"I Haven't Changed a Bit and I Love You Just Heaps"

Lee Beckman was a soldier from Minnesota who served in the Army in France from September 1918 to June 1919. In a letter to his wife, Beckman relays his opinions of the Americans' reputation with the Germans. He writes that the Germans are very afraid of the Yankees and that if a German ever even sees a Yankee they will run or throw up their hands in surrender. Beckman describes Yankees as Devils because when they get to the front lines they never want to stop. In addition to war news, Beckman muses about what to sent his wife for Christmas, and talks at length about missing her.

 

Camp de La Valboune,
LaValboune (Aiw)
France,
Oct. 23, 1918
My Darling Eunice,
[...] The Yankees sure have some reputation over here. If a German gets in sight of a Yank the Boche either runs or throws up his hands. I guess you can't blame them tho, as the Yankees are regular "Devils" when they get in the front. They never want to stop. [...] I sure have lots to learn about an Army Rifle and bayonet as you know we didn't have any Rifles, but there is several machine Gun men here so I'm not alone. Wish I could have had a little more experience with the Company at the Front before coming here. According to the news in the papers we get, the Germans are trying every way they can think of to get Peace without ruining there [sic] country but if the Yankees keep on going Gen'l Pershing can eat christmas dinner in Berlin and they can make a Peace treaty that will last. I don't know what I can send you for Christmas but I'll try to get a picture, at least. About all one can buy is Cushion covers and Handkerchiefs but I think it would be better for me to bring them along wien I go back than to try to send them thr'w the mail. [...] Well Honey I must go clean my new rifle, So I'll close. Remember, Dear, I haven't changed a bit and I love you just heaps. I am yours always.
Lee

Citation: Lee Beckman, Letters Home from France. Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, Minnesota. P2353