Mr. and Mrs. Frank Metzker of this county have two sons in France, Harrison and George. We are permitted to quote as follows from letters received recently from the boys: On active service with the American Expeditionary Forces.September 6, 1918.
Dear Folks,
I will write a few lines, but it won't be much, as it is getting dark and I go up toward the front at that time. We have been working at night, so we are off days. I do not like it very well for you can't have any lights. I am here at the Y. M. C. A. on my road up. I got a letter from you a couple of days ago, also one from Nerva and Mabel. Tell Nerva I got her picture O. K.
I am back here at the same front where we were five months ago and where we saw some hot times, and I expect to see some more before long, but I don't care, as I guess that is what it takes to finish. I haven't located Harrison's division yet, but have been here only a few days. I see by the paper that Lewis Carter got killed. He had hardly got started in the war.
Well, I have to go. Will write more in a few days.
Cpl. Geo. C. Metzker,
Battery D, 5th Field Artillery, A. E. F., via New York.
September 8, 1918
Dear Mother,
This is Sunday and I have sure enjoyed it. Was on guard last night, so I have put in today sleeping and answering letters. We have just had our supper and are going to church in a few moments, so will have to make this letter rather short. Was up at the front for three weeks. I liked it up there as there is only one thing to do - you probably know what that was. We were close enough to hear the Germans talking. This is as close as I want to be. They say there was a big write up in the papers about this regiment. We are wearing a sunflower chevron on our left sleeve. You know that this is the All Kansas regiment.
Well, I am doing fine. There is so much to tell that I can't think of much that I am allowed to tell. This town where we are now is smaller than Coldwater, but it sure is a lively one now.
Well I am just back from church. It sure was fine. The whole battalion was there. It was held in a woods below town. The regiment band was there and the officers all took part. I am writing this on my mess kit by candle light and my partner wants to go to bed, so I will cut this letter short. I will have to drill tomorrow, so had better get some sleep. I got a letter from George. I was sure glad to know that he was all right. He thinks like I do - that we will be home by spring. Don't wait for a letter from me. Tell everyone to write every time that they have a chance.
Well, I must close, your son,
WILLIAM H. METZKER,
Co. L. 353rd Inf. A. P. O. 761, A. E. F.
Lucy (Allen) Metzker and Frank Leighton Metzker
Photo courtesy of Rhonda (Cline) Nickel.
At left: Harrison Metzker, American Expeditionary Forces, 89th Division as a member of Co. L. 353rd Infantry, the A1 1-Kansas Regiment.
HARRISON METZKER MEMORIAL SERVICES.
-- The Western Star, March 21 and March 28, 1919.Minerva Frances (Metzker) Cline, sister of Harrison and George Metzker.
Lula Agnes (Metzker) Gregg, sister of Harrison and George Metzker.
Robert Edwin Metzker, brother of Harrison and George Metzker.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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