American aviators were among the first from the United States to do
their part in the great war. There were a great many things that the
French could tell our boys, and the men of the two countries coöperated
in this as well as many other branches of the service.]
“Before long our turn for the trenches will come. Most of the fellows
are wishing for the time to come. At least that is what they say. I
am dreading it. I am in earnest when I say that my life is of little
value, even to myself. Yet I fear the trenches. Yesterday evening
transports of wounded soldiers came past us repeatedly. Hearing the
wailing and the groaning, seeing all the bloodiness made me sick....
The fear of the front suddenly overtook me. I violently reproached
myself for having been so stupid as to enlist. There I was in the midst
of this insane murder! And by my own free will!”