Not feeling very well these days. Am losing pep and have no appetite.

The first major battle fought by the U.S. Army during the First World War was over. Despite days of driving wind and rain that turned the roads into a muddy mess, the Americans reached most of their objectives within 36 hours. In the process, they killed 2,000 and wounded 5,500 German soldiers; and took 13,000 others prisoner. The Americans suffered 7,000 causalities.

With the success of the St. Mihiel Offensive, the U.S. Army was withdrawn by Marshal Foch and repositioned to the northwest in order to play a decisive role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive later that September.

As for Grant Willard, he and SSU 647 would be repositioned, as well, but a strange malady was overtaking Grant.

Wednesday, September 18, 1918:

Another advance last night. Pagny[-sur-Moselle] is now definitely in our hands. The boys did the job with comparatively little loss after a heavy barrage of an hour and a half. Since we have been up here (Aug. 16) we have only carried 900 patients out of the 82nd division. This is very light work when their task and accomplishment is taken into consideration--but of course the killed do not appear on our records.

Some of the 82nd is being relieved tonight and the rest will come out tomorrow night being replaced by French troops. The old 69th is in and we have seen some of the boys who knew us both of the French and the Americans in old S.S.U. 1. They are down from Soissons where they have taken life easy so they say.

There’s a great difference of opinion among the boys. Some think we will go to Verdun for the big American fall push on Metz. Some are betting on the Reims sector. Others favor going back near Paris for a rest. I personally don’t favor a rest for and troops still able to walk on two legs when the thing is so nearly finished. Let’s get it over with next spring! We are tired, but if the infantry can stand another push we certainly can.

Wonderful night for bombers.


Thursday, September 19, 1918:

Expect to leave Millery in another two or three days. Nothing more definite as to where we will go. McEnnis, Luykx, Stender, Titchner, Chapman and self went to Toul this A.M. to return our piano which, unfortunately, we haven’t had time to use enough to make it worth while. Returned by way of Nancy. Many troops and much ammunition on the roads. We were paid today at last.

Not feeling very well these days. Am losing pep and have no appetite. Gosh, how I wish we could all get out and go back for a good rest.