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Thursday, September 26 W e were on the move in the early morning. Gas shells fell on all the wooded areas, and the odor seeping out of the crater-marked ground was horrible and asphyxiating. The destruction of the great trees was also shocking. The powerful explosives from the heavy artillery uprooted them. The moon appeared at the first light of day while the sky was still full of stars and the dew over the plants in the woods and valleys brought the temperature down. This is what we saw of the countryside as we crossed it on our way to our destination. We arrived at the actual command post at six in the morning after a search of twelve hours in the brambles, where death was suspended over us. I had not really done all I could for the soldiers because the order had been a secret and I could not reveal any of it. I knew the plan of action given to our sergeants because I had worked on it all day. I had marked many of the positions that appeared on the small rough sketch. Our adventure actually took me on an unexpected, unwanted, and unforgettable visit to the feared no man’s land. Fortunately, we made the journey and we were now ready for whatever was to follow. How many of our soldiers have fallen during this fight and are not able to say this? The lack of sleep, along with gas, left me with a serious headache, but I was fortunate to get my hands on a small solid alcohol stove. It was very useful, and I demonstrated this by quickly making myself a cup of coffee. My buddies teased me when I got it, but were later amazed at its usefulness. Making coffee in such difficult circumstances requires an explanation so no one may think I am exaggerating. Other soldiers could have done the same, and if they did not, it may have been entirely their fault. The reader may remember that I included the “condiment can” among my food utensils. The can has compartments. Since I have not had food to carry, I fill one half with A Horrible Night in “No Man’s Land” 217 My Personal Diary 218 sugar and the other with coffee. Who can doubt me when I say I have often avoided the headaches caused by the lack of coffee in the morning? On occasions when the morning finds us on our feet, I am glad to be able to chew on a spoonful of coffee with a bit of sugar. I also carry salt and pepper in the container, and during the hard, trying moments when I have nothing else but a can of tomatoes, everyone should know that I do not stay hungry for long. Many soldiers have been less prepared and have suffered the long moments of “growling stomachs.” Other soldiers used the “magical stove” on that morning. They can attest to its worth. Oh good God, so much misery, and we do not understand why! The hot coffee with our reliable “hardtack” biscuits hit the spot and revived exhausted, hungry, and drowsy soldiers. This is not the first time I have avoided going without in such difficult circumstances. I have also sought out my readings, conversations and, especially, recollections from my past. The command post was at the foot of a hill that overlooked an entire beautiful valley with a meandering creek of crystalline water. Our post faced memorable hill 121, where so many German cannon were located. Our command post was a true fortification, constructed with attention to detail by someone who understood how well it could defy death. It was one of the famous “pillboxes.” The thick walls were made of Roman cement and its roof of heavy zinc plates, a layer of weighty steel rails, and a complete cover of dirt. These are the kinds of posts that typically include small cannon and machine guns. The fort oversaw most of the terrain that we had crossed without the benefit of cover. A large number of trenches stretched along the side of the hill. Many of our men fell during the night and are continuing to fall in these trenches. We had a hard time hearing the moans of injured soldiers. They were cold, hungry, thirsty, in pain, and weak from the loss of blood and untreated injuries. They asked for water and medical attention, but we could do nothing. What will...

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