Lieut. W.C. Lee Went
Through Last Days of Fighting Without a Scratch, But Was Gassed Just Before
Armistice Was Signed
Letters received by relatives of Lieut. William C. Lee
inform them that he passed safely through the big fight overseas. He was with
the famous 81st Division (Wildcat Division) which for the past
several months fought in Alsace, Vosges, at Verdun and the Argonne Forest. For
48 hours immediately preceding the armistice his regiment advanced in the face
of a continual fire of high explosives, gas and shrapnel without food, rest or
sleep. This division displayed the highest courage and bravery and showed themselves
the equal of any fighting men.
In writing of the last few days of the fighting and his
experiences since then Lieut. Lee says:
“As a fighting unit our division cannot be surpassed. The
way our fellows advanced in the face of a terrific fire and the bravery and
initiative they showed is remarkable. Our casualties were of course heavy for
we were on the offensive. However I came through without a scratch but was
gassed during the last hour or so. It didn’t seem serious but I suffered much
in breathing and was not able to sleep and could eat only liquids for several
days.”
He remained with his regiment in the front line trenches
until they were relieved by another regiment.
He was then transferred to a
regular army regiment which is in the Army of Occupation. After reaching German
soil he developed pneumonia and was nursed by a German woman for several days
until a chaplain moved him back to a temporary hospital for American sick which
had been established in a famous old chateau or castle in Luxemburg. There were
a number of other American officers there. For several days he hovered between
life and death being unconscious most of the time. He rallied and at the time
of his last letter stated that he expected to be with his regiment on the Rhine
by the time that letter reached home.
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