Courtesy Photo | This is a photo of Army Col. Robert Bruce McCoy from 1918 during World War I. During...... read more read more
Subscribe
From the history archives of Fort McCoy, following is a letter from Col. Robert B. McCoy to Dr. S. D. Beebe, of Sparta, Wis., in 1918 during World War I.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Headquarters 128th Infantry
In the front lines — in a concrete dug-out (by candle light), 6:45 p.m., Oct. 18, 1918
My Dear Doctor:
Through shell fire my runners brought in mail tonight to my post of command — and your long, kindly, chatty letter. You may readily perceive how welcome it is when you know that for twenty-six days I’ve been in this third battle without a bath or change of clothing; sleeping (when I can) in a dug-out or in the open (we bailed out our dug-out for three hours this a.m.), and how welcome your letter is after the killing of Arnold and Cole and the terrific losses each day.
Starting with 3,300 men and 92 officers, my strength report his morning showed 31 officers and 1,183 men. Had two Majors killed and two Captains (acting battalion commanders) wounded in last two days.
About one hundred men are evacuated daily, but my regiment broke the German main line and General Pershing three miles in the rear sent special words of commendation. I wish I could picture this scene to you now. Telephonic communication each of my three battalions; with Brigade and with Division Headquarters; also with runners. Constant calls and orders and all under shrieking shells of our own and bursting shells of the Boche.
Today I witnessed a battle in the air — seventy-five planes over our heads, with burning balloons, etc. War is hell. You become calloused. The work must go on when men fall. It is duty to put others in. But we are slowly driving them back.
The 128th took 168 prisoners day before yesterday and a few every day. Orville Arnold and Glen Cole were together and both killed by the same shell with six others and nine wounded. Bruce has gone to Corps Hq., Alex Gibbon is Lieutenant with another division. Robert is with Co. C, Ammunition Train.
I am perfectly well and surprised that I can stand the strain and hardship when others go under. I am the senior Wisconsin officer now actively on duty, tho this regiment has few Wisconsin men left. I thank you for the kindly remembrance and the spirit of your letter and trust I may return, but my time may come at any moment. Please remember me to any inquiring friends.
Very sincerely,
R. B. McCoy
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2018 15:33 |
| Story ID: | 299145 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Remembering World War I: Fort McCoy's founder sends battlefield letter home, by Scott Sturkol, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
