A Soldier’s Letter from Hawaii: Life in the U.S. Army During World War I
As young men from Nemaha County answered the call to serve in World War I, letters from those stationed far from home provided a vital connection to their families and communities. One such letter, written by Embert Coles from Fort Ruger, Hawaii, was published in the August 9, 1917 issue of the Courier Democrat, offering readers a firsthand glimpse into the daily life of a soldier.
In his letter, Coles describes military inspections, the discipline required to maintain equipment and quarters, and the camaraderie among soldiers. He also shares efforts to establish a company library, the importance of recreation, and his observations on patriotism back home. His words provide a vivid picture of the challenges and routines of military service while reassuring those in Seneca that the young men stationed in Hawaii remained committed to their duty.
This letter serves as a compelling historical record, shedding light on the experiences of local soldiers during America’s involvement in the Great War.
COAST ARTILLERYMAN COLES WRITES FROM H. T.
Ft. Ruger, H. T., July 21, 1917.
Dear Friends:
We don’t have any drills on Saturday afternoon so I guess I will write a few letters. I received two Couriers this week and after reading everything in them sent them to the boys at Kamahamaha. Judging from the way Seneca has been giving to the Red Cross and the Army Y. M. C. A., I would say that all her patriots are not with the colors. I haven’t been able to visit the Army Y. M. C. A. here but I understand that one of the nicest hotels in Honolulu is being remodeled for a Y. M. C. A.
We had inspection this morning and I thought perhaps Seneca people might be interested in knowing just how a soldier must take care of his clothing, equipment, etc. Every Saturday morning the officers of the company inspect it. For this inspection, everyone must have on a clean suit, his shoes must be shined, he must have a shave and haircut, and his rifle must be clean. And I’ll tell you, these officers can sure see a spot of dust on a rifle, and they don’t hesitate about telling a fellow about it either. After we have passed this inspection, the officers inspect our quarters. There is a prescribed way for making our beds, arrangement of our shoes, etc. This morning I heard a fellow get “called” because he didn’t have his clothes arranged correctly in his locker. If a man doesn’t obey the rules, he is likely to get some extra work or perhaps a fine.
Our camp is kept up as clean as any lawn in Seneca. We go through camp every morning and pick up all rubbish, even to matches and small sticks.
Every soldier is as proud of his company as a student of his school, and he is willing to do most anything for its betterment. This week there was a collection taken up in order to get funds to purchase a company library. I understand that we raised about $400, which amounts to about $4.00 apiece from the men in our company. We will have a number of good magazines and dailies from the mainland and a number of good books.
We drill about four hours each day and work between times; of course, we are not kept busy all the time but are given a considerable amount of time for recreation. There is to be a field meet here between the companies next Thursday.
I guess I had better close for this time. If the people at home are getting along as well as the boys on the Island, there is no cause for complaint. I’m sure there isn’t a Seneca boy here that is sick of his bargain.
With best regards from all the boys,
I am your friend—
EMBERT COLES.