Clemence, France.
Jan 17th 1919.

Dear Folks;

Since I last wrote you several letters came from you including the one enclosing the $5.00 check, Xmas present from the Kent Co. I got the check cashed at the YMCA at La Thiel, a town eight kilos from here.

Nothing exciting has happened since my last letter worthy of mention. It rains every day, the sun comes out from behind the clouds for a few minutes and then more rain. We have not been over worked this week in the way of drill, we are learning how to shoot all over again. We do not drill much, about four or five hours per day when the weather permits, just enough to keep us in shape and feeling good. It gets pretty tiresome mainly because there is nothing to do in the evenings.

I presume Milt is quite busy taking inventory about this time. I realize that the will have his hands full this year with the lumberyard to look after in connection with the store.

There is nothing like being a “buck” private in the Army, I am sure I don’t have a thing to worry about. We worry more about what we are to have for our next meal, more than anything else.

Clemence, France.
Jan. 23, 1919

This is the way I write letters, I start one and then leave it unfinished. Last Saturday I went on pass to Le’Mans and came back Sunday evening. I had a very good time while there, I enjoyed it very much, the only trouble going on pass to other towns is that one has a hard time securing a room for the night. I could not find a vacant room any place there. About nine o’clock that evening my friend and myself were in a wine shop and we met three fellows who belonged to the Polish Army. During our conversation we mentioned the fact we could not find a room for the night and they insisted we go with them to their barracks. We went out with them to an old French garrison where they were billeted and slept. They certainly treated us fine while we were with them.

I would like to go on pass some place next week but I am just about finish francs. I have about one hundred francs left. I will get about five hundred francs next payday.

Now I don’t know when we are to leave here but I think within the next three weeks. General John J. Pershing is to review the 91st Division tomorrow, so it looks favorable for a move soon. After we leave here, I don’t think it will be long before we are home and out of the Army.

I received quite a letter from Ira Hamlin K the other day explaining in detail what his daddy was doing on the farm. Frank Clinton wrote me a letter from over here in France, says he is also on the waiting list to cross the “pond” some time in Feb.

Have no idea at what camp we will be mustered out of the army at, but it seems to me as tho the western boys will go back to Camp Lewis. At present we have several men from other divisions that has been transferred into the 71st.

With love to all from your son,
Ira Kent.

Read More of Ira Kent's Letters.