"...I am just back from the front in a hospital. Had [poison]. All OK now and expect to [be] back on the front soon...So far it has been quite ann experience for us. I have rode in cattle boats, box cars, trucks, and walked from place to place...I lost my chum a few days ago. A shell hit him while he stood with his hand on my shoulder in a trench...I sure miss my friend. War is hell...."