AMERICA’S SOLDIERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1866, 20 August 1918, Page 3

AMERICA’S SOLDIERS.

FINE SPIRIT DISPLAYED. SETTING A SWIFT PACE. The achievements of the Americans in France are the subject of an article by Mr Don Martin, special correspondent of the New York Herald. He says:— , All enlightened Europe is talking of the gallant exploits of the Americans at various points along the big battle lino, such as Jaulgonne, Non illy Wood, Chateau Thierry, and Bouresches. The Paris newspapers all the week featured the news of th.e Americans. Special correspondents of London newspapers arc hurrying to the American-f ront to get. special articles about (heir achievements. Their exploits have opened the eyes of Europe to the fact that the veins of the Americans are tilled with the same virile blood as were those of their ancestors. The Americans excel all other soldiers in the battle, allied or German, in physique. Their spirit is unquenchable, their capacity limitless; they sleep in the rain, march in the dusty or muddy roads by day, eat the best, jump into battle at a moment’s notice, start with a yell and fight to (lie finish. ALLIES ENTHUSIASTIC. They are setting a swift paceeven for the tried warriors of Era nee and Britain. This is admitted by officers and also military experts, who are lamenting now, after having seen the wonderful work of (he Americans, that there arc not a million like them in the front line, which would ensure the steady, rapid retirement of the enemy from the country he has ravaged. The attitude of both the French and British towards the Americans, although already friendly, has changed to enthusiasm since the communiques have given the bulk of their space to (he “brilliant attacks and resistance of the Americans.” The men from home have made, good, just as their friends knew they would, and it is safe to say also that (hey have just started. As is known, the Americans are scattered around in regiments, brigades and battalions with the French and British, and seem thoroughly contented to fight alongside their allies. During the next two weeks (he Americans are likely to be heard from at many points, and there is no doubt: what the story will be.

Their condition on arrival hero shows the splendid effect of their home training'. The intensive work with the French puls a remarkable finish'on them, so when Americans enter battle they are regular demons, with no fear of death, but only hatred for the German, love for France and freedom and determination to win.

The situation is remarkable when considering that only a few months ago all Europe was saying, “America can’t be a factor when the big offensive comes. If the French and British hold until next year America will be able to do something.” Now behold the situation. EAGER FOR BATTLE.

The A movie nns everywhere are on their toes eager for battle, slaughtering five Germans (o every inim they Jose, fyivinp; no prisoners, holding to date every inch of ground taken and losing nol a foot from I heir original stand. Through the kindness of (ho French I have keen perndlted to disport (he line practically from Soissons to Chateau 'Thierry. T have seen Ainorieans in gas masks waitdug for an attaek; hidden in the woods with machine-guns ready to splash the Germans. I have seen them asleep beside the roads and in wheat fields or munehing breakfast while tramping briskly to the front. I have seen (hem start out to drive German maehine-guns from their nests. I eould not help being thrilled at (he appearance and spirit of all of (hem. After the fighting in Neuilly Wood I saw many taken to the hospital. There were no complaints. One youngster from Texas, whose arm was badly hurt, had a book of paslals in his poeket already addressed, and asked me to mail them to his; mother. He said lie couldn’t stop on (he way to the front. Another young man, .from Norfolk, tbi., said he would rat.her kill Germans than snakes. “They are cowards, the whole outfit.” he said. “Any American can lick five of them in a fair light.”