“We don’t know where we’re going but we’re on our way” might be taken as the traveling song of soldiers. We dropped down to Chalons, crossed the river, going first in a southeasterly direction to St. Dizier, then southwest to Troyes, and rolling through France the whole night long we came in the morning as near Paris as Noisy-le-Sec, from which, with glasses, we could see the Eiffel Tower. Judging from our experience with the elusive furlough, that is as near to Paris as most of us will ever get. We were impressed with the new enthusiasm for American soldiers among the French people; every station, every village, every farm window was hung with colors, some attempt at the Stars and Stripes being common. And stout burghers, lovely maidens, saucy gamins, and old roadmenders had a cheer and a wave of the hand for “les braves Americains, si jeunes, si forts, si gentils,” as the troop train passed by. “Looks as if they knew about the big battle we were in,” said Lawrence Reilly. “Not a bit of it,” said the grizzled Sergeant Harvey. “I have seen the Paris papers and nobody but ourselves knows that the Americans were in the Champagne fight. These people think we are fresh from the rear, and they are giving us a good reception on account of the American Divisions that hammered the Jerries three or four days after we helped to stand them up. Isn’t that so, Father?” “I think you’re right, Sergeant. For the time being what you fellows did is lost in the shuffle.” “Who were these other guys?” asked Mike Molese. “They say it was the 1st and 2nd Divisions up near Soissons and the 26th and 3rd around Chateau Thierry.” “How is it these fellows manage to get all the press-agent stuff and never a thing in the paper about the 42nd?” asked Tommy Murphy. “Well, those other fellows say that it is the Rainbows that get all the advertising.” “Well, if I ever get home,” said Bobby Harrison, “I’ll tell the world that none of those birds, regulars, marines or Yankees, have anything on the Rainbow.” “Oh, what’s the difference?” said the philosophical John Mahon, “as long as it is American soldiers that are getting the credit.” “Do you subscribe to those sentiments, Kenneth?” I asked John’s side partner, Hayes. “I certainly do, Father.” “Then I make it unanimous. This meeting will now adjourn with all present rising to sing the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’” CHATEAU MOUCHETON, EPIEDS _July_ 26th, 1918