WWI Experience of Cpl. W. R. Cox

In this World War I account, W.R. Cox describes his first-hand experience of the war.  During 23 days at the front, he describes "hellish shellfire" and "thrilling experiences" where many of his comrades fought and died for the cause of liberty.

This document comes from a collection of "Personal War Experiences" that WWI servicemen were asked to write after their return from the front during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The men were personnel of the 36th Division – known as the Lone Star Division, formed from the Texas and Oklahoma National Guard – of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

Transcript

I went up to the firing lines on the 6th of Oct. and during my stay of twenty three days under that hellish shellfire, I had some very thrilling experiences.

I saw scores of men, my Comrades, fight and die for the cause of Liberty and it was surprising to see how willingly they suffered death.

There is no words which will thoroughly explain that feeling or sensation which we all had to contend with while amidst the bursting shells and the pitiful cries of our wounded soldiers, and in order to make my story brief, I will conclude by saying the following. I feel confident, that if every living human being on earth could spend a few hours under a heavy barrage fire and could witness the barbarious sight on the battle fields, it would mean Peace and Good will on Earth forever.

Corbl. W. R. Cox
Hq. Co. 132 M.G.B.N.A.E.F