WAR RECORD of EDWARD PAUL SCHMIDT (1895-1918)

Paul entered Camp Custer, Mich., Sept. 1917. His rank was Private, Battery A - 328th Field Art. Paul was sent directly from Camp Custer to France, arriving there in Sept. 1918, remaining in the same company and regiment until his death. He was promoted to 1st/cl Cook with an offer to become mess sergeant, which offer he refused as it necessitated his leaving all his former comrades.

************************~ooOoo~************************

Letter from EDWARD PAUL SCHMIDT to his half-sister, ANNA (SCHMIDT) BROWN, 2 Oct. 1917

Camp Custer
Oct. 2, 1917

Dear Anna:--
Received your letter the other day and sure was glad to hear from you.
Am still learning to cook + must have it all learned by Nov. 1 so I can take charge of a kitchen by myself. It is a good thing to learn + if I have to later on in life, I can make a living at it.
You must excuse pencil as I must write several letters and a pen is too slow. I am also writing CARRIE + BEN [HUCHTON] a letter the first one I have written them since I am here, but I didn't know just where they were so I had to wait until I heard from the folks at home. IRMA [ROSENBACH] + her family were here Sunday, but I would'nt advise any one to come, much as I would like to have them, as they do not allow you to drive into the camp + the walk is too far especially if you have to look for the place. I saw GERALD BROWN twice now since I've been here. I spent nearly every night looking for him until at last he walked in on me. He is just as anxious to get back home again as I am. I guess every body here is sick of this place.
Well sister I must close. love to all. PAUL

P.S. Don't forget to say a little prayer for us every morning + night.

***************

Postcard of St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, from EDWARD PAUL SCHMIDT to MR. + MRS. A.P. SCHMIDT, 13 National Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich., postmarked either June or July 23, 1918

Dear Folks at home:--
I am feeling fine and am in New York City tonight looking the burg over. Bill Neary is with me and from here we are going to his home in Beacon, N.Y. Don't worry and love to all. PAUL

P.S. My address is Battery A, 328th F.A. American Expeditionary Forces

***************

An undated letter from Paul J. Irwin, Secy 2nd Army

PAUL E. SCHMIDT died Dec. 6th 1918 at Base Hospital 87 and was buried in the American Cemetery a five minute walk from Toul. His grave is numbered 999 and a cross stands at the head on which is fastened his identification tag. The tag is a metal tag on which is his name and military record. A tag is also buried in the grave. The ground is owned by the American government and will not be disturbed. He was attended during his sickness by Rev. Father McCavinne who gave him the last rites of the church. I saw his grave. The French people have placed some flowers on the grave, and when the Spring time comes in about four weeks, we boys will decorate it again. If there is any other information you desire will gladly look it up for you.

Very truly Yours

Paul J. Irwin
Secy 2nd Army

***************

DISEASE CLAIMS G.R. SOLDER; ONE MORE MISSING IN ACTION

PVTE. PAUL E. SCHMIDT, son of AUGUST P. SCHMIDT, 13 National avenue, N.W., who died Dec. 6 of pneumonia in France, and Pvte. Clyde A. Greenawald, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Greenawald, 1305 Cass avenue, S.E., missing in action, are casualties reported Sunday.

PVTE. SCHMIDT was 22 years old. Before entering the service he was assistant in his father's meat market at 756 West Fulton street. He left Grand Rapids with a draft contingent and went overseas with the 85th division.

Later he was transferred to Company A, 328th regiment, field artillery. Recent letters indicate his battery was on the point of getting into action when the armistice was signed.

Pvte. Greenawald is reported as missing since Oct. 8. He was in a machine gun battalion.

THE GRAND RAPIDS HERALD, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon. Dec. 16, 1918, Pg. 6, Col. 3, Art. 3