The Cherokee Times (Semi-Weekly)
Cherokee, Cherokee, Iowa
July 18, 1919

PRAISES SERVICE OF LYLE BARNES
DIVISION COMMANDER PRAISED HEROISM OF QUIMBY HERO WHO GAVE LIFE TO SERVICE
GRANDMOTHER GETS LETTER

Original Letter Written July 25, 1918, Transmitted to Mrs Kate Knight by Company Officer.
Mrs. Kate Knight of Quimby, grandmother of the Lyle Barnes, who gave his life ot service of the flag in France and who was several times cited for bravery, has received an official letter written July 25, 1918, in which the division commander generously praises the heroism of Private Barnes as "worthy of the highest commendation."
The letter is transmitted by Carl Kringel of Atlantic, Iowa, company clerk of M company, whose letter as well as the official citation has been made part of the war records of the Cherokee county compiled by County Recorder John W. Stevens.

The letters are as follows:
Atlantic, Iowa, June 27, --Mrs. Kate Knight, Quimby, Iowa: -- I am enclosing a letter of commendation from the division commander, 42nd division, to your grandson, Lyle W. Barnes, who I understand has deceased of wounds received in action. This letter was never delivered to Barnes for the reason that he was absent in the hospital at the time of its receipt at our compny headquarters. I was company clerk of company M at the time this was received and I filed it with others of like nature, for delivery at the earliest opportunity. Upon demobilization i took personal charge of these and am taking this opportunity of fowarding it to you, with my kindest regards, and assurances of my deepest sympathy. Barney (as we called him) was a boy whom everybody knew and liked, and if ever a man was deserving of commendation, he was, for he proved himself at all times a good soldier.
The instance referred to in the enclosed letter occurred on the Champaign front when our division was thrown in in defence of Suippes and Chalons, and where we were subjected to the most intense and concentrated artillery bombardment of the war. This was only one of many times when Barnes proved himself a brave and fearless soldier. We all honor his memory.
Sincerely yours,
Carl Kringel

American Expeditionary Forces, July 25, 1918--
From: Asst. Division Adjutant, 42nd Division
To: Pvt. Lyle W. Barnes, Co. M, 168th Inf. (through Military channels),
Subject: Commendation
I am directed by the division commander to inform you that your conduct on the occasion of the bombardment northeast of Suippes July 15, 1918, when you carried messages to your platoon headquarters, being wounded traveling down a shelled boyau but continuing and delivering the message intrusted to you, has been brought to his personal attention and he considers your performance of duty on this occasion worthy of the highest commendation. He regards your actions in the face of the enemy, gallant, and an example to your comrades in arms and characteristic of that splendid standard upon which the traditions of our military establishment are founded.
James E. Thomas, Captain, N.G. Adjutant General.
Hq. 168th Inf, A.E.F. Aug. 6, 1918.
1st Ind.
Pvt. Lyle W. Barnes, Co. M, 168th Inf. (Through C.O. Co.M, 168th Inf)
OGM PIV

--
Funeral of Wreck Victim
Rev. W. J. Turner went Primghar Wednesday to a**e*d the funeral of Rev. Kennedy, pastor of the Congregational church at Gaza, who was one of the five victims of the collision of an auto and an Illinois Central work train. People of Gaza and vicinity have come generously to the aid of Mrs. Kennedy and family and have raised a fund of several thousand dollars for them.

[transcribed by C.M., August 2003]