BY THE NUMBERS

I joined to become a soldier

In war's great game to mix;
Instead I'm only number 2,000,856.

I want the thrill of danger

For thrills are all too few,

But thrills and danger dodge, from bunk 382.

Oh, for a chance to bayonet

And bomb the beastly Hun

In shell torn trench where the numbers are One to One.

I joined to become a soldier,

An actor in life's great scene,

But they've made me a series of numbers,
A regular adding machine.

ARMISTICE ORDER TO A. E. F.

11th November, 1918.

A message from Itasca 1 to Ireland 1 transmitted to Inject 1 for compliance:-Hostilities will cease on the whole front at eleven o'clock to-day, French time. Until that hour the operation previously ordered will be pressed with vigor. At eleven hours our line will halt in place and no unit will move backward or forward. All men will cease firing and will dig in. In case the enemy does not likewise suspend fire, fire will be resumed, but no further advance be permitted. No fraternization will be allowed.

Brigade and other commanders concerned are charged with the important duty of transmitting these orders to the troops and securing their strict enforcement. Rocket or other signals may be used to notify the front line of the arrival of eleven hours.

COMMENDATIONS

G. H. Q.

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

France, February 28, 1919.

General Orders

No. 38-A

MY FELLOW SOLDIERS:

Now that your service with the American Expeditionary Forces is about to terminate, I cannot let you go without a personal word. At the call to arms, the patriotic young manhood of America eagerly responded and became the formidable army whose decisive victories testified to its efficiency and its valor. With the support of the nation firmly united to defend the cause of liberty, our army has executed the will of the people with resolute purpose. Our democracy has been tested, and the forces of autocracy have been defeated. To the glory of the citizen-soldier, our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust, and in a succession of brilliant offensives have overcome the menace to our civilization.

As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in the sum total of our achievements. Whether keeping lonely vigil in the trenches, or gallantly storming the enemy's stronghold; whether enduring monotonous drudgery in the rear, or sustaining the fighting line at the front, each has bravely and efficiently played his part. By willing sacrifice of personal rights; by cheerful endurance of hardship and privation; by vigor, strength and indomitable will, made effective by thorough organization and cordial co-operation, you inspired the war-worn Allies with new life and turned the tide of threatened defeat to overwhelming victory.

With a consecrated devotion to duty and a will to conquer, you have loyally served your country. By your exemplary conduct a standard has been established and maintained never before attained by any army. With mind and body as clean

71ST NEW YORK IN THE WORLD WAR

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and strong as the decisive blows you delivered against the foe, you are soon to return to the pursuits of peace. In leaving the scenes of your victory, may I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue to live as you have served-an honor to the principles for which you fought and to the fallen comrades you leave behind.

It is with pride in our success that I extend to you my sincere thanks for your splendid service to the army and to the nation.

Faithfully,

JOHN J. PERSHING,
Commander-in-Chief.

OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM GENERAL PERSHING

(Dated October 19, 1918)

Commanding General, 27th Division:

The following repeated for your information quote number 160603. The commander-in-chief desires you to convey to the officers and soldiers of your corps his appreciation of the magnificent qualities which have enabled them, against powerful resistance, to advance more than ten miles and to take more than six thousand prisoners since September twenty-seventh.

OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, K.T.,
G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E.

FIELD MARSHAL, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

(Dated October 20, 1918)

"General Read, II American Corps. I wish to express to you personally and to all the officers and men serving under you my warm appreciation of the very valuable and gallant services rendered by you, throughout the recent operations with the 4th British Army. Called upon to attack positions of great strength held by a determined enemy all ranks of the 27th and 30th American Divisions, under your command, displayed an energy, courage and determination in attack which proved irresistible. It does not need me to tell you that in the heavy fighting of the

past three weeks you have earned the lasting esteem and admiration of your British Comrades in arms whose success you have so nobly shared."

D. HAIG.

OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM GENERAL H. L. RAWLINSON, COMMANDER OF THE FOURTH BRITISH ARMY

II AMERICAN CORPS:

Now that the American Corps has come out of the line for a well-earned period of rest and training, I desire to place on record my appreciation of the great gallantry and the fine soldierly spirit they have displayed throughout the recent hard fighting.

The breaking of the great Hindenburg system of defense, coupled with the captures of Grandcourt, Busigny and St. Souplet, and finally the forcing the passages of the LeSelle, constitute a series of victories of which each officer, N. C. O. and man have every reason to feel proud.

The Corps has been very well supported by the Artillery of the Australian Corps, to whom I desire to offer my best thanks for their skill and endurance during the long months they have now been in action.

The efficiency with which the staff work of the Corps has been carried out on this their first experience as a fighting Corps in the line of battle has filled me with admiration, and I attribute it largely to the zeal and unity of purpose which has throughout animated the whole Corps.

The outstanding feature of their recent victories has been the surprising gallantry and self-sacrifice of the regimental officers and men. I congratulate them on their prowess and offer them one and all my warmest thanks for the leading part they have taken in the recent operations.

It is possible now to give the Corps a period of rest, during which special attention should be paid to the training of the smaller units in minor tactics, such as the attack of strong points and machine gun nests. The experience they have had of actual combat will assist them to improve their fighting efficiency in this respect.

In thanking the Corps as a whole for the great services they