Howard Potter

Camp Devens, Massachusetts  

Camp Library   22 April 1919

Dear Mrs. Cole:

Received your letter some days ago and have neglected to answer on account of being away part of the time and being busy here at the camp the rest of the time.

Today was a big day at Camp Devens as you will notice by the enclosed clipping. Heard auto drivers from Boston say it was the largest crowd Camp Devens has ever had.

Was pleased to be decorated at this time, but the ordeal of standing in the hot sun for a couple of hours “at attention” was rather strenuous.

The ceremony was very impressive - battle ribbons were placed on each of the regimental colors of the 26thDivision. The officers and men who were decorated stood immediately in front of the flags – with the divisional band of hundreds of pieces at our right. A very impressive incident was the pinning of a Medal of Honor on the father of a young hero who was killed in France.

I’ve also enclosed a short history of the 26th Division.

The conduct for which I received the Croix de Quere (sic) with gold star (Corps citation) was for taking a machine gun position during last days of war in Argonne.

Received a citation over the name of General Hole, commanding 26th, for leading a patrol that took 3 prisoners which I think a great deal of. It is in a sort of book form and such that it can be framed easily.

Was also cited in General Orders 22 – par, 10., 26th Div., and am proud of this citation because it has Major or Lt. Colonel Lewis’ name in the paragraph with a number of other officers and enlisted men are cited in this order for conduct during the Argonne – Mense (sic) offensive. All in all I feel I have more than I deserve.

Don’t think we will go to Camp Grant – in all probability we will be mustered out right here – about May 1st.

You spoke of publishing the letter I wrote when we landed. I do not like to have the letter published – and believe I have good reasons. If you publish any thing about the decoration do not use my words. Looks to much as if a fellow was looking for cheap advertising. I don’t like to read the stuff about others, especially some of the stories and letters in second and some first class magazines.

Must close. Ever sincerely.  Howard Potter 1st Lt.  104th Inf. (sic)