The Diaries of Michael
The Diaries of Michael
July 1, 1917
We have just arrived in France to begin our training. My name is Michael. I am twenty years old, and I have enlisted to fight in the Great War. I have enlisted with my classmates, which I have known for many years. My classmates and I have been assigned to the American Expeditionary Force, or as most people here call it, the AEF. During orientation, we have met the commander of the AEF. His name is General John J. Pershing, and he seems like a nice person.
July 8, 1917
Our training is almost completed. Training is hard, for there are many strenuous activities, little rest, and hardly any food. The worst types of activities involve the mud; I’m sure you can imagine how horrible they are. After each day, we are required to clean our uniforms and make our beds. If we do not conform to strict rules, we are severely punished.
July 25, 1917
We have completed training, and were shipped to the front. When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was the overwhelming sound of bombs hitting the ground, and shells being fired. Although it is unsaid, many of us, including me, happen to be afraid of war.
July 31, 1917
A major battle has begun. I have witnessed many of my friends die, either from getting shot, or inhaling the deadly gas. I overheard General Pershing talking with some other important military figures. They said that this battle was the third battle of Ypres. I remember hearing the word Ypres in the past, and finally it hit me, Ypres was the first battle that used gas attacks.
August 10, 1917
Micheal retreats after an advance towards enemy lines. After
he is shot in the leg from the machine gunner, he is stabbed to death in hand-to-hand combat with a German solider.
Micheal is buried in a mass-grave on August 11, 1917. He proudly served the United States of America for 1 year.