FIRST LIEUT. LUTHER W. COBBEY
Co. B, 7th Machine Gun Battalion,
Blois, France
[PHOTO]

Paul and I were close friends while we were together. I want in some way to tell you about Paul but I don't know how to go about it.

I was talking to Paul when he was killed. He died instantly.

There was no braver man ever lived than Paul. I cannot say anything more or better about any man.

Paul and I used to have many talks together. He has told me about his father and mother and two sisters. I met his brother over here.

* * *

I am in the hospital, being wounded shortly after Paul was killed.

Now if this letter reaches you and if there is anything you care to know, write to me and ask any questions you care to. If you wish when I return to the States I would be very glad to come by and see you. My home is in Nebraska and I could do it very easily.

It was just outside of Cunel, France (near the Meuse River), that Paul was killed, Sunday, Oct. 20.

Paul being a very dear friend of mine, I miss him greatly and only wish I could do something to help his loved ones at this time.

CAPT. LLOYD H. COOK
Co. B, 7th Machine Gun Battalion
Base Hospital No. 43, France
[PHOTO]

I am writing you to attempt to give you what details I can concerning the death of your son, Paul, on Oct. 20. Of course, censorship regulations are very strict, but will do the best I can.

The company was camped in the woods about seven miles north of Montfacon. This is just west of the Meuse River, north of Verdun. At 11:45 P. M., on Oct. 19, I received orders to take the company up and put it into action northeast of Cunel, a few kilometers north of our camping ground. We marched up and took up our position along the edge of the wood. At 7 o'clock the following morning our battalion at tacked with my company supporting the attack.

Wood's platoon was on the left flank and Cobbey's on the right (I assume you have heard of these boys). Paul's platoon was placed along the front line that we occupied when the at tack started, in case the attack should prove unsuccessful, we were to fall back onto his line.

About five minutes before we actually went "over the top" Paul came to me with the news that Wood had been shot through the arm and was unable to go over the top with his men. He then asked to take Wood's platoon, turning his own over to his sergeant. He had previously been disappointed when he found that his platoon was not to go over with the first bunch. Consequently, I ordered him to take over the platoon and I went to another part of the line. Five minutes later an orderly reported to me that he was dead.

Cobbey had been talking with him when he was hit. He had been shot through the head and death was instantaneous.

Of course, in the excitement of battle I had no chance to remove the personal effects from the body, nor any chance later, as I myself got two machine gun bullets through the arm and abdomen a few minutes later. Doubtless the burial party will take care of this and you will receive these articles in due time.

I cannot say too much for the courage and ability of your son. He was always anxious for the most difficult or danger ous job, under fire, and no job was too tedious or too unpleasant for him while we were back from the lines. He was a thorough soldier, an efficient officer and under all circumstances a gentleman, the idol of his platoon and a favorite of all his fellow officers.

I sincerely hope that your other son has come through with out injury.

San Diego, Cal., Aug. 2, 1919.

Both Mrs. Cook and myself were deeply grieved to learn that the First Lieut. Funkhouser, whose death was reported in a recent Army and Navy journal, was your other son. We had read of the death of this young man but were hoping against hope that it was not a member of your household, but it seems that such could not be the case. I had never met this young man, although Paul and I were on our way to look him up in Gondrecourt one Sunday but missed the truck. I can well realize that your hearts must be, as you say, broken. Words fail me, Mr. Funkhouser, but we want you both to realize that you have two sympathetic friends who nightly pray to God to give you strength the better to bear your burdens.

* * *

Did Cobbey tell you how I got my first Boche? It occurred about five minutes after Paul's death. One of his men came to me with the laconic report, "Sir, Lieut. Funkhouser's dead." I said, "Good God, dead?" entirely unable to comprehend, for you know I loved Paul like a brother. I turned over the company to the second in command to go down to see for myself. All this time I was hoping that it was merely an injury and that prompt medical attention would save him, but I met Cobbey, who was already there, and had convinced himself that all was over. As we stood there, both of us on the verge of tears, I saw a Boche less than 200 yards away, evidently lost. I seized a rifle from a doughboy, and, well, Mr. Funkhouser, I could not miss that shot. He never moved another muscle. Later in the day I got three more with a machine gun.

I recently received a distinguished service cross for a little stunt I pulled later that same day. I owe that to Cobbey, for he recommended me for it. He certainly deserved one as much or more than I, and certainly hope he received one, too.

MAJOR CHARLES F. HOUGHTON
(Presenting History of the Third Division, United States Army, to Paul's Family)

Please accept this as a slight token of our appreciation of the faithful and courageous work of your son, Lieut. Paul T. Funkhouser.

He was our friend and comrade, and his memory is very dear to us.

Sincerely,
CHARLES F. HOUGHTON,
Major 7th Machine Gun Battalion, Commanding.
Neil, Germany,
May 12, 1919.

FIRST LIEUT. DeWITT S. HOSE
Co. B, 7th Machine Gun Battalion
American Expeditionary Forces, France
[PHOTO]

December 31, 1918

* * *

We were stationed at La Ferte Sur Aube, near Chaumont, Haute Marne, when we were ordered to Chateau Thierry. At Chateau Thierry, Paul, with his platoon of four guns, was given a position in a little wood just south of the Marne and just east of Chateau Thierry (just out of the limits), and his mission was to infilade the river bank, and fire on the bridge which we were guarding. Paul did very effective work here, and in the attack where he was located the Boche opened up on him with machine guns. Paul withdrew without having any casualties. One man had been hit previously. He helped all of us to "keep our hats on," if you will excuse the slang, with his cheery smiles and jokes, though it was very warm at times.

After Chateau Thierry, our next time up was in La Marette Wood, and we were firing indirectly on Hill No. 204. Here Paul was liaison (communication) officer between our company and the French. He was always going from one head quarters to the other and he said after we were relieved, "They may get me, but it won't be with gas, for I have drunk enough to be immune." Paul's platoon, which proudly called itself Funky's Men," were in reserve here.

Our next trip up was on Hill No. 204, and Paul's platoon again being in reserve, Paul was used as liaison officer, and it was he who convinced the French commanding officer that it was time for us to get a rest. This would have made any one love him, if they had hated him before, for we did need rest.

We went into reserve at Pertibout, just south of Chateau Thierry, and Paul took charge of the athletics for the company and sure did do lots to make us quit pining for home, and in a way made us forget our times at the front.

Next came the ever-to-be-remembered fifteenth day of July and with it came the Boche. When the barrage opened up, Paul remarked, "The Boche is out again, let's go up and stop him." We were ordered up about 7 A. M., July 15, and Paul's platoon was given a position on a bill overlooking the Marne Valley, and his mission was to assist in a counter-attack which was pulled off beautifully. The world knows the 38th Infantry, and Paul was there and helped make it famous.

After we came out of there, and it was after the Boche were across the Vesle River, we rested at Pertibout for a few days and then, on Aug. 16, we moved to the Toul sector. Our "Ville" was named Villers Le Sec, near Gondrecourt. Here we remained, reorganizing and resting, until Sept. 9, when we moved up to the front at Rambicourt, near St. Mihiel, and here we went "over the top" for the first time. We were attached to the 16th Infantry, First Division, our division being in support. Paul led "Funky's Men" here, and it was this that Paul had reference to in his letter of Sept. 19, I am quite certain. There was not a casualty in our whole battalion here.

From here we moved to the Verdun sector, between the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest. We lived in shell holes and the wood until Oct. 19, when about 11 P. M. our company was ordered to report to the commanding officer of the Fifth Brigade, and found that we were to assist in an attack at 7 A. M., Oct. 20. Paul's platoon was in reserve, Lieut. Wood's platoon was to furnish the supporting fire for the infantry. About 8 A. M. a runner reported that Lieut. Wood was wounded. Paul asked to be given Lieut. Wood's platoon, and his request was granted. About 9 A. M. a runner reported that Lieut. Funkhouser was killed. I can truthfully say that I was never more sick, nor madder than I was at that moment, the Boche had gotten my two best pals. Another officer took the platoon, and, thank God, had better luck.

The storm of battle forced us to leave Paul's body where he fell, until that night. At 4 P. M., Oct. 20, again we went over the top, and I was left with only one lieutenant, who is now in a hospital. Capt. Cook, Lieuts. Wood and Cobbey had been previously wounded. We drove the Boche back far enough to allow us to remove Paul's body after night, and it was taken to the Ferme de Madelaine Cemetery, south of Cunel, and interred in Section "N," grave No. 17, by our battalion chaplain. Paul gave his all in our last and hardest fight.

As a friend, Paul was the finest ever, and was loved truly by both officers and men. As an officer and a fighter, he was second to none. Where the fight was the thickest there was Paul.

His coolness under fire was a great stimulant for quite a few of us less gallant chaps.

I sincerely hope that I can meet you personally when I re turn to the states, and then I can tell you of some of the every day life of my dearest friend in the American Expeditionary Forces.

* * * * *

Kell, Germany, March 18, 1919.

I know that it was great to have Cobbey with you for only a while, for all officers in this battalion are all very glad to have known Paul, and there is not one that is not proud of the fact that they knew him, for I can say that he was a mighty fine boy. I know that Cobbey had nothing but praise for him.

The division as a whole was inspected by Gen. Pershing yesterday, and I was proud to note that we were the only machine gun battalion in the division that had won a flag. We had ours out, but the others had none. We have a record that any one would be proud of, and I truly think that you have reasons to rejoice over the fact that, though your son gave his life for the cause, he was instrumental in getting that flag for us.

* * * * *

We were billeted in a small town about twenty miles from Coblenz, but moved up into the mountains, and are now watch ing the snow fall. It seems funny that we should have it this late, as we have had such hot weather, but then we are in Europe and things are not supposed to be normal; not even the weather.

* * * * *

Kell, Germany, March 28, 1919.

If there is a thing that I can do to show that Paul was my best pal, and if you want proof, just ask for anything and I will do all that is possible to grant the request.

* * * * *

FIRST LIEUT. J. G. HANUS
7th Machine Gun Battalion

TO ALBERT C. FUNKHOUSER

Lieut. Paul Funkhouser was a very good friend of mine, and a friend of every member of the Seventh Machine Gun Battalion. It was a striking story and pitiful news when a runner from his platoon came back to headquarters with the news that Lieut. Funkhouser had been killed.

During the Meuse-Argonne fight our battalion was held in reserve until the night of Oct. 19, when orders were received for our battalion to accompany the Seventh Infantry in attack. Company "B" went forward through the wood west of Cunel, just north of Montfaucon, at 2:50 A.M. on the 20th. Lieut. Funkhouser was with the Third Platoon of Company "B" until about 7 A.M., when Lieut. Wood was wounded and was sent to the rear. Lieut. Paul Funkhouser, at his own request, took over Lieut. Wood's platoon and was advancing under terrific cross fire from the German machine guns and a heavy artillery barrage. I heard later that it was about 8 A.M. on the 20th that Lieut. Funkhouser was shot through the head just above the left eye and never changed the expression on his face, and died just a few seconds after being hit.

I can assure you that Lieut. Funkhouser was an officer whose absence is sadly felt by the entire personnel of the Seventh Machine Gun Battalion, and whose record has been a great mark for any soldier to achieve. His services and bravery will always be remembered by any and all soldiers who he came in contact with in the United States and American Expeditionary Forces service.

I extend the sympathy of the battalion and myself in your bereavement.

LIEUT. DAVID S. LAMB
Chaplain, 7th Machine Gun Battalion
[PHOTO]

Dec. 20, 1918

This is not an official letter but just a word from a friend about your son, Paul.

I joined the Seventh Machine Gun Battalion on the 16th of June and at the same time met Lieut. Funkhouser, with whom I formed a friendship that I shall never forget. It was so with the other officers and the men, for we all loved him. The men of his company and the officers speak about him very often, and just the other day I heard one say: "Lieut. Funkhouser was one of the most generous fellows I have ever known." His character was excellent and his courage was sound. I was with him in the St. Mihiel drive and he was always at the head of his men as their real leader. I went into action with him again north of Cunel. He led his men forward several hundred yards before he fell. We did all that could be done for him before he died, and then removed his body to Ferme de la Madelaine Cemetery, where I buried him.

i know that there is nothing I can say that will make up for the loss of your son, but I pray that you might have the Christian faith that God is with us and that your son is in His care. May God always comfort you is our prayer.

* * * * *

Germany, March 18, 1919.

I feel so ashamed to think that you will be so late in hearing from me, but I assure you that it is not my fault for I have written before, but by a letter I received from Lieut. Cobbey I see that you have not heard from me. I am only too glad to do anything for Paul or his parents, for he was my dear friend and when he was killed I made a resolution to try to do some extra good as I went along which I knew Paul would do if he were still here.

By a letter Lieut. Hose showed me I learned that you received the details of Paul's death. At the time I had charge of the burial work of the entire division, but I made it a special duty to find time to be present at Paul's burial and see that he received every possible care. I closed his eyes and he looked peaceful and tranquil as we laid him to rest. His grave was in the cemetery at Ferme de la Madelaine, Section "N," grave No. 15.

I cannot over-estimate the respect and love of the men of this battalion for your son. He was a good friend and a good soldier. He had a frank, sincere personality which won every body to him.

I would just like to tell you of one or two little experiences which are not connected with Paul's death, but his life, which I shall never forget.

We were in the Bois de Hess, south of Montfaucon, a few days before we went into the line. I came into the section where our battalion was stationed after dark on a cold rainy night. I had my bedding roll and wandered about for some time trying to find a place to put it, but it was heavy and the rain was coming down so fast that I finally threw it down in the wood and started to hunt for shelter. I wandered around for some time but all the dugouts were filled, so at last I crawled up under some corrugated iron which extended over the top of a dugout. I started to think of home and better days to blot out the misery of the present and at last dozed off to sleep. About 2 o'clock I awoke, stiff and aching with the cold, so I started off again in search of a dugout. At last I went into the one where Paul and several other officers had made down their bedding rolls. I took off my shoes and leggins and my wet clothes, and laid down between Paul and another officer. I had just laid down and was trying to get under the edge of the blankets when Paul awoke. He said: "Is that you, Chaplain?" I said:

"Yes," and he said: "Come in; come in," and at the same time he put his arm around me and pulled me into his warm bed. Nothing ever seemed so homelike and comforting. In a few minutes I was warm and sound asleep. He would always share anything he had with you whether it was his bunk or his last piece of hard tack or "corn-willy."

On the St. Mihiel front we were together a great deal. One night we went on a bunk searching expedition together. At first we tried it on the ground, but before many hours had passed I woke up and Paul was sitting beside me rubbing his hands and swinging his arms to keep warm. I had to laugh. We decided it was too cold there on the ground without any blankets, so we started out for a better place. There were some artillery batteries close by, so we started to look in their wagons for a place to sleep, but as we came to each one we would always see about four or six feet sticking out of the end of it. At last we came to one that had nobody sleeping in it but was entirely empty and the boards of the floor were about three inches wide and an inch apart. However, we decided to try it by sitting up in the front end. Paul dozed for a little while and as he slept 1 heard some trucks pull in. Ours had been trying to catch up with us for several days but could not get through the congested roads. I thought that perhaps these were our trucks at last so I told Paul. He said: "We'll certainly go and see," and sure enough they were our trucks. The boys on one truck had plenty of hard tack and a big can of apple-butter. We made a good meal on these and then went to sleep in the back of the truck, where the boys had plenty of blankets.

At the front and in the rear Paul was always thoughtful of his men, by whom he was dearly loved. We miss him more than I can tell you.

Hoping you will forgive me for being so slow, and that this letter will be of some help to you, I am,

* * * * *

P. S. - Paul's effects were all forwarded through the Effects Section Base Quartermaster, American Expeditionary Forces. I hope you have received them by this time.

(TO CHAPLAIN NEWTON EMOSS, 144TH INFANTRY)

In answer to your telegram I am glad to give you the particulars concerning the death of Lieut. Paul T. Funkhouser.

On the night of Oct. 19, 1918, Company "B," Seventh Machine Gun Battalion, was ordered to go into action north of Cunel. The men were prepared at once and on their way by midnight. I went with the company and was with Lieut. Funkhouser. We advanced through the Boise de Pultier and awaited at the edge of it until daybreak. The first man who was killed was only a few feet from Lieut. Funkhouser and myself. The next three men who were wounded were also right by our side and I stopped to help them, while Lieut. Funkhouser went on. The attack commenced at daybreak and advanced from Bois de Pultiere to Bois de Clairs Chenes, and it was while leading his men across the open space between these two wood that Lieut. Funkhouser and several of his men were killed. He received a direct hit in the head with a machine gun bullet which killed him instantly. This was about 8:30 A. M. on the morning of Oct. 20, 1918.

* * * * *

I cannot say too much about our love for Lieut. Funkhouser. He was a good officer and a good friend. We all remember him with pleasing thoughts.

(TO LIEUT. ALBERT C. FUNKHOUSER)

I wrote to your parents concerning Paul's death but would lkc to say just a word to you also.

We could not over-estimate our love for him. His generous disposition and ability as an officer won the affection and admiration of all.

He went into action north of Cunel and was killed by machine gun fire while leading his men from Bois de Ia Pultier to Bois Clairs Chenes.

It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do to bury him. We took him to the Cemetery at Ferme de la Madeleine.

* * * * *

I think it would be impossible for me to over-estimate our affection for your brother. He was always a good officer and a good friend. He had a mind and heart that made him capable and lovable at the same time. I don't believe any officer was with him more than I was toward the end, and I miss him as a true friend.

B Company went into action just north of Cunel on the morning of the 20th of October. I was with him when the first man in his platoon was killed, then when the next three were wounded I stopped to help them while Paul went on with his men. We were in the Bois de la Pultier and as Paul led his men from Bois de la Pultier to Bois Clairs Chenes, he was hit in the head with a machine gun bullet and killed instantly, with out saying a word.

* * * * *

His name is still often mentioned in our conversations, and he will never be forgotten by any of us who served with him.

LIEUT. OLIVER H. DICKERHOOF
7th Machine Gun Battalion
Kell, Germany
[PHOTO]

* * * * *

We who served with him (Paul) and were associated with him so long under the trying circumstances will never forget the incidents of those days and with it we will ever remember your son an officer and a gentleman.

It may be some satisfaction to know that your son possessed all the qualities and personality of which real men are made. His loss was a loss to us among whom thrown in our lot under the very unusual existence we live - there is a vast difference between the friendship of that life and that of civil life; we are more brothers than friends.

CAPT. JOSEPH B. HAMMOND
Co. B, 7th Machine Gun Battalion
Army of Occupation, Germany
[PHOTO]

As I was not in command of this company when your son was a member of it, I am having Lieut. Hose write about his services in general and his interment.

All the officers and men of this (his) battalion speak very highly of Lieut. Funkhouser, and I am very sorry that I did not have the pleasure of numbering him among my acquaintances.