evening of December 8th. My best man for the occasion was my cousin, Hilton Harvey. Your mother can tell you the details of the wedding. if you are interested. We spent our Honey Moon of a few days in Atlanta after which time we continued the journey to Columbus, Ga. For the remainder of my duty at Fort Benning, I lived in the city of Columbus.

While I was with the 29th Inf., polo became a popular army game. The best army horses were made available for this game in order to encourage horsemanship. I organized a 29th Inf. polo team and was captain of this team while I served with the regiment.

[Bottom of page 70]
(Bottom P. 199) Later this team played the Tourists’ team at Camden, S.C. while I was stationed in Columbia. My old team made a good showing but was beaten by superior polo mounts.

[Bottom of page 71]
In September, 1921, I again entered the Infantry School as a student and

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completed the Company Officers’ course the latter part of May of the following year. A few months before graduation I was notified by the school authorities that I was slated for duty with the National Guard upon graduation. About this time I received a personal letter from Hanford McNider who had served in the 9th Infantry, as a Captain, with me and who was then Assistant Secretary of War. He asked if he could do anything for me. Knowing that there was to be a vacancy at Columbia, S.C., for an Instructor of National Guard, I told him that I would like to get that station for my assignment. In a short time, I had another letter from him stating that the Adjutant General had consented to my going to Columbia.

About June 1, 1922, my orders arrived assigning me as Instructor of the South Carolina National Guard with station at Columbia. I, therefore,

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reported for duty at Columbia, paying official calls upon the Governor and the Adjutant General of the state in their offices. I lived first on Pendleton Street, and later with the Lowrance’s at 1700 Gervais Street.

Our first child, Roy, Jr., was born on Pendleton Street. He lived but one week, - Aug 3, to Aug. 9, 1922. The little fellow developed jaundice shortly after he arrived and, although he showed remarkable stamina, he didn’t seem to have a fair chance at life. His little body rests in Laurens Cemetery in the Easterly plot.

Ruth, you came to us to brighten our lives while we lived at 1700 Gervais Street. I was present in the room when you breathed your first breath and uttered your first sound - it was a cry. The good old Doctor McIntosh who must have weighed 300 pounds brought you into the world.

I enjoyed my the duty in my home

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state. I felt that I was among friendly home-folks and that I was being of some service to my State. When I first reported for duty there the Adjutant General was General Craig. He was latter succeeded by James C. Dozier. I was a member of the Examining Board to examine Jimmie Dozier for Federal Recognition as a Brigadier General in the National Guard.

I spent five years at Columbia, assisting and instructing the National Guard at the home stations of the various units, and continuing this work while these units were at camp each summer. There was much travel and night duty connected with this work, since the units drilled at night. During these five years, also, I spent about two weeks each year in inspecting the North Carolina infantry regiment (the 120th Inf). In this way I was able to see lots of the other Carolina. I also attended summer camps at Anniston, Ala, and Camp Johnson (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Fayetteville N.C. during this period.

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We found and made many good friends in Columbia. Wilson and Annie Kate Scott (Mr & Mrs H. W. Scott), the Wertz’s, the Sangers, and the Boardman’s were among our best civilian friends.

The then Captain & Mrs. James C. Longino were on duty with us in Columbia, he, as Instructor of the Quartermaster units of North and South Carolina. They were our closest Army friends there of your mother and me, and we had many pleasant trips and parties together. The Purdy’s, and other Army officers, also lived at Columbia with me, so we had Army social events even while on civilian duty.

In August, 1925, your mother and I took a trip via New York City to Niagra Falls. I still have pleasant memories of this trip. It included a boat trip across Lake Ontario to Toronto, Canada. Ask mother if she remembers my hiding from her in Eden’s large department store while she was shopping. There are some kodak pictures of us in our album showing Niagra Falls and Toronto.

We also took a bus trip to Hollywood beach and Miami, Fla., in 1924.

Columbia being close to my home and to your mother’s home, so we often traveled back and forth from

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and to in visiting of our families. Each Christmas time found us up-state from Columbia.

I took up the game of golf at Columbia. James Longino and I spent many afternoons on the links there. We also spent many pleasant afternoons at bridge in the Masonic Hall. Professor Wertz, Jesse Reiss, Harold Lumpkin and Frank Hart were the other regular bridge players. Another sport which I was also able to enjoy was the sport of hunting. The greatest thrill and pleasure which I ever had at this sport was at Walterboro, S.C. My good friend Heber Padgett of Walterboro arranged many excellent hunts for me including deer, duck, and bird hunting. I shall not forget him for his generosity.

After five years at Columbia, I was offered asked to continue duty there as Senior Instructor. Jimmie Dozier, the A. G., asked if I would like to continue there. However, I

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wanted to keep in closer touch with my profession by taking the advanced course at the Infantry School, and the course at the General Service School at Ft. Leavenworth Kansas. I, therefore, applied for the course at Fort Benning and was ordered there for the 1927-28 course, beginning in September.

Mother and I lived in Spencer home on 2nd Ave., in Columbia, while I attended school. Although I was kept quite busy with my school work, mother and I enjoyed the many post and city social activities. I was able to continue the sport of golf with three of my class-mates, Bill Purdy, Virgil Bell and George Kraft. It was quite an unusual occurrence in the army, but this same foursome played golf during the following year at the General Service School at Fort Leavenworth.

One of the favorite sports at Benning is the hunt with hounds. The Hunting Club there owned two packs of fine hounds and used them for fox hunts, wild cat hunts and drag hunts.

[Page 78]
I participated in several of these hunts on Sunday mornings. We usually had breakfast at the hunt club and then followed the hounds, behind the Master of the hounds in red coat and cap, for the remainder of the morning. I generally used rode my school mount, ‘Brown Boy’ who was pretty sure-footed and active.

In September 1928, I went to the General Service School at Fort Leavenworth, for as a student. The course there was strenuous and kept me busy. Ruth, you were only two years old then and I remember you in the winter snow in your new red coat. This was the coldest weather you had experienced - about 12° above zero at one time. One day an officer passed by you and your nurse and said, “Hello, Little Red Riding Hood”. Without hesitation, you replied, “Hello, Wolf.” You also made your first appearance on the stage by singing a song by yourself to the Sunday School congregation.

Mother and I saw and heard

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our first sound moving that year in Kansas City, Mo. We also bought some of the furniture, the living room suite which we now have, in Kansas City, Kansas.

With the Leavenworth course behind me, I went to duty at Fort Sam Houston. Upon reporting for duty there in August 1929, I was asked whether I preferred assignment to the 9th Infantry (my World War regiment) or to the 23rd Infantry regiment. Since I knew the C. O. of the 23rd Inf., - Col. Austin A. Parker who had been Instructor of the North Carolina National Guard while I served with the S. C. N. G. -, and did not know anyone in my old regiment, I stated my preference for the 23rd Inf. For the first year I commanded Co. “D” (M. G. Co.) and lived in the city. The following year I was made Adjutant of the regiment, and we moved into spacious and comfortable quarters in The Infantry Post. there

We enjoyed service at the Southern Post. San Antonio is so hospital and is

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a fine city. We were visited here by some of the home-folks - Ernest and Estelle Easterly, Lucy Dial and Lucile Gray. Our roomy large house gave us plenty of room for all to be comfortable. Although I was not able to do much for our visitors and still feel as if, at times, I was not even hospitable. I had received orders for a tour in Hawaii, and had this more on my mind. I hope they enjoyed their visit in spite of my seeming inhospitality. We did do some sightseeing together.

Laura Anne, it was here, at the Fort Sam Houston Hospital, that you joined our family and added more happiness to our home by your arrival. I remember you in your crib at the Ft. Sam Houston, and your white nurse, Ida, as giving us little or no trouble. You were just a little more than one year old when you began to travel.

About September August, 1931, we received orders for duty in Hawaii. This was my first foreign service duty since

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the World War. We drove through to San Francisco in November, by easy stages and took our first sea voyage together on the Transport, Republic. This was the first trip of the Republic as an Army transport and it had been remodeled into a comfortable ship.

When we were two days out of Honolulu, I received a radio stating, “Aloha, you are assigned to National Guard duty at Hilo.” We arrived, experienced the warm and cordial reception for which Honolulu is noted, and spent one week in that city before going to Hilo. Captain and Mrs. Arch Fall were especially nice to us during this stop-over. Col. & Mrs Smoot (the A. G.) were also very cordial to us at this time. They gave a dinner for us at their home and had on the table, as an arrangement, a miniature of our Transport, the Republic which was made by one of the Smoot boys. It even had smoke coming from the smoke stack - a very clever arrangement. To choose our dinner partner, we had a jigsaw puzzle to match with the partner’s. After one week here, we caught the Hualial (or the Wialale) and traveled the 200 miles to Hilo.

There was not much to our liking at Hilo, or on the big island of Hawaii. Hilo is a city of about 20,000 population, mostly orientals. There was hardly a day

[Page 82]
without rain which made for us a gloomy surrounding. The only other Army couple on this island was the Hedden’s - later relieved by the Archers - who were at the Volcano Camp. We visited the volcano and the camp often, that being about the best drive from Hilo. This camp is about 30 miles up Monoa Loa and 4000 feet higher than Hilo. On one occasion we went up to see the volcano, Haule’ Mauman in eruption. I have some photographs which I took of the eruption on this trip. The tourist hotel (Volcano House), next to the Army rest camp, has hot steam baths piped in from the volcanic steam. At some of the crevices in the ground in this area, one can light a stick from the heat coming out of the ground. The Old streams of lava on the opposite side of the island from Hilo mark former eruptions which flowed to the sea. On the few clear days around on the east side of the island,

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Mauna Loa, the snow capped peak of Mauna Loa this (14,000 feet) mountain can be seen. Mauna Kea is the other high volcanic mountain on the northern part of the island. Other places of interest which we visited are were the old prince’s palace and the deserted village on the (Kona) west opposite from Hilo coast, black sand beach and Parkers Ranch, and the deserted village. Large sugar cane plantations and many tropical fruits grow around Hilo. At one place where we lived, we had in our yard, a lime tree, a banana tree, papia trees, coconut trees, and one other tropical fruit an alligator pear tree, - all bearing. At another place at which we lived in Hilo, we had a huge alligator pear tree of wonderful fruit.

There were several pastime pleasures on this tropical isle. I was able to continue golf although many of the games were played part of the round in the rain. We visited most of the incoming ships. Several around-the-world tourists ship came to pay Hilo a visit, including the luxury liner, The Empress

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of Britain; also a big German liner. The little Army transport, the Royal T. Frank, came from Honolulu each week. We got most most of our groceries from the commissary in Honolulu via this transport.

The few white people in Hilo were very good to us. Among those were Dr. & Mrs. (Major) Orenstein, and Col. & Mrs. Spalding, Dr. & Mrs. Sorensen (Sorenson). Our next door neighbor in Hilo were from Georgetown, S. C.

Ruth, the little Wessel’s girl gave you your Aloha ring at Hilo. Do you remember losing it in the sand on the beach there? and of you finding it the next day?

For your first Christmas, Santa Claus came along with us from San Francisco. You have some kodak pictures of some of the dolls and other toys that traveled on the ships with you to Hilo.

If you remember, my saddle horse, Dixie, also went as far as Honolulu on a ship following ours. I sold him to the government there while I was in Hilo.

In August 1932, after about eight months at Hilo, I moved back to Honolulu to take up the duty of

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Instructor of National Guard in that city. I had spoken for this detail when I was assigned to Hilo, and got the assignment there as soon as a vacancy occurred. Perhaps you remember living at the Pleasanton Hotel for awhile, until we found a home near that hotel.

This change was like going back to civilization after spending some time on an isolated island. Honolulu was very much like our own cities except that it is in a tropical setting. All of us enjoyed the tour there.

Ruth, you began your school days at the Lincoln School. Do you remember riding to school each day on an army bus? You took Laura Anne to school on the bus one day and then came home and left her at school. I made haste to go for her and found her in your classroom playing with your classroom toys. The teacher was still there, and Laura Anne didn’t know that you

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had gone home without her. You were in several cute school plays and mayday celebrations. You also continued ukele [sic] and hula lessons from the Bray Troop that you started in Hilo. You learned to play this instrument, and to dance the Hawaiian dance well and you were real cute and clever with your performance at that young age.

There were many things to see and enjoy in Honolulu. For all of us, the beach at Fort DeRussey furnished the pleasant sport of swimming and sun bathing. We spent part of nearly every afternoon there. I had my regular game of golf at Fort Shafter; Capt. Fall, Capt Wood, Capt. King & I played about three times a week. I also played a few games with this foursome at the Oahu and Wialai Country Clubs, and with Capt. Paul Hudson at the Schofield course. We often bathed at Wai Kiki, and watched the bathers and tourists at that beach. We also drove around the island several times. A favorite pastime was to go to meet visitors as each ship came in. Honolulu has a way of welcoming and bidding farewell to visitors that no other city has. Beautiful

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flower lei’s are presented to visitors by their friends. These leis are made and sold near the docks where the ships anchor. Each ship was welcomed by the Royal Hawaiian Band, and transports were given the additional welcome by an army band from Schofield Barracks. The Bray Troop of Hawaiian dancers performed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel each week and mother and I often went to see them.

The flowers and tropical foliage and fruits are plentiful and beautiful in Honolulu and on Oahu. The Royal Ponciauna trees in bloom, the Hibiscus bushes, the Royal Palm trees, and other tropical flowers and plants add to the enchantment of the island. Tropical fruits are also abundant there including bananas, pineapple, papia, guavas, coconuts, etc.

The chief industries are sugar and pineapple. There are large plantations of each of these employing many Phiippine [sic] and Japanese laborers. We were able to buy and eat plenty of delicious pineapples along the roadside toward Schofield Barracks.

Ernest and Estelle Easterly paid us

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a visit in Honolulu. Our friends were especially nice to them and helped to make their visit enjoyable. The Berefords gave them and us a Luau of roast pig, poi, etc. served in typical Hawaiian style.

The Smoots, (Col. & Mrs.) the Adjutant General of Hawaii, Major & Mrs Turner, Major & Mrs Chillingsworth, Robert and Jane Witherspoon and the Goodknights were our closest island friends. Laura Anne, you remember your and Ruth’s little English bull dog, Kam. Major Turner gave Kam to us as a little puppy (English Bull).

Most of our social activities were with the army people in the city; the Fall’s, the Faris’s, the Smither’s, the Offley’s, the King’s, and others. Also the Dills, the Simons and the Hudson’s, at Schofield Barracks.

President Roosevelt visited this foreign tropical city while we were there and we were able to witness the royal reception which was accorded him. It was a wonderful spectacle which we first saw from the Punch Bowl heights. He stayed about a week and there were festivities all the while.

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My office was in the Armory building just across the street from the capitol. Since part of my work was instructing the Guard during their drills at night, I only worked in the office until one o’clock each day. This permitted us to spend the afternoon on the beach as I have mentioned.

Finally, after two pleasant years of duty here, orders came for us to return to the U. S. and for me to go to duty at Fort Sulling, Minnesota. We were to travel again on the Transport Republic which sailed on Aug. 17, 1934. The National Guard was in camp at this time. As a farewell gesture to me, Col. Smoot invited me to the camp for dinner a day or two before we sailed. While waiting in his tent for dinner, he had the band to assemble around the tent and play some of those enchanting pieces of Hawaiian music for my entertainment. These included the sad piece of ‘The Song of the Isle’, and ‘Aloha Oi.’ The officers then presented me with the

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Koa bowl which I have, a silk lei and several flower lei’s. Also, while I was in his tent, he had one of the officers make a profile sketch of me to go with the news account of my departure. This sketch and the news article is in my files at home.

I neglected to mention that I had received a promotion to the grade of Major, dating from about July 1, 1934.

Then the day arrived for us to sail. Your nurse, Hiruka (Japanese) went to the ship with you. An Army Band from Schofield and the Royal Hawaiian Band were present to bid us a fond farewell. Many other officers and their families were leaving with us, including the former Commander of the Army Air Forces of Hawaii. All four of us were heaped with many colors of leis around our necks while we listened to the bands take turns in playing enchanting parting music. For the first half hour of our leaving the harbor, we were entertained from the air by many Army and Navy

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planes which were doing honor to their departing former Commander (Navy planes joined as a mark of courtesy). These planes flew low over our ship first in groups and then in single file making an exciting spectacle. Then, following a Hawaiian tradition, we threw our leis into the sea, sailed by Diamond Head, and out to sea and homeward.

Our family was assigned two adjoining state rooms for this voyage. ‘Twas fortunate that we had plenty of space because we were to live on the ship for twenty-eight days. Mother and I occupied one cabin, and you girls used the other. This voyage was a long but pleasant one. There were many things to see and do along the way. You girls spent a few hours each day in coloring the sketches and cartoons of the ship’s news bulletins. We also spent much time on the sun-deck, and walking on the promenade deck. You also played games on the sun-deck. Movie pictures were shown nearly every night. We stopped at San Francisco for about two days, and then sailed for New York via the Panama Canal.

Our ship was late in arriving at Panama. We had planned to do some shopping there where

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foreign goods can be bought duty free. Fortunately, our troop commander radioed ahead and succeeded in having the Post Exchanges and Commissaries remain open until 11:00 P. M. - they usually closed at 5:00 PM. We arrived about 6:00 P. M. and, through a down-pour of rain, did some hasty shopping. We bought a set of Wedge-Wood Chinaware, several Oriental rugs, silks, linens and perfumes. You girls, stayed onboard ship while mother and I shopped until about 11:00 P. M. and then were guests of Major and Mrs. Walsh of the Air Corps - Maj. Walsh was a class-mate of mine at the C. & G. S. School at Ft Leavenworth in 1928-29 who had taken me on my first airplane trip there; we got last in the air and were up about an hour longer than we expected to be up. They took us to their home, to the Alibi Club, the Miramar Club, where we were introduced to the Planters Punch drink, and entertained us until about 3:00 A. M. next day.