Grant is made sergeant

While stationed in the Auto-Parc in Nancy, Grant and two comrades get promotions.

Monday, November 18, 1918:

The dope today is that we and 649 are attached to the 10th French Army now moving north to make triumphal entry into Metz in a day or two. We are busy washing and repairing our cars. The Parc is too busy so we are doing the work ourselves. I surely hope we get into Metz soon.

Wednesday, November 20:

Sgt. Jackson left us today to receive a 1st Lieutenancy in transportation. This leaves us with one [non-com] (Corp. Carey). We don’t expect McCrackin back. Wonder who will be our [non-coms]. Jack Swain, the logical man to be top-sergeant, refuses to consider taking the job. Pop Carey will never rise higher than a corporal.

Philippe Pétain receiving his marshal baton from French President Raymond Poincaré
and Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, in Metz.

The 10th Army entered Metz yesterday without us. Haven’t they got their nerve? Marshall Pétain led them in the celebration. I’m beginning to believe that we are to remain on this side of the line for a time yet and then sent back to the States. I don’t see what good the S.S.U.s can do in this occupation. Would like to go into Germany, but had much rather go home.


Thursday, November 21:

Today Lt. Smith, who has just returned from Paris, called Snader, Swain and myself together and made sergeants out of us. His original plan was to have Snader take charge of rations an general food supplies; Swain to look after the men, details, sending out of cars, etc. and me to look after cars, garage supplies etc. Jack balked on his job and in order to keep peace and get Jack to take anything at all he and I traded jobs. Mine is sure a stiff one. None of us are to draw sergeants’ pay because headquarters won’t O.K. any sergeants from Base Camp. We are merely taking these jobs to save the section from the disaster of Base Camp Sergeants.

Friday, November 22:

Haven’t fought with anyone yet over my new job. The fellows are perfectly wonderful about it. I’m sure we are going to have no trouble. Our Lieut., Jack Kendrick and McGuire went into Metz today and report a beautiful city with plenty of food and tobacco. Mac brought back many Boche spiked officer’s helmets.

Saturday, November 23:

Nothing new. Find my hands pretty full with my new job. The first big blow came today in an order from Headquarters to send to Base Camp 3 buck-privates and 2 1st class privates. A hurried meeting of the board of sergeants was called and we had a long session. We agreed pretty well on our privates, but our 1st class privates varied widely in one case. Stanley Prochaska just joined us from Base Camp. He was unanimously agreed upon for one of the 1st class. Byerly was finally picked for the second. For the bucks -- Morton, Womack and Suska were selected -- all men, with the exception of Byerly, who have recently joined us. We surely hate to send them off as badly as they hate to leave.