OFFICERS' LETTERS FROM FRANCE GIVE INTIMATE
TOUCHES OF LIFE OF SOLDIERS IN THICK OF FIGHT
Evansville Journal-News, August 18, 1918

Albert W. Funkhouser and wife are in receipt of three letters from their son, Lieut. Paul Funkhouser, who is fighting in France. The letters breathe the same spirit of confidence as his former letters, that American arms will be triumphant. He doesn't seem to fear that the Boche will get him, for so far he has been under a lucky star. As liaison officer, he is frequently in danger, but the American spirit pulls him right on, and it is this same spirit that seems to impel the entire army in its advance on the Hun.

Mr. and Mrs. Funkhouser are also in receipt of the first letter from their son, Lieut. Albert C. Funkhouser, who has just arrived in France. He gives a fine view of the trip over, and the manner in which the men spent their time while on the high seas. Each transport has a "Y" man aboard, whose duty it is to "keep the ball rolling," and evidently this kindly spirit regaled the boys on Lieut. Funkhouser's ship during the entire voyage from the breezy time he seems to have had.

Letters From Lieut. Paul Funkhouser

Sunday, July 21.

My Dear Parents:

Have neglected you all for about a week. Please accept my apologies. Last Monday evening went into action. The Hun attempted to make a drive, and to his sorrow he met a rather unpleasant counter-attack. Now it is estimated that we have taken 20,000 prisoners and the "line" has changed quite a bit in our favor. The Huns are now on the run, and we hope to keep them going until we camp in Berlin. We, "our little crew;" came out of the woods last night. Think we will go back up in a few days. As you know, we are motorized and travel here and there, where we are needed most, and in a hurry.

I received letters from you both while I was living in a hole in the ground, and, take it from me, I was glad to get them. The chow-truck driver brought your letters up to me, and they were more than enjoyed. There isn't much for me to write. Am on the lookout for the 36th Division and A. C., but haven't found him or the division. Will keep on the watch and, believe me, I will be glad to find him. If there is a chance, will try to get him in this outfit. Of course, by the time this reaches you all war news will be old, as the newspapers are pretty good at getting news.

The Hun had an idea that the United States soldier was a second-rate man, but I believe he will change his opinion ere long. Don't think that they can hold out more than two years at the most. With the United States sending over men as she is, probably it won't be that long. Any delay the United States makes merely means a prolongation of the war, and it doesn't look as if there will be any delay. All that you all are doing at home counts a lot to end things, and, I believe, really more than you know. We are all helped a lot by even knowing that you are behind us.

Give my best love to Uncle Arthur and Aunt Dude. A kiss
for Alta and Ruthie. Your loving son,
P. T.

Wednesday, July 24, 1918

My Dear Mother and Father:

I judge from your letters that you know some of the places in which I have been. I am still in Capt. Mendenhall's company. Was with him in the place you mention. During that fight our battalion won a very good name for itself. I was in command of guns and also did liaison work. Had the pleasure of seeing the Boche killed on the other side of the river and let them know they were not fighting second-class soldiers, as they have described the United States troops in their newspapers. I think that is as hot a place, or was, as I will get in. During the fight we were initiated in this war. High explosives were rained on our side of the river along with numerous gas attacks. We also became acquainted with the feeling of being shot at by machine guns, as well as shooting them. Of course, that fight is over a month old now. We have been in action quite regular since them. Our division is in the hottest part of the drive now in action, and it is making a name for itself that will last. The Boches are falling back; they are suffering great casualties and losing many men. This is more or less military information, but the newspapers publish it, so don't suppose the censor law prohibits. Right now our battalion is not in action, but we go in and come out quickly, so we are always on the lookout for orders. I sincerely hope we go up soon, and probably we will in a day or two. Of course, the war will last for a year or longer. The more I see of it, the better it looks for an early victory. No matter whether it lasts for one year or ten years, it is only a question of time until the Boches are whipped. They won't gain any ground and hold it; at least, they won't in the United States sector, for our troops refuse to be pushed back. They have defeated the Boches in many battles in the last few weeks; and, when it is made public just what has happened it will be hard to believe any body of men would have such gal lantry as they. The United States is surprising the world in the way she is handling the war situation, and is doing every thing to bring an early close to the war. With troops coming over as they are, and the people at home behind them as they are, I don't see how the Hun will hold out very long. Some of the Hun soldiers are worthy of praise, but most of them are of inferior grade as soldiers. Have a small collection of souvenirs taken from the Boches but can't send anything home, as, of course, you know.

Received letters from all of you today and from A. C. Am certainly glad to get them, as well as I am the newspaper clip pings. I received mail from you while in action last week. Read them in my dugout, and, take it from me, if there is anything that is appreciated here, it is mail. Of course, I don't write enough to let you know all I am doing. When a division is in action and chasing Boches, there isn't much time, but re member I have written you many times that "no news is good news," and so you must think. Of course, it is natural for you all to worry, but there isn't any reason for you to do so. There isn't any Boches going to get me, and if they should you will hear of it very shortly afterward, so don't worry when you don't hear from me. I am all O.K. and in fine spirits and health, and intend to remain the same. Now both of you just content yourselves and think that I'll be back home and as much in the way as ever - even before you really know I have been away. You may take it from me that I think of both of you always and am trying to live the life that will make me worthy of being the son of such a mother and father as your selves. The longer I am away the more I realize how good and fine you both are, and, although it is not all flowers and sun shine, it is working wonders for all of us in many ways.

I don't know when I will get to write to you again, but I will be thinking of you, and just remember I am O.K. I wish you would send me a small picture of every one in the family. My belongings are strewn from one end of France to the other, and I only have photographs I can carry in my pocketbook.

I guess both Alta and Ruth think they are being neglected, but I think they read my letters home and I think of them, and when I have time will write both of them.

Am certainly proud of my brother, Albert C. He has had a hard road to travel and has made good under hard circumstances. I hope he will not have to come over, but know he would certainly make a name for himself if he does. Am going to write him this evening.

This brings my love to the best mother and father alive' and hope to be with you before long.
Your loving son,
P. T.
A kiss for Alta and Ruth.

Monday, July 29.

My Dear Mother and Father:

Haven't written for a few days; have been very busy and haven't had the chance. We are on the lines and our whole sector is moving up. The Boches are in retreat and the United States troops and French have been gaining ground right along; you will have read about what has happened here long before this reaches you. We have, of course, suffered losses; but not as great as the Hun. We find equipment and dead Boches all along, and it certainly looks good for the Allies. Dad wrote something about thinking the war would end in a year and a half. I haven't the slightest idea as to when it will end. If things go as good all along the line as they have here, it will end pretty shortly; but I expect you all can tell about when it will end as well as I can. Personally, I hope that it doesn't last much longer, as every one else does. Have seen my own men killed and wounded until it isn't of so great interest any longer. Our outfit is more of a defensive unit than an offensive one, and since the Boche has started to move back, we haven't done much fighting, but we get quite a bit of artillery fire. Things look good for the Allies, and we will all be here until the Boches say quit, no matter how long it takes. I am in good health and spirits; have an occasional lonesome spell, but so far am as good as new. Have prospered in many ways by being here; have had experiences that are rather rare and after this war ends they should be of some benefit. This war at least puts people's minds on serious things, if it doesn't do anything else. Hope this letter hasn't taken a too serious tone and is anything but cheerful; for we are all very happy over what is happening here. Carl Rohsenberger is some place in this sector. I had a letter from him, but haven't been able to find him. Haven't had any mail in about a week. The papers reach me at irregular intervals, and I am sure glad to get them. Don't know whether A. C. has sailed or not; am still on the lookout for him, and if he gets any ways near here will find him. Of course, I know he desires to come over, but I certainly hope he doesn't; I mean I wish the war will be over before he can get here. Anyway, it won't be so very long until we can have a grand family reunion, and I'll be glad when that time arrives. Wish that you would send me a small photograph of all the family, something I can carry with me. I foolishly left most of your pictures in one of my lockers, neither of which I have seen in about two months. When I get a chance I want to write a real for sure letter, but I haven't had the opportunity to really write for about two months. Suppose that you are all well. Will send an order allowing the blanket Ruth is making to be sent; but we can't have anything sent here that can be bought in this country. Of course things aren't as pleasant here as they might be, but all in all we are getting along fine and no one complains. Everyone wants to get the Boches and we'll be here until we do. We know that the people in the United States are behind us, and that is enough to make anyone satisfied.

Had better quit writing, as time is pretty valuable. A kiss for Alta and Ruth. Tell Karline I enjoyed her letter, will write her some time.
Loving son,
PAUL.

P. S. - Have collected a bunch of Boche souvenirs. Cut this button off of a Hun coat. Don't know whether you will ever get it or not.

My Dear Parents:

I am writing this on board ship. We have had an exciting but interesting trip. Band concerts, quartets and solos. Have taken a "dip" in the ocean every day - that is, in a bath tub of it. We are due to arrive "over there" in two or three days. Ensign Edwin Karges is helping to convey us, but on another and different boat. Hope to see him when we land if we are not both too busy. When I get to France will try to find Paul as soon as possible.

Am sending you a copy of "The Hatchett," a tiny news paper printed on board ship. The news comes to us by wireless.

LIEUTS. ALBERT C. AND PAUL FUNKHOUSER PROBABLY
IN SAME SECTOR BUT HAVE NOT MET
Evansville Press, September 10, 1918

Two brothers - Lieut. Paul T. Funkhouser and Lieut. Albert C. Funkhouser - sons of Attorney and Mrs. Albert W. Funkhouser, 920 Washington Avenue, are both on the front lines, probably fighting in the same sector, though neither has succeeded in locating the other, according to letters received from both boys by their parents Tuesday.

Lieut. Paul Funkhouser writes under date of August 11:

"Have not heard from Albert C., but suppose he must be here now or some place en route. I keep inquiring about the 36th division, but have not seen anyone who knows anything about them.

In a letter dated August 17, he also says:

"I got a letter from Albert C. yesterday, dated August 6; I think he is some place in this sector, but have not located him. I think he is at the front, but do not know for sure."

Lieut. Albert Funkhouser in a letter dated August 5 writes:

"I am writing to Paul tonight and every place we have been I have asked about his division, and sure do hope I will get to see him. I have written him five letters since I have been here. and have not heard from him yet."

DETAILS OF CHATEAU THIERRY BATTLE TOLD BY LOCAL OFFICER
Evansville Journal-News, September 15, 1918

Several weeks ago the Sunday Journal-News printed the news that Lieut. Paul Funkhouser had taken an active part in the battle which stemmed the German tide at the apex of the Marne salient.

A detailed account of the fighting in that historic little town is given in the letter to his parents which is printed herewith:

"Dear Father and Mother

Will try to make this letter as interesting as possible.

Have not written you for some time due to the fact that I have been pretty busy. You write you would like to know as much about where I have been in the past few months as I can tell you. As the newspapers have published about all there is to tell, I don't suppose it will violate any censor laws to say that in the Boches' May drive they reached the banks of the Marne at Chateau Thierry. Our battalion was sent into the town to stop them there.

"We traveled a good long ways on our motorcycles and reached Chateau Thierry on the night of May 31, and were the first American troops in Chateau Thierry. One company had one side of the town and we had the other. Our battalion was on the south bank and the Boches on the other. The Marne cuts the city of Chateau Thierry into two sections. We put our guns up during the night. The next morning, June 1, the Huns tried to cross the river. I was in command with three guns and received my initiation in the war. The Boches were "forced to expose themselves and consequently our machine gunners were given perfect targets. The Boches stopped on the north side of the river. After suffering pretty heavy losses they decided to postpone their party. We have not been able to decide exactly how great their losses were. It is estimated at between 300 and 700.

We stayed in Chateau Thierry for five nights and four days. We were under heavy artillery fire during our stay there, and we experienced Boche machine gun fire and gas. Our casualties were comparatively small, about thirty-two killed and wounded in the two companies. Lieut. Goddard was killed. I think I have written you that we were very good friends. The news papers have published his death by now, so I am permitted to tell you. Our outfit is used more as a defensive unit than an offensive one, consequently since the Boches have been retreating, we have not had much fighting. We are still, of course, in the fighting zone, and most of our positions have been re serve. The infantry in this division has been doing the fighting

that has put the Boches back in this sector. You mention the fact that you read in the newspapers that the First, Second and Third Divisions were in this sector, the Soissons-Rheims sector. If you have read, as I know you have, it will be easy for you to see the Boches have had their hands full. They are being pushed back and before long will be saying "Enough!" Our line is being straightened out and by the time the United States gets her army over in the spring it will practically be a "practice march" to Berlin, and we will make the kaiser and his gang hunt their holes for sure. Of course they put up a fight over all the ground they lose, but it does not help them much.

Right now we are doing anti-aviation work. Was eight days behind the lines and was allowed to go to Paris for twenty-four hours and then come up here. It took us three hours to go and three more to get back to camp, so you see my trip to Paris was very short. I am O.K. in health and spirits, and there is not any reason in worrying about not hearing from me.

Capt. Mendenhall is commander of my company. Capt. Cook is second in command. We have two captains in each of our companies.

Have not been able to see "Scrapper" Campbell or "Dotta" Rohsenberger. I have been on the lookout for them. I have had a letter from Dotta; he is in my division, and his artillery regiment has been doing fine work.

We are taking life easy now, not doing much of anything except drilling and not much of that. Have had two trips to Paris. It is only a sixty-mile drive in a Ford. The roads in France are good and with our motor transportation we get around quite a bit. Things look good for the Allies and every one expects the Huns to give up by the Spring of 1919. With United States troops coming over as they are, it may end before then. It won't make me a bit mad if it does. We expect to move to another sector before long, but, of course, I cannot mention the name of the sector we are going into. After I get back I will tell you about the fight in Chateau Thierry, but it is too much to write.

Your letters are certainly fine, and I enjoy them but don't get to write to you as often as I would like to, but I try to let you know I am still among the living and all O.K. and intend to remain so until the war is over.

There is not much left for me to write about. Life here has plenty of excitement and plenty of monotony, and I am now and then homesick, but suppose the longer I am here the more I will enjoy being home again. Will have picture taken if I get a chance, as you request. Didn't do it when I was in Paris and don't know when I will get a chance again.

Got a letter from Brother Albert C. yesterday, dated August 6. I think he is some place in this sector, but as yet have not discovered any way of locating him. I think he is at the front but don't know for sure.

From your letters to me I am beginning to think I am some sort of a hero. I haven't any particular honor attached to my record here. Have not failed to do my duty, but that is all I can be given credit for. As I wrote you, I had command of guns in Chateau Thierry. Our company was the first Americans in that town. That is more or less of a distinction, and we put up a good fight, but most any United' States troops would have done the same.

The letters you write are fine, and even though most of them are flattering - that is, in regard to the honors I have gained - I enjoy hearing from you all more than I can write; also, the newspaper clippings are fine. I think I will see an other part of France before long.

My work is more or less varied. Am liaison officer, but usually have a few guns and my work is more or less changeable. I am in good health and spirits except being homesick, and that will leave when we get busy beating the Boches again.

Your letters certainly mean a lot to me and I enjoy them all.

It is pretty hard to send packages back and forth, but will get Maj. Walsh's O.K. later. We can only send such articles as cannot be purchased here.
With love,
Your son,
PAUL T.

FUNKHOUSER BOYS MEET IN FRANCE
Evansville Press, September 30, 1918

Two brothers, Lieut. Paul Funkhouser and Lieut. Albert C. Funkhouser, who have been in the front lines in France for some time, but separated, have at last been able to see each other for the first time since they entered the service here, letters received by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Funkhouser, 920 Washington Avenue, state:

"I talked to him this morning over the telephone," he wrote.

"This afternoon Paul came over and he and I spent the afternoon together. He looks a real veteran. He was right there when the drive started and has seen much of real fighting. I know you are as proud of him as I am. Just felt good and an honor to shake his hand, for to me - and I know he is to you - a real soldier and a real hero."

"This morning at breakfast I ran 'slap-dab' into Capt. Lige Worsham," Lieut. Albert Funkhouser writes, under date of August 26.

In letters dated September 4 both boys write that they have again been separated but are endeavoring to be put into the same company.