NEWS: John Domer ZERBE Writes Home, 1918, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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DOMER ZERBE WRITES INTERESTING LETTERS

Sergeant Major Zerbe Sends Fine Letters to Parents at 1429 First Street

  The following are extracts from letters written by Sergeant Major John 
Domer Zerbe, 28th Division Headquarters, somewhere in France, to his parents.
    We have been on the move again and I am writing this letter about 45 
miles from the place I wrote you last.  You know I have a bicycle and make 
very good use of it too; I rode the 45 miles on my wheel from 1 o'clock in 
the afternoon until 11 o'clock that night.  When I finished the trip I could 
hardly get off the wheel for I was so stiff.  Yesterday I saw a demolished 
German airplane pass through this village, on a wagon, it being shot down two 
nights ago when it came over the lines of the allies to bomb towns.
  I am getting used to the "hum" of the guns and they don't bother me at 
night when I sleep.  I am continuing to eat hearty and am getting fat.  I got 
my little overseas hat or cap, as one might call it; our slouch hats are to 
be collected and we will then have a little cap and our steal helmets.  We 
are kept busy all the time and by the way things look we will be working day 
and night, but who cares about a little work?  Anything at all to beat those 
barbarians.  I hate them more and more every day because of the things I hear 
and see.  
  Looks like a good night for Fritz to pay us a visit; he picks out such nice 
nights to do his bombing, for on the nice moonlight nights the strong search 
lights don't have much effect on him and he is harder to find.  Are you 
reading in the newspapers the fine fighting being done by the Sammies.  By 
letters and things we are told, he is afraid of the Sammies and says they are 
too "fiery."  Just watch us get 'em.
  I saw two sausage observation balloons brought down in flames.  My 
attention was attracted when I heard shells exploding and when I looked into 
the sky I saw many big black puffs of smoke just over the balloons.  In a few 
minutes two airplanes dove down from a great height and kept flying close 
around the balloon like a hawk.  I then saw a big white parachute unfurl and 
start to ascend with the occupant hanging on.  In less than a minute I saw 
the balloon burst into flames.  The man in the parachute lit close by.  This 
is only one of the many things I will see before the war is over.
  At last I have received some mail from America this morning and it 
certainly made me feel good.  This is the first mail I have received since I 
left the U. S.  Dad says I should do my duty toward old glory.  Well, you all 
know the way I stand without me telling you.  The colors will never trail in 
the dust and dirt if I have anything to do with it.
  Wish I could enjoy a day's fishing at Horningford, but I will have to be 
patient and wait until I return home.  Mother never worry about us being 
killed.  If a shell is going to hit you it will do so whether one is careful 
or not.  Why should you worry when we boys don't worry.  I must close and 
please answer soon.
  Your loving son and brother,
            DOMER.

Altoona Tribune, Monday morning, August 12, 1918, page 6