World War I Letters from Abroad

 June 1918

The Humboldt Republican
Humboldt, Iowa
7 June 1918
Page 1

Letter from George Zebrosky.

     France, May 3, 1918 -- Dear sister:  Received your letter and the cigaretts, and was certainly glad to get them.  They are not doing me much good at present for I am in the hospital with a few slight wounds, but they are very slight.  It happened the 24th of April, and I am up and able to get around now, so do not worry about me.  You had better write and tell father about it, so if he has heard about it he will not worry any.  Say sister, dear, I hope when I get back to my outfit that the candy you sent will be waiting for me.
     I am at base hospital thirty-four at present, but I will be with my company when you receive this, so write me at the old address.
     Will try and write more in my next letter, so will say goodbye now.
     From your brother, Corporal Geo. Zebrosky, 1st Division American Train Motor Battalion, Truck No. 1, A. E. F. via New York, France.


 

The Humboldt Republican
Humboldt, Iowa
28 June 1918
Page 1

Letter From Delmar Olson.

     Somewhere in France, May, 1918
Dear Mother:  Well, the feat that you dreaded has at last been accomplished, and without a mishap -- in fact a very uneventful trip to say the least.
     I have finally achieved one part of the big ambition, that is going to France, and I hope to say the same in regard to the other -- seeing service where I can be of the most service to my country and can get in a few personal licks against that fiendish individual known as Kaiser Bill.
     Our trip was very pleasant and we had very fine weather with perhaps the exception of a few days when everything was rough.
     As far as I can see there is little or no danger attached to coming over here.
     I presume that you have received the card that I mailed to you at the port of embarkation which was to have been mailed as soon as the ship arrived safely in port.
     While I never prided myself on being a very good sailor yet I was not sick, with the exception of a slight head ache which was far from disabling.
     I found to my surprise that the old organization to which I belonged while stationed at Fort Riley, was on board, and I had the fun of enjoying the renewal of old friendships.  Needless to say, a number of them "fed the fishes."  I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was not sick.
     Well, mother, please don't worry about me for I am feeling fine and my chances of returning are just as good as the next man's, and if I couldn't why, the cause is worth it.  It only remains for one to think a little bit and the mirage gradually clears up so as to leave the future and ultimate end of the war clear and concise.  The United States never fell down on anything yet, and the spirit of the boys plainly shows what is going to happen to the sauer kraut eaters.  They are going to be backed clear off the map.
     I have not been ashore yet, but expect to soon.  I have no doubt that, judging from what I have already seen, that we will meet many interesting and novel things.
     Well, mother dear, I will write three times a week and you do the same, and then you will hear all about me and I will know what transpires at home.  Lovingly, Delmar.
     Address me:  Sgt. Delmar A. Olson, Med. Dept. 10th Bn 20th Engrs N. A. American E. F. Via N. Y.