smacks, with the shore about a mile away as its background. In the evening Lt. Kapscull came around with the announcement that five men were wanted for a volunteer coaling detail which was to go on in the morning. The word "volunteer" alone stopped most of the men from expressing their willingness to work but some of the company, who hadn't strained a muscle for so long that work was looked upon as a treat, put in their names. The names of these men who so gallantly "sprang to the call," were: Kearney, Andreae, Gronnerud, Barbour, A. Gross, Maxson and Machel.

As the morning of the eighteenth dawned bright and clear, these heroes jumped into the "royal blues" eager for the combat. (The Navy brought us over and we were to coal ourselves back). The rest of the company turned out some time later in time to eat a breakfast of beans. After the morning repast, most of the fellows drifted up on deck to enjoy the scenery, fresh air and music. In the afternoon the time was passed in various ways till chow time. After this came the big event of some time, for promptly at 5:23, the good ship Leviathan, having been sufficiently coaled, started on the journey which was to take the company back to the good old U. S. There was no excitement, not even the cheering that a pay-day brings forth, for the fellows having gone through so much treated everything as a matter of course. So it was that card games and book-reading continued uninterruptedly, except for, perhaps, some casual glances at the receding shores of France. Passing out of the harbor, it did not take us long to get out on the high seas, for the Leviathan is hardly what could be termed a slow ship. In fact, one glancing over the rail was surprised at the way the water seemed to whizz by.

At 6:30 a number of passes were issued to the initial movie in the mess-hall and the company was well represented. Pathe's Weekly made quite a hit, as well as the long film, "The Revelation," which followed. The latter picture was all right till there appeared in it a scene in which were shown Red Cross nurses going over the top under shell-fire, taking

care of and carrying off, the wounded. This drew the glad hand and the hitherto quiet crowd, became a howling mob. However, we were confronted by the fact that the people in the States, probably some of our own friends, had been pleased by the picture, thinking it was true to life.

The morning of the nineteenth, which marked our eighteen-month anniversary of leaving the States, proved to be a wonderfully beautiful day. However our morning's deck promenades and airings were broken up by a ten o'clock cootie inspection up on deck where the medical department endeavored to find stowaways hidden in the armpits or on the back. On top of this, came the order to draw dennums, which were to be regulation ship uniform.

Not being content to let us alone, an abandon ship drill was held at one-thirty at which, guided by the officers and non-coms, with their pretty "Abandon Ship" badges, we were hustled to our respective places on the decks, only to be hustled off again in a short while. That night the news went around that the next day was Easter and that, besides church services, there would be an extra good feed. Easter morning came around and as a surprise, we had eggs for breakfast along with our oatmeal. Church services were held at different hours so that there was no excuse for not attending at least one service. Finally, late in the afternoon came the much-looked-ahead-to Easter dinner, consisting of: turkey, mashed potatoes, asparagus, apple-pie, fruit-cake and coffee. The general verdict, of course, was "excellent" and belts extended to the limit, the fellows withdrew from the mess-hall. A ship was sighted in the evening but our speed was such that we soon passed it.

A different show was put on in the mess-hall and accordto true form Headquarters Company had its share among those present. Charlie Chaplin was the entertainer-in-chief of the evening, living up to his usual reputation.

By the morning of the twenty-first we were nearly halfway across. The weather continuing good, few, if any, were sick and the decks were enjoyed as much as possible.

All

afternoon and evening, with the exception of time for firedrill, boxing matches were in full sway. When things went dull the crowd would throw out a bunch of coins and usually two fellows could be found who would scrap for them. Tiring of soldier-soldier matches the crowd yelled for some sailors, so olive-drab and blue could mix and it wasn't long till there were some fast bouts. Some time during the evening we passed the half-way mark, which called forth more and more the thoughts of home, most of the fellows wondering how they would really act amongst American civilians. It was soon passed around the whole ship that one of the soldiers had heard one of the women passengers remark that she would like to go down to see the cattle eat, meaning the soldiers. This caused considerable excitement but it seems as if no one knew exactly who heard the woman make the remark.

On glancing out of the port-holes, on the morning of the twenty-second, it was plain that we were still skidding along at the usual rate, if not faster. Nothing could be better for the morale, for the company was becoming a gang of homesick men. About the only variation from the other days was the fact that there was no abandon-ship call in the afternoon. During the night the water got a bit boisterous so that some of the fellows, for the first time, began to wonder whether or not they would get seasick. Morning came and it was no rougher, much to the joy of those who had been worrying about seasickness. Eggs and oatmeal, with that delicious bread and butter, which made up the greater part of our meals, formed the morning meal.

After eating there was a big rush for the decks as the bunk compartment was so stuffy and hot. However, there were some of the company who did not go up on deck, for in a gambling raid, the far corner of the compartment was made a prison because of some innocent little crap games which had previously taken place in that section. With pleasant thoughts of the company commander, these selected men of Dice Corner settled down to the playing of such less exciting games as tiddlywinks. At one o'clock there were some snappy bouts

on D deck, in one of which, the good reputation of the company was upheld by Willy Tottoriello, who was matched against a fairly fast sailor. There being no fire-drill, the padded vests saw no service this day.

Along about three o'clock we saw the worst weather of the voyage, which wasn't saying much, for the elements had been good to us. The water was dotted by white caps and here and there could be seen a place where three or four waves would meet forming a mountain of water, which, when it slid away, left such a hole that one felt that the Leviathan could be pushed into it and there would still be room for a few Lake Michigan boats. About supper time the sea calmed down to normal again.

The usual card games continued on the bunks till the lights went out. Then after all had crawled in and things grew quiet, the cattle began to low. Such a barnyard medley could seldom be heard, which, together with the laughter which ensued, made considerable noise. Fortunately, the beasts soon quieted down, until all that could be heard was the gentle chewing of the cud as one by one, they slipped off into Slumberland, if cattle go to such a place.

On the morning of the twenty-fourth we looked out to see the same old ocean passing by us. It couldn't pass too quickly, for each day was getting longer, as visions of seeing the States increased. At about noon the morale went up sky high when it was learned we had only 460 miles to go. Up on D deck the boys were wild as the Navy jazz band let loose with some snappy dance music. Soon there were couples flitting around the deck, noticeable among whom was the eminent Sgt. Anderson of photographic fame, who had for his partner, the coy "Miss" Boyer.

Notwithstanding the good weather and fairly pleasant conditions, the days began to drag, so that, when we turned in at night it was with great joy, realizing that on the next day we could see land.

Cold weather greeted us on the morning of the twentyfifth so that it was uncomfortable up on deck. Oh! how the

Fellows would now and

hours of that morning dragged. then unconsciously glance over the rail as if hoping by some miracle, the shore-line would be in sight. At 1:30 the longlooked-for came, for in the dim distance, land could be discerned. There was a rush for the rails for the first glimpse of the soil we had left behind eighteen months before. wasn't long till the dull shore could be seen in more definite way and finally buildings and trees could be distinguishedall real American. By now the decks and the port-holes were the coveted places.

It

It wasn't long till a small boat came out, from which a rowboat was lowered. The latter rowed by two jackies, pulled up alongside and some newspaper men, one with a movie machine, as well as an officer, climbed up a rope ladder, which was lowered down the ship's side. By this time the ship was hardly moving and soon it stopped entirely, much to the disgust of all on board, for the big desire now was to set foot on American soil. It was a matter of waiting for the tide. Four-thirty came around and the Leviathan moved at a fair rate towards shore. At last we were where we could see real buildings and someone even caught sight of an American locomotive puffing along in the distance. Before long we were well in the harbor where there were flotillas of little boats, filled with people, out to meet us. Yes, there was one with a band and big sign on the top deck, "149th F. A.' Right there some of the fellows broke into tears. The reason for tears on such an occasion cannot easily be explained but it seems that the men just broke down. There were men and women on board this ship and some were holding signs bearing the names of certain of the fellows in the regiment. They danced about, clapped their hands and cheered us as the band struck up the tune, "Hail! Hail! The Gang's All Here!'' Soon there were other boats playing around close to the ship. One had a "150th F. A." sign and another a "168th Inf." one. Suddenly our progress became slower until we were barely moving. However, we gradually drifted up to the army transport piers, docking at Pier 5.