World War One Journal
Brett McConnell
April 25, 1920
Today was terrible. The United States has been involved in the world war. Because there are not many soldiers to fight, the country is going to draft soldiers to fight. Any able bodied man is required to apply to the war. I sent in my papers today. I hope that I will not have to be drafted to the war.
May 28, 1920
I got my response to the draft letter I sent in...
I will be fighting for the United States in this war. I have to go to a military camp to train and prepare to fight.
December 13, 1921
I have now been in the military training camp for a few weeks. It is miserable here. They feed us little and make us work hard. I miss my family at home, my wife and kids. A recent letter from my wife explains their situation. Because I no longer am earning an income, they are tight on money. John, 14, has started to grow, and my wife cannot afford to buy him new clothes. She attempts to mend and make them fit. But that can only work for so long.
I dread going out to fight. I'd rather stay here at the camp than be sent out to fight. I need to be home providing for my family, but am unable to do so. I sit here, failing my role as a father. I am expected to provide for my family, but cannot do so. I have to sit back and watch them struggle, and can do nothing about it.
January 24, 1922
I have been sent to fight in Germany. I arrived here last week. I was wrong before, nothing can be worse than this. I can the to realization that I am here to serve for my country, and honor I owe. But I still wish that I could be home, providing for my family. To be there with Alice, John and Darcy. I pray for their safety, and hope they are praying for mine.
I have been positioned in a bunker facing the enemy grounds. Fortunately we have yet been put on attack. Neither have we been attacked, or sent out attacks. All is well, for now.
February 4, 1922
We recently received our first threat. The Germans attacked us. No air attacks, just guns. I am lucky to have survived. I did not fight in the front row. I watched several other soldiers die. Many of which I had begun to have a liking for. Still glad it is not I.
The bunkers are getting worse and worse. I can't bare to live like this much longer. I try to refuse the cigarettes but the minimal food makes it hard. The conditions are horrendous.
I received more news from home. Darcy was asked on her first date. I am angry because I was not there to see this. I could not meet him or see her off. I always wished to be with her at this moment. I even missed her 17th birthday. Another event I wish I could have attended.
February 23, 1922
I got a letter from my wife today. Asking my permission for a divorce. She says she needs to find someone who can support her and my family. Of course I signed the papers, reluctantly. I need to be sure my family is taken care of. At this point I don’t even know if I will even live to go back to the states.
February 25, 1992
Yesterday was terrible. The German troops set fire to the plains we are hiding in. Their efforts were unsuccessful, as we put the fires out. But the threat was unexpected. Some soldiers burned with the fire, but not nearly as many as our previous attack.
March 17, 1922
I have chosen to fight in the front line today as we go out. I realize my only duty now is to protect my country. Knowing I have nothing to go “home” to.
NA. "A CHRONOLOGY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MILITARY SERVICE From WWI through WWII." Integration of the Armed Forces. NA, 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2009. http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/integrate/welcome.html
Answers.com. Wiki Answers, 2008. Web. 15 Dec. 2009.
Answers.com. Wiki Answers, 2008. Web. 15 Dec. 2009.
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