June 14, 1918 – Full diary entry:

“Cut cord wood this A.M. Have a good bunk. Four of us in a room. This is a lovely place. I hope I can stay in the forest. 

Bought Vin Rouge from the forester. No cigarettes.”

It should be noted that this is the first time in his diary that Robert mentions having a drink. Previously it had seemed like he looked down on others in his unit who were drinkers.

Chaplain Edwards, in From Doniphan to Verdun, talks about the American soldier’s ability to find what is needed:

Contrary to the general opinion, the first thing a soldier does on getting to a new French town is not to seek vin rouge and vin blanc. He looks for eggs and potatoes and finds them. He finds them even when the officers cannot obtain them. We were received with kindly courtesy by the French and in our marches through the country gained an intimate acquaintance with the life and thought of the French peasant.

Where was Robert today? See the timeline.