Log Cabin Memorial - Veterans 314th Infantry Regiment A.E.F.


February 9, 1919 Letter to Mrs. David T. Smith
written by James F. Lennon, Company E
about David T. Smith, Corporal, Company E, KIA September 1918

David Smith letter February 9 1919 on Red Cross Stationary from James Lennon - page 1
 
David Smith letter February 9 1919 on Red Cross Stationary from James Lennon - page 2
 
David Smith letter February 9 1919 on Red Cross Stationary from James Lennon - page 3
 
Feb 9th, 1919
 
Dear Mrs. Smith,
 
I received your letter last evening & am answering right away.
 
Now in regards to your husband David I knew him very well as we palled together quite a bit & in all our hikes in camping on the outside we always managed to bunk together & a more popular boy could not be found in the Company than Dave as he was liked by everyone.
 
And now in regards to his death it is very hard for me to say it but I am forced to admit it is true as I seen him killed with my own eyes.
 
It was on the 26th of Sep when the 79th Division went into real action with the 314th Inf leading the attack & at the same time suffering many casualties as leader & it was on the 27th while there was a short lull in the fighting that I sat down with David & about other boys for a short rest & we were not sitting there 5 minutes when David was killed instantly by a bullet from a Germans snipers rifle.
 
Now the bullet hit him in the right temple & he died instantly & without any pain.
 
Now it was near (Mountfaucon France) where he was killed & as most of the boys that were killed while we were taking that town over buried there I imagine David is also there.
 
Now Mrs. Smith I extend to you my deepest sympathy in your deep sorrow & although it was very hard for you I hope you will find consolation in knowing that David death was instantaneous & that he did not suffer any pain & that he has died a very brave hero.
 
So now in closing if I can be of any more assistance to you in searching for David I will be only too glad to hear from you.
 
So again, extending my deepest sympathy, I remain,
 
James F. Lennon
5131 Westminster Ave
Phila Pa

 

 
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