We have no shelter except a bank behind which we all took refuge this evening when they shelled us heavily. I shook for the rest of the night.

On October 8, 1918, as Grant Willard and his comrades were evacuating the wounded from the fighting, a Tennessee soldier named Alvin C. York (1887–1964) and thirteen others were ordered to infiltrate behind the German lines to take out a nest of machine guns hindering the American advance. Most of his party was killed by the Germans. Armed only with a rifle and pistol, York managed to take 32 machine guns, kill 28 German soldiers and capture 132 others. Due to his bravery he became one of the most decorated American soldiers in World War I.


Sunday, October 13, 1918:

The Argonne is a hilly place.
This sign says: "Brakes! Rider: Step!"

Went on post in the woods with Johnnie as an aide. McEnnis and Al LaFleur drove the other two cars. We relieved Soles and Titchner. This post is in the Bois de Cornay overlooking Cornay and Marcq. Just north of Marcq there is heavy fighting going on and our dressing station is right in the center of much artillery. We have no shelter except a bank behind which we all took refuge about 9 P.M. this evening when they shelled us heavily. I shook for the rest of the night. No too much work up here. Had rather be very busy than idle in such a place.

Monday, October 14:

A wild rumor came out last night that all artillery would stop at 4 o’clock this morning and an armistice granted. At five minutes to 4 according to Johnny’s watch, a most terrific allied barrage broke lose. Wow, what a racket! It continued all through the day and we worked like sin all through the day. 

Our hospital is now one left by the Boche. Never a more complete outfit. Dugouts way back in the hill big enough for hundreds of patients. Good building and officers’ quarters, shower baths, tubs and good beds. The place, apparently, was left in a hurry as there was much medicine and bandages. Their bandages are paper -- absorbent paper. We have carried many American patients who had been captured by the Boche in their counter attacks, dressed by their doctors and then left behind when they were forced back. All report the best of treatment while in their hands and their wounds were well dressed. 

Many prisoners are coming in continually -- mostly old men and a good share are from [Württemberg] with their “Furchtlos und trew" (Fearless and loyal) insignia on their belts. Many, many souvenirs are being collected. Everything -- firearms, flashlights, helmets, gas masks, posters and signs of all kinds. Half our equipment is Boche.

Today the French troops entered the outskirts of Grandpré. The Americans are fighting for St. Juvin and Landres. If Vouziers is in French hands we will soon flank Grandpré. The Americans are surely meeting stiff resistance on this front and although they are slowly progressing they are losing heavily from Boche machine gun fire.

We were relieved tonight and were more than grateful for same.

Stayed in bed all day. Not feeling well. We all have bad colds. Still raining.