The Soldier's Battle Cry: "Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken by Christmas"September 7, 1918 Dear Sister, No doubt you will be surprised to hear from me. This leaves me well and enjoying good health. I hope you are the same. We had a heavy rain yesterday with lots of hail the size of a small rock. That was my first hail to see in France. One year ago today we sailed from Hoboken. It sure does seem like it was a thousand years ago. I have had some thrilling experiences during the year and expect to have some more before long. I am sending in this letter some names and addresses in case of any accident. Please write to them informing them of my accident, as you and father will be notified first. I am still trusting in the Heavenly Father to direct me, and care for me in this world war, as he has done so, so far. Always remember that my last thoughts were of you and grandmother. I have not heard from her in sometime and hope she is not ill. The soldier's "Battle Cry is "Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken by Christmas". Hope it is the latter. Well, this is about all I know to write now. Hoping to hear from you soon. With love to all...From your devoted brother, Corporal Oliver R. Hardeman American Expeditionary Forces Oliver Hardeman did not make it home for Christmas. His family was heart broken by the news of his untimely death on the battle field during WWI, but took comfort in knowing that his last thoughts were of his dear family and his love for his country. God bless our troops as we continue to pray for peace on earth this Christmas season. Pioneer
Submitted by Marsha on Mon, 12/17/2007 - 9:07pm.
Thank you for sharing, amazing that someone who was in the middle of war was so aware of family back home, and others in case something happened to him. How soon after that letter was he killed? Who was Oliver to you Pioneer? I like that name, so full of courage and strength. What else do you know about him, was he married, did he have children, how old was he? Clueless is right, it's a wonderful gift that you share these letters with us, please continue to share them. You are so blessed to have them.
Submitted by Baxley on Mon, 12/17/2007 - 10:11pm.
Pioneer - thanks very much for offering us the chance to read such personal history. What a great descritive letter, and I agree with the obvious love of family. Re the name Oliver, that is my brother's middle name - John Oliver. He was named after my great-grandfather, Henry Oliver. It is a classic name. Is it just me, or has the Christmas spirit settled in at the MCS blog site? A welcome feeling indeed. And we even have a Florida winter to go with it, too. Submitted by pioneer on Mon, 12/17/2007 - 10:32pm.
Cleuless, Marsha, and Bax. Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed Oliver's letter to his sister. Marsha, I will research and let you know the date Oliver died. Oliver was my aunt's brother in law. He was not married and died as a young soldier. My aunt (my mother's sister) named her only daughter after him (Olivia). Olivia, my first cousin and a courageous and strong woman, died this past September at the age of 80. At her graveside funeral, her son read several poems she had written that were made into a book. People are talking about ...Here are the recent blog postings with the most comments. |
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Pi..in another thread you said you would share more letters, I will be waiting. I don't think this is solemn (as you said to Bax) I hope you might think of it as a Christmas gift to the bloggers of MCS. What a poignant, touching family communication. During this season where many times the hustle and bustle get in the way I appreciate the reminder of how fortunate I am. It also reminds me of similar letters that have been written from Korea, Viet Nam, The Persian Gulf, Iraq the list goes on.....
Again, thanks for sharing such a personal family treasure and I will wait for more.
Merry Christmas to you too Pi.