Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 303, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 December 1917 — “No Man’s Land.” [ARTICLE]

“No Man’s Land.”

December 10, 1917. At The Front. Dear Editor:— Somewhere in France where the cannons roar and the trenches hold their fill, the sons of Indiana will soon be fighting both day and night over—“No Man’s Land,” A desolate stretch, seared and bare, Bleak as any desert land, Shell-pits, oraters, here and there; The place that’s called “No Man’s Land.” Between the trenches, dark and grim, Looms this awful place of death— Here has roared the battle’s din; Here some fallen hero rests. Yon heap of stones so faintly seen, Once a village, fair and sweet, The blasted stumps by rockets glare, A tree where lovers used to meet. Tangled wire snares, barbed and sharp, Traps of death, for men they are, Cover the spot, the chateau’s old park, Once of beauty, now a scar. Where the ghosts of men stalk at night, . Across the narrow desolate land, Their bones gleam white in the star shell’s light; This place called “No Man s Land. Don’t forget the sons in France, for a little news and a paper sometimes will make their new year a jappier '"one. For somewhere m France, when this broil is over and the War Gods have grown still and peace again reigns, these boys will return home. I have heard from Fred many times and hope to see him in Paris on Christmas day. I am very anxious to see someone from home, and the meeting of Fred and I w-11 be a happy one, although we will not be together long, for he will return to the trenches and Ito the aviation field. Then to tha front again as fighting men, over “No Man’s Land’ and on to Berlin, all for the sake of Old Glory and the folks at home. Wishing you all well, permit me to remain, Very respectfully yourt, SAMUEL DUVALL.