Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 222, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1918 — SCOTT HILLIARD RECHIVES LETTER FROM SAM DUVALL [ARTICLE]

SCOTT HILLIARD RECHIVES LETTER FROM SAM DUVALL

i».r.r^ 4 £Sfs: '—‘ *•• ““• ®°Si®B£ S®l VWrW!!«S teen days and advanced our lines nearly thirty miles, so, perhaps you can form some idea froip-that as -to the nature of what we just went through. The ground is covered with dead hdrs'es, smashed airplanes, autos, wagons, guns and everything -in: tire wayyot ammunition, provisions, etc. If I had a wagon d would toad it up with Boche helmets and anything you might ask for, but that is impossible, so I have gathered a few different articles I will send before many day a Enclosed in this letter is a piece of Boche airplane wing. The explanation Is this: tovery time a bullet or piece of shrapnel , goes through a German airplane's wings it’s a custom tor them to put a little patch over the hole with an iron cross painted upon ft and also paint the date upon the wing, so if you will notice I have cut a piece with records of a battle the first pt J ply. I also have a picture of what was left of his machine and also himself. He was fried fit for a king’s taste and I pulled bls head off and put it up pn a gun so we could gel a better picture of his good looking teeth and profile. When I get my pictures developed I’ll send you a few of such scenery. I sent you a great many other things that you have never mentioned receiving. I have the helmet of the German I caught and some, other things I took off of him. ' I have an officer’s helmet,.a saw bayonet they use, and belts, buckles, canteens, etc., that I’ll try and send you when 1 go home on my next permission. If 1 can’t send these articles I will keep them and send them to -you by Laura (my wife) when she goes to America this coming winter to see my mother and father. I was very, glad to hear from you and I only wish that I could send you more for I could pack that window full. Best regards, and write - again some time. SAM DUVALL.