WWI Post Card





Recently, a former student of mine found a WWI post card in a pile of thrift store papers.  The letter was written from Pvt. Elsworth Sterling to his father (William Sterling) of Smithfield, West Virginia.  It is a poignant reminder of the humanity of war, the love of a son toward his father, and the reality that Elsworth and thousands of others like him made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during WWI...

 

 

Through some research, I found that Pvt. Sterling belonged to Company A of the 145th Infantry.  He died of wounds suffered on October 4, 1918 (most likely during the Battle of the Argonne Forrest) five weeks after he wrote this short (and probably last) note to his father. 

 

 



 Here is my best attempt at transcribing this post card...

 

Aug. 25th, 1918

 

Dear Father,

 

I'll drop you a card to let you know I am well and getting along fine.  Received your letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear from you and to know you are as well.  And hope this finds you as it finds me.

 

Sincerely

 

 

 



Argonne Forest, Argonne Forest,
Soon thou wilt be a quiet cemetery.
In thy cool earth rests —
So much gallant soldiers' blood.