John D. Burns | "Frank Burns was a soldier": The World War I Epoch of Frank Cassius Burns | Oregon Historical Quarterly, 109.2

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"Frank Burns was a soldier"

The World War I Epoch of Frank Cassius Burns

by John D. Burns

ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1894, JUST less than twenty-four years before he would leave the bustling frontier town of Condon, Oregon, for the World War I battlefields of France, Frank Cassius Burns, the youngest of eight children, was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Frank W. Burns and Anna Dunn Burns. "Cassius" was the name of a favorite race horse belonging to his father, who had been a traveling fruit-tree salesman in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, as well as a landscaper, nurseryman, and mortician, but was above all else a trainer and fancier of racehorses, as was Frank as he grew to adulthood.¹ At the time of Frank's birth, his father (my grandfather) was the superintendent and sexton of the Calvary Cemetery on Door Street in Toledo, a job that provided the large Burns family with an ample home on the grounds but very little income. Each of the three eldest children, therefore, had to leave school by the fifth grade to take jobs that would assist with the family's support.

In June 1898, Frank's brother Jim (my father) left his job with the American District Telegraph Company in Toledo and immigrated to Condon, Oregon, to work in a general mercantile store owned by his uncles, Jim and Edward Dunn. The brothers had moved from Monroe County, Michigan, to Gilliam County not too long after it was established by Oregon's Legislature.² Initially, Edward Dunn taught school at Rock Creek and Jim Dunn herded sheep for Simon Barker, the county's largest landowner with whom they would soon compete for Condon's general mercantile business. In 1887, they filed on a homestead in Ferry Canyon, west of Condon, where they lived and worked until opening, with a third partner, a small general store in 1890 under the name of Miller and Dunn. By 1893, Miller was gone and the store had become Dunn Brothers.³ Jim Burns was soon joined in Condon by his older brother Will and thereafter by his brother Gerald and sister Loretta, the eldest of the four Burns daughters.⁴ All worked in their uncles' Dunn Brothers store, which soon became, along with the S.B. Barker Company, one of the town's two leading general merchandise stores. The pull on Frank to be "Out West" with his big brothers was so great that, in 1908, his parents permitted Frank to return to Condon with Gerald, who had been in Toledo for a visit.⁵ Once in Condon, Frank elected to stay. His parents and the three youngest daughters, Grace, Bess, and Julia, moved to Condon permanently in 1910.⁶

Frank C. Burns at Camp Lewis, Washington, February 1918

Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy of the author

Located in North-Central Oregon, thirty-eight miles south of the Columbia River at Arlington, Condon was referred to by locals during the early 1900s as the "Wheat City," because it had shipped such a large amount of wheat for a city its size. Ranchers also shipped large quantities of cattle, sheep, and wool from Condon. The town, which had a population of about 1,200, boasted a variety of businesses, professionals, and recreation opportunities, including "two newspapers, three mercantile stores, four main hotels ... five churches, five saloons ... flour mill, three blacksmith shops, meat market, two lodge halls, skating rink and dance hall ... three grain and wool storage warehouses, three restaurants ... photo studio, shooting gallery and bowling alley ... two lawyers offices, two doctors, one dentist, jewelry store ... daily train service — passenger and freight — to Arlington, daily stage service between Condon and Fossil, and ten fraternal organizations."⁷ Frank first attended Condon's one public elementary school, and then St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Academy, which opened in 1909. He worked at the local butcher shop, at Dunn Brothers, and on local ranches.⁸ He had an extraordinary affinity for race horses and often rode in the popular Condon race meets. His father wanted Frank to be a professional jockey, but his mother refused to allow it. Still, when fully grown, he was slight of build, not weighing more than 115 pounds.

Frank W. Burns and Anna Dunn Burns, Frank Cassius's parents, were photographed on their wedding day, May 30, 1876, in Stoney Creek, Michigan.

For a time, the lure of the big city induced Frank to Portland, where he worked at Shanahan's General Merchandiser on southwest Washington Street and quickly became a well-known boxing enthusiast.⁹ He established friendships with many of the prize-fighting figures of that prewar era, the closest of which was with Ralph Gruman, a prize fighter who for many years thereafter was Oregon's premier boxing referee.¹⁰ It was in Portland, after the United States entered World War I in 1917, that Frank Burns first tried to enlist in the U.S. Army. The Condon Globe reported that "He enlisted in the cavalry ... but was finally discharged because he was underweight." After his initial rejection, the newspaper reported, Frank came home, tried to build up to the required weight again before the draft but was rejected. He kept on trying and by the time he was called in [for] the draft he was just a trifle under-weight but was accepted."¹¹ Back "home" in Condon, Frank had returned to work at Dunn Brothers and was named treasurer of the firm. His body-building program included drinking several milk shakes a day and, much to the horror of his Catholic mother, eating two steaks every day, including Fridays.¹² Frank reported for duty at Camp Lewis, Washington, (now Fort Lewis) on February 5, 1916.¹³ Soon after entering the service, he asked to be transferred to a division that was going overseas and was successful.¹⁴ He was actually under fire in France six weeks after his enlistment and, within six months, was mortally wounded in combat, becoming Gilliam County's first casualty of the war.¹⁵

The first brick building in Condon was built by Dunn Brothers in 1903 and housed that store until 1926, when it moved to a larger building. This 1907 photograph shows (left to right) Ben Greiner, Jim Burns, Gerald Burns, Loretta Burns, an unidentified man in the wagon, and Will Burns.

Frank and other recruits depart from Condon on February 4, 1918, on their way to begin training at Camp Lewis, Washington.

During those six months, Frank wrote thirty-seven letters home to his mother, father, and brother Jim, some of which are as long as five handwritten pages. The letters lay dormant for more than fifty years, until I discovered them in a weathered suitcase in the corner of my father's bedroom closet following his death in 1968. Twenty-three of the letters appear in the following pages.¹⁶ They chronicle Frank's travels on a troop train across the country and with his company in France, including graphic descriptions of life in the trenches and the French countryside, the realities of war, and quiet moments among the doughboys. In letters to his mother, Frank continually tried to shield her from the war and reassure her that her prayers will keep him safe; more forthcoming accounts of events are found in letters to his brother. Many of the letters reveal his preoccupation with economic arrangements and happenings back home, especially in regard to the store, family, and friends. As a group, they provide a vivid portrait of life during World War I, both at home and in the trenches, and of a young soldier from rural Oregon who gave his life for his country.

LETTERS FROM AMERICA

Frank wrote his first letter from Camp Lewis, Washington, on February 20.¹⁷

Dear Mother:
    I received the sox and was very glad to get them. I haven't received no letter but am writing to let you know I got the sox. I also got B. Hardie's card. I got a nice letter from Eck and he told me Bill's good luck over there.¹⁸ Well mother everything is fine and dandy and I've been vaccinated twice and shot in the arm with typhoid preventive twice and I'll get 1 more shot in the arm and then I'll have no more germs left in me. I haven't started to smoke yet and its pretty hard to keep away from it here as everybody smokes. I went to church Sunday and got ashes. They have Lenten Devotions every Friday night in the K.C. Halls. The priest or chaplains dress in uniform and have a cross on there collar. They hold a 1st Lieutenancy in the Army.
    We have plenty to eat and plenty to wear and plenty of amusement in fact there is something doing every night here. I got over and visit the other Condon Boys every now & then. I saw young Beeson today. How is the sweater coming on.¹⁹ I have one issued to me but its gray and a little too big. I ain't going to wear the sox till it get colder. There sure fine and just the right size. Don't forget the insurance to be paid at 1^st Nat. Bank on the 20^th. Gerald will tell you where. I guess I told you about taking out the army insurance. Well Mother best regards to all and love to you, I remain
    Your Loving Son
    Frank C. Burns
    1st Co 166th Depot Brigade
    Camp Lewis, Wash.

The following letter, the third he wrote, is postmarked at Hood River, one hundred miles west of Condon.

March 2, 1918
Columbia River Highway On Board a Troop Train

Dear Mother: -
    We are quietly speeding eastward to Camp Merrit, N Jersey as far as any of us know. We passed thru N. Portland and are going over the U.P. I wished I could get off at Arlington but its impossible.... There is about 500 men on board and there all raring to go. We have pullmans and good berths. We are traveling in style and only the least bit crowded ... From what I hear from officers it looks like the war is in its last stages and by the time we get our training it will be over ... We are just leaving Troutdale and it's a little after four so I suppose we will go thru Arlington about 9 P.M. My tho'ts will be off you folks anyway if I can't stop.
    I have been in Camp Lewis less than a month and am eastward bound. I am sure lucky. You know I was wishing I get in a company that was leaving and I sure did. The old Ore shores look good to me. I am going to close this with love to all. I want to mail this at The Dalles. Gee, I am sure feeling and am enjoying myself. You know I still have a little bit of the wander-lust left and am sure happy when traveling. I will write every chance I get.
    Your Loving Son
    Frank C. Burns

Somewhere's near Cheyenne Wyoming
Mar 4, 1918

Dear Mother:-
    Just a line to let you know we are still going east. Its just a month ago today that I reported to the Local Board and a month ago tomorrow that I started to Camp Lewis. We are traveling under sealed orders and may turn off and go south and then again we may go to Camp Merritt. The rumors are that were going to New Jersey all that I know is that were going some place. We had a hike at Glenn's Ferry, Ida yesterday and had a hike at Rawlins, Wyo. We sure got some reception at Pocatello everybody turned out and gave us the glad hand. I've have my pockets full of addresses of girls along the line. I had to kiss a few of the girls goodbye at Pocatello. We had a turn out at the Dalles but I didn't see anyone I knew. At Hood River I saw Fred Bishop and gave him letters to mail. I only saw the operator at Arlington. When they hear were coming they line up along the road. They take snap shots of us. The young folks are jolly but whenever we see any elderly women you always see tears in there eyes and most of them have someone over there. One old lady in Pocatello last night couldn't talk she was so choked up and she just went from Car to Car shaking hands with the boys. It's a wonderful experience this troop train. Some of the boys are happy and jolly and some very down-hearted. The lad I am bunking with was married and he feels it pretty hard. He said last night Gee Burns, its pretty tough all that I hold near and dear to me is in this part of the country. I hate to leave. He was assistant yardmaster at Teko, Wash. When I look around and hear the cases of some of the boys I just think how lucky I am. I know that you will never want for anything and I've left no wife or kids and I have some very good health whereas some of the boys on this train are really physically unfit. Some have left dependent mothers some wives and families. So I have a whole lot to be thankful for altho I am leaving the best little Mother in the whole, whole world. How is Bess and Kathryn.²⁰ I hope there better. I pity Bess's baby if it looks like me. The weather is very nice for Wyoming. One of the boys in this car has a violin and we sing and play cards. Yesterday I was on Kitchen Police and it help break the monotony of the trip. We would take a boiler of coffee and pass from seat to seat and meat and stew and bread. It makes a fellow active passing the stuff while the train is going miles per hour. How is Jim's health? and how is business? That's the only 2 regrets I have leaving him shorthanded while he is feeling bum and leaving you. Of course I may get turned down in the next camp. I hope I don't. I am anxious to see it thru. I like the army life so far. Well mother I will write again in a few days. Best regards to all and love to you.
    Your Loving Son
    Frank C. Burns

Julia Burns (Racette), Frank C. Burns, two unidentified women, and Bess Burns (Shannon) pose for a photograph in Condon in about 1912.

Mar 9, 1918
Camp Merritt, N. J

Dear Jim:-
    I wired you for $10 tonight on account of not getting any pay this month and if I get passed in the exams it may be 3 months before I get a cent. You see we were on the move at pay day so now we have to wait until Apr. 5th and maybe we'll be on the boat for next pay day. They are getting us ready for the big show and nobody ever stays here over 2 weeks. Of course, in the exams a fellow may be discharged and again he may be sent to some camp here for special duty. You know I only took 15 with me and I sure played it close but its pretty tough to be without any money here after the way I was for the last year and a half when I would reach in the till and take 5 or 10 when I wanted it. I sure miss the store and hope business is good. How is the new crew? Please take over the Liberty Bond and I think this will be the last time I'll bother you for money if I get discharged I am going to see Loretta and then beat it right back there. I have been getting along fine and feel very good. I am acting Co. Clerk till we go across. We aren't a regular Co yet but I am acting clerk for what is here and I get out of all manual labor and kitchen work. I was offered acting corporal and could have made it permanently if I wanted to but I turned it down. The top sergeant came to me twice and finally he said well I'll make you Co clerk. It rates the same as Corp. Don't mention it as it will be only for a few days. I only told you to let know I am getting along all right. Well Jim I must close with regards to all.
    Your Bro
    Frank C. Burns

Camp Merritt, N. J.
Mar. 14, 1918

Dear Mother:-
    Just a line to let you know we are still here and don't know what is next. We heard when we first came that nobody ever stays over two weeks but we will be here a week tomorrow. We are getting fully equipped and it looks like the big show if we pass the exams. Thats the last thing we do is get examined. They have been keeping us close to the barracks up till yesterday and then they gave out 18 passes and I was one of the lucky 18. I was dead broke but the sergent won over 100 dollars coming over on the train and he took another lad and myself over to New York and we sure had one swell time. We had only 20 hours and we sure made the best of it. We never went to bed till we got back this morning. We took in a musical comedy to start it off in the afternoon and then we had a chicken dinner at Quicks Cafe on Broadway and we were the only soldiers in the place and the entertainers played right to us. Then we went up to Maxime's Cabaret and stepped awhile and took in the dance at the Grand Central Palace. There was about 300 couples on the floor and mostly soldiers and sailors and talk about your swell floors and music. The hall was trimmed with leaves and dark red lights it seemed every dance was a moonlight.... I didn't see what you would call a fresh and bright looking girl they all seem to have that careworn look.... Tell Dad I was up in the Famous Tammany Hall but I didn't have time to call on Mayor Hylan. Believe me Mother that trip was worth a whole lot to us fellows. They have been holding us pretty close so it was a godsend. Some of the boys may never to see N. Y. Most of us are dead broke. I wired a night letter to Jim for $10 last Sat. night and I received no ans yet. It sure went to Condon for they got no word here that it wasn't received. It don't look like we'll be payed in April either unless we stay here and I don't think we'll stay here. This is no training camp. Say tell me in the next letter whether you got the suite case with my civilian clothes and also if you got that army insurance policy. I told them to send it to you. Well Mother I havent any more news only I have never felt better in my life and had as many clothes. I dont know how I'll carry all Uncle Same has given me. Well Best regards to all
    Your Loving Son
    Frank C. Burns
    2nd Co Overseas Casual Camp Lewis
    Replacement Detachment Camp Merritt, NJ

On the same day, Frank wrote a contrasting letter to his brother Jim.

Pvt. Frank C. Burns at Camp Merritt, New Jersey, March 1918

Camp Merritt, N. J.
Mar 14, 1918

Dear Jim:-
I don't know whether this will get thru or not but we are just about to leave. Our stuff is about to go to Hoboken within an hour. I will in a couple of days if its a false alarm. Break the news easy to mother. It's the big show to. Best regards to all.
Frank C. Burns

FRANCE, APRIL 1918

Apr 1, 1918²¹

Dear Brother:-
    Arrived safe and sound and had a very pleasant journey. Very few of the boys were seasick. We journeyed on trains after the boat trip and saw several places we heard about back there. I met 2 of the boys from Portland and Pudge Kennedy and Bill Hardie, and Gruman are only a little ways from here and I may get to see them. We are just resting here and I havent been assigned to any regular organization yet. I see by the English paper that their are going to call the boys that become 21 since June 5th.... Its spring here and everybody is busy. This is rolling hilly country but the hills aren't as rough as ours its very pretty. All the farms are hedged off with briar hedges hundreds of years old. Say did you ever get that telegram sent from Camp Merritt? I never got a return on it. It looks like a blank this month so I'll catch a big one when I do draw. Another thing did you or mother get my insurance policy I had it sent there. I sure have enjoyed the best of health since I've been in the service. There is nothing like it. Easter Sunday was warm and sunny and a couple of us lads took a ramble over the hills. I am sure stuck on this country everything is so neat and clean. Towns are all built alike houses, factorys, stores are built of brick with queer chimneys. How is Bess and Kathryn? I haven't heard what Bess's baby name is? We have lots of fun with this money farthings, pences, shillings and crowns. Things are a lot different than what we are used to. Well Jim write or have mother write as I haven't heard from there since we left Lewis. Regards to all.
    Frank C. Burns
    2nd Co Camp Lewis Reps. Draft (Mar)
    AEF via New York

Apr. 14, 1918²²
France

Dear Mother:-
    Am at last at a standstill. I am assigned to Co. A.163rd Inf. 41st Div. like it fine.²³ The last night I was in England Pudge Kennedy came up to see me and I sure was glad to see him. Bill Hardie and Ralph Gruman both had to work or I'd have seen them. Bill is still with his old Company. Well Mother I haven't much news. Please write soon to
    Your Loving Son
    Frank C. Burns
    Co. A, 163 Inf. 41st Div. AEF

France, Apr. 17, 1918

Dear Mother:
    I received 2 letters and the check for $10 and was very glad to receive the letters but tickled to death to get the check. It was like a God Send. Over here its worth 56 Francs. Today has been like Xmas. I got my first mail from the states and they were forwarded from Merritt and dated way back in Mar. I got 14 letters and 2 postal cards. I never received the package of sweaters yet. I will get them I guess in a few days. I won't need the sweaters but I will need the kit. As it is, I am getting along nicely you can borrow needles and thread and razors but money well most of the boys in our outfit are in the same boat as I was. When we do get paid we'll have enough to buy France. They only hold out for insurance unless you have an allotment. I have only insurance. I was talking with some of the boys and none of their folks have received their insurance policy so never mind about it. The weather is very nice. I am glad Lillie and Parker spoke well of me and from the letters I got I guess the old boy has a few friends left there. I was sure glad to hear from them and wished they could be taking in the sights I am. You can tell them hello and say whenever I see anything new I think of Condon and wished they could see it to. I was up this afternoon and went through a quaint old graveyard with little vaults and the flowers blooming. Then for artificial flowers they had bead work it was very pretty. I sure would like to be able to speak this lingo. I should have taken lessons from Miss Blais. I am glad Jimie is going to work in the store. He will be a big help to J. D. I am sorry Jule isn't not feeling well and I am glad she will be with you. What is Bess's baby's name? Who else besides Mike Cregan is drafted? Is it the 1st or 2nd draft and what is Gilliam Co. quota? I was less than 10 miles from Bill Hardie and didn't get to see him. I saw Pudge Kennedy tho and was sure glad to see him. He looks fine. I hope business is good. I heard they were going to discharge the farmers. I hope they do. Well Mother I haven't any more news and I want to thank you again for the check and remember me to everybody and tell them I am fine and dandy.
    Your Loving Son
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co. A 163rd Inf. 41st Div
    AEF via New York
    P.S. Tell Jim I never got his wire or money and to have it returned to him.

This bird's-eye view of Condon was taken in about 1915, looking southwest from the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. The large building in the distance to the right is St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, which also housed a hospital, church, and convent.

OHS neg., OrHi 14808

France, May 12, 1918

Dear Mother:-
    Being Mother's Day all the boys are writing home and the send 'em thru like Special Delivery.²⁴ I wrote you a few lines the other day. And I also sent you a silk pillow top souvenir of France. The weather is nice and warm and just like summer we have. I am enjoying the best of health altho I am working harder than I did in the store. I sure like this outside life. We got a dandy company. In the squad I am there is six states represented Tennessee, Ariz Ore, Calif Wis. and Michigan. There is only 8 men in a squad. There is a big Penn. lad sleeps next to me and his other side is a lively kid from Ariz. Between the two of us he sure gets pestered When we kid him. He just grins and takes it good naturedly. He could spank us both if he took a notion. I am a Leason [liaison] man or an agent of communication. We call it Runner here. I like it fine. How is Jim feeling? I sure hope he is well. How does Jimmie Racette like the store?²⁵ ... How is Donna Marie and the new one. Well Mother I will close with love to you and Best regards to the rest
    Your Loving Son
    Frank C. Burns
    Co. E 128 Inf.
    Amer. Exped Forces
    France
    How is Dad and Garvin W making it?²⁶

Frank's unit moved to the front in the middle of May, and they were the first Americans to set foot on soil controlled by Germany.²⁷ The longest interval between his letters, eighteen days, follows.

France, June 1, 1918

Dear Mother:-
    Just a line to let you know I took out an allotment for $15 and it will be sent to you. It starts from June 1st but I suppose it will be for 2 or 3 months till any payment is made. We got paid last week and I got 3 months pay. 409 Francs or a little better than $70. They took $6.60 a month for insurance. From now on I'll get 12 dollars a month to spend. Tonight an English chaplain is coming to visit us so I am going to confession & communion. I saw an interesting air battle a few days ago. We are sure having swell weather and I hope it continues so. Did you get my insurance policy yet? A crowd of us guys had a rabbit dinner cooked up by a French lady and believe me it was some feed. I havent got any mail yet and I hope I get some soon as the last mail was dated March 10th. I never did get that package. I went to a church last Sunday that had a large shell hole in the front of it. Well mother I havent any news so I will close with love
    Your Son
    Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128th Inf
    Amer Exped Forces
    France

That was the first paycheck, and one of only two, that Frank Burns received for his service in the United States Army.

The Front-Line Trenches
France, June 6, 1918

Dear Brother:-
    Just a line from the front. I am at last in the front line trenches and like it fine. I am runner or messenger from Company Headquarters to Platoon Hdqtrs. Gee the first run I made I had a couple of instantaneous cold sweats. I heard a sound like a helmet hitting a branch of a tree. Over goes my safety on my rifle and back of a tree in nothing flat then I look real hard and see a Frenchman and an American just about to fall a tree for camoflauge. Then I got about a hundred yards and a rat run thru the brush not a foot away. Gee the boys are raring to go and at times its hard to keep the boys from dashing over the top. Right now the old shells are whistling overhead and they sound like the 20th century limited going down hill without the brakes on. We have fourth of July every night rockets and signals lighting up No Man's Land. Then once in a while a Boche aeroplane comes over and we hit for cover. Can you imagine me standing guard with a Frenchman watching the fire works and him talking French and I talking English trying to make each other understand. It's a Gay Life. You may see a picture of a few of us standing in front of a dug out. The Photographic company took some pictures here to put in Magazines. Talk about getting lost in a big town its nothing compared with the trenches. You need a guide to take you thru. Its numbered and named just like towns. Tell mother I made out an allotment which will be sent to her. It starts from June 1st but I dont suppose there will be any payments for 2 or 3 months. Its for $15 a month. I met a French woman who lost 10 boys in this show. Did you get my insurance policy and also the money you sent to Camp Merritt. Well Jim I will close with best regards and will write again soon.
    Your Brother
    Frank C. Burns
    Co. E 128 Inf.
    Amer. Exped. Forces
    France

Frank's next letter, written to his mother, acknowledges he is at the front but takes a light tone.

France, June 12, 1918

Dear Mother:-
    I am at the front enjoying myself immensely and in the best of health. I have the nicest little bungalow you ever saw the roof is corrugated iron and logs and the veranda has a layer of sandbags for a rail. We have nice wooden bunks with plenty of straw. Its the gayest life in France and lots more exciting than Paris. We have fireworks every night and aeroplane exhibitions in the daytime. Night before last we went to a real movie and saw Charlie Chaplain and a Wild West drama. The reading on the pictures were in French. We couldn't read it but sure enjoyed the pictures.... The French think we're crazy. One french corpral says All you Amer think of is Go over the top. And they're right. The boys are rarin to go at all times. When theyre is a call for volunteers you just ought to see the scramble to go on a patrol over in No Man's Land. They sure have the spirit. One of the boys shot a Boche sniper as soon as we got in and it was sure hard to hold the rest from going over the top. We going back to rest camp in a few days and we all hate it for we would rather stay here. I haven't had any mail only what was forwarded from Camp Merrit. I made an allotment which will be sent to you. It starts June 1st and its for $15. I don't suppose there will be any payments made for 2 or 3 months as it has to go thru Wash. You can keep up that policy for me and use the rest. The weather is fine. How is Jim? I wrote him a letter the other day. How is things at the store. The only thing I need here is mail and plenty of it. At one end of the dugout a card game is going on and at the other end a bunch are singing "When the sun goes down in Dixie." One fear we have and thats for the kitchen which if destroyed will postpone hot meals. Let me know if you ever got that pillow top I sent. Not receiving any mail so long I guess I repeat a lot of stuff. If I put anything in this letter that shouldn't be in it blame the cook as thats singing you'd think you were in some parlor back home instead of watching the Hun across the way. Its great mother and a fellow that dont see it should be pitied. Well mother the mess detail just came back so I will close with love to you an regards to the rest and send some papers.
    Your Son
    Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128 Inf.
    Amer Exped Forces
    Via N.Y
    A.P.O. 734

Frank's only letter to his father makes several references to horses, something he obviously knew his father would enjoy.

France, June 23, 1918

Dear Father: -
    Your pride and joy has finished his first stretch in the front line trenches and believe me Dad its a gay life. When I get home I'll have to room in the barber shop and I want to be able to sleep. I am a runner or messenger and when I turn into the head of the stretch, I'd make Garvin Wilkes think he was walking when he was at his best. Part of my job is guiding and I am getting to be a real trail blazer. I led a bunch thru some timber and it was very cloudy so you can imagine picking a trail. Every once in a while a rocket lighted up Nobody's Land and when they went out it would be darker than ever. We got the best crowd of fellows ever collected into a Company and scrapping is their middle name. I was sure lucky in getting in with such a company. We had some nice celebrations. A Fellow gets so he can darn near tell where those shells light. We were standing out in front of a dugout one came over and say we sure ducked and altho I'm small I can tell you I wasn't the last one in. Those doctors that turned me down last summer were crazy. Here I am in the Infantry and getting along fine altho at times I have to get up on my hind legs and hump. I made a 15 mile hike with 75 lbs on my back. I was surprised myself. You know it takes 4 men back of the lines to keep 1 solder going in the front line so you see I am getting to be some boy. At present writing I am in a rest camp and we got all new clothes and this afternoon we got paid. The national games of craps and poker are going on full blast. There was a band concert yesterday by a fine French band and all you could see was blue and kaki uniforms. The French wear blue uniforms. I wished I send you a bottle of cherry brandy its great stuff or a nice case of beer wouldn't be bad. There isn't bootleggers here. They don't have whiskey here but you can buy champagne cheaper here than in the states. We are in a very pretty village its haying time and you can see the women working in the fields. Its kind of hilly with a timber patch here and there. It would make any landscape gardener stop and view the place with admiration. Say these French officers have blooded horses and they are sure keen it makes a fellow just want to climb on board and breeze one. How is the colt by this time? Well Dad I will close for this time and write often to Your Youngest and Brightest.
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128 Inf
    Amer Exped Forces
    APO 734
    France

Frank's father ran this advertisement for the stud services of Garvin Wilkes in local papers.

France, June 30 1918

Dear Mother:-
    I received your letter of the 6th of May and its the first I've received in France I mean that was addressed here. I got the $10 you sent and I got a card from some bank about a draft Jim sent. Tell Jim to get a return of that money. I never got it and I don't need it now. I sent 25 dollars to you and also made an allotment of $15 which will be sent to you. The army is making a regular little man of your youngest and brightest. I am sorry of Jim's case for she isn't the right kind for him. You asked me if I were in training and I guess when you get this you'll see I've had some of the best training available I have had the real stuff! It aint so bad as people think it is. I am a 1st class private now and get 3 dollars a month more. Make out my insurance and allotment and still draw 15 dollars a month. I am going on a different job soon and it will be more interesting. I'll tell you about it later if I can. I got six letters and it sure was a treat. One from Miss Blais, Georgia Smith, Rose Andersen, Catherine Blakely, Lee Larch and yours. I have been feeling good since I joined the army and I don't want you to worry a bit about me because when I dont come thru nobody will. And I know your prayers will bring me thru. Give my regards to all and write soon to
    Your Youngest and Brightest
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128 Inf
    Amer Exped Forces
    A.P.O. 734
    France

July 13, 1918

Dear Mother:-
    I received yours and Jewel's letters combined and was very glad to hear from both of you.... I received 16 letters and some Condon papers. It sure did seem good to read the local news and advertisements of places I know so well. I am the only one from Oregon but all the boys know where Condon is by this time. The letters showed I am not forgotten. Milly & John sent me an American dollar bill which I appreciated very much for they are a real curiosity over here and I am going to carry it all over France with me.²⁸ Tell Jule if Jimmie goes he wont have it hard for there is some dandy jobs as intrepeters around headquarters and there are big chances he'l never get nowheres near the front. There is lots worse places than the front it aint so bad as people make out. Tell her not to worry at all that Jimmie will be able to go into the postal service if he tries for they are short of post office men and with his experience of it and his knowledge of French why he is a cinch to make either place. So every Cloudlet has a Silver Lining. I am enjoying the best of health and like this old game. It just seems I can feel the effect of your prayers and it strengthens me wonderfully. We had a quiet 4th. I would like to have been there for the races. I see Dad is going to enter Razzle Patch. I hope he sweeps the field but if he does look out He'll be hard to get along with he'l be so proud. Tell him I'll be home to train him next spring.... Give my regards to all and love to yourself. I remain Your Little Hero.
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co. E. 128 Inf.
    Amer. E. F. A.P.O. 734
    France

By mid-July, following a visit by General John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Force, the 128th Infantry Regiment was getting ready to move out again.²⁹

France, July 16, 1918

Dear Brother:-
    I received yours of the 24 th of April and it was the 1st I've received from you. I got the money order cashed last night. I thank you very much. I guess maybe one of these days I'll get over troubling you folks and be a real guy.... How does Jimie like the store and what kind of a man does he make? I'm sure he will make good. I hear Henry is back at the store? What's the matter with the other place. I am sorry to hear of G. T. tough luck and I know how it makes things for you.³⁰ ... Well Jim I think this hitch in the army is going to help me alot. If we only had a little Military Discipline in the store I'd have done lots better before. As it is I'll make up for lost time and crack right down to business. I've about caught up on my lost mail. In fact I just counted up and I've had 32 letters and 4 papers the last week. It makes a fellow feel good. I've had letters from Fossil, Mayville, Mikkalo, England and France. How is the Irish trade since Gileece left the other place.³¹ When I get around to it I'll write Mrs. Monahan, Jimie Dineen and a few others. How are the O'R's since Jimie went with the sheep.³² Is Smith doing much? Gee Jim I'm anxious to hear about that stuff and your the only one can tell me. It didn't look like I took an interest when I was there but honest to God the only real blues I get is for mother and the store. I hope they have a good crop this year and I'll be home to help you with the spring work. Things have been breaking real good for me since I have been in this company and I'm getting along lots better than I expected. Just a minute while writing this missile we counted the last ten shells that the Huns sent over and only one exploded. One of the boys shouted Hurrah Germany is out of Powder! This old game aint so tough Jim as they make out it is....
    Your Bro.
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co. E 128 Inf.
    Amer E.F. A.P.O 734
    France
    P.S. I am 1st Class private which calls for $3 extra a month. So its $15 home $6.50 Insurance and $15 to myself.

By July 24, the Thirty-Second Division was in the vicinity of Pont St. Maxence, southwest of Soissons. On July 26, the division received orders to proceed by truck to the region of Chateau Thierry and report to the Thirty-Eighth French Corps of the Sixth French Army.³³

James F. "Jimmie" O'Rourke and Frank C. Burns stand in the clothing section of the Dunn Brothers store in about 1918. O'Rourke joined the U.S. Army in late 1917 and also volunteered for duty in World War II, but he was discharged because of age.

July 26, 1918
Somewhere in France

Dear Mother:-
    Don't know when you'll get this as we are moving so dont know when it will go out. Well mother I was on the famous Alsace front and believe me its some beautiful country. Little quaint villages and forests. We were the 1st Amer. in there. The people are German & French mixed. The best farming country I ever saw. They can raise anything there. The wheat crop is now being harvested and its fine. We sure had a dandy trip. We passed thru Paris and its some town.³⁴ The one town we stopped in a swell girl came out holding a big sign with "We thank you for your help." Today I met several Oregon boys from the old Portland Artillery. It was sure a pleasure to see them and they were sure surprised to see me.... Best regards to all and love to you.
    Your Loving Son
    Pvt Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128 Inf
    A.E.F. A.P.O. 734

CHATEAU THIERRY

The Chateau Thierry campaign began July 28, and the 128th Infantry Regiment was engaged in a raging battle for the following eight days, which climaxed in the regiment's capture of the important town of Fismes.³⁵

Aug. 6, 1918
France

Dear Mother:-
    Just a line to let you know I'm still in the best of health. I have been moving very fast and from now mail may get to you very irregular. Watch for articles of what the good old [censored]³⁶ Division is doing. We are running the Dirty Huns so fast that its hard to keep up to them. We are in the big drive. It's a sorrowful sight the way theyve destroyed the homes and town. One little instance mother paid for our trouble coming over. We were marching thru a village where just a few old people were left and the minute the old folks saw us they came out crying and laughing for joy and they grabbed a hold of us to make sure they weren't dreaming. Its wonderful mother. Another instance we stopped in a town that was almost destroyed and 4 of us went into what was once a beautiful home and everything was destroyed except an excellent piano and I don't see how they missed it. One of the boys is an excellent player and he played "Memories" and a few more sad pieces while the Huns long range gun was still banging away. We climb one hill and away off on another you can see burning villages. The hardest feature of all mother is to see your pals get hit. It makes you so mad that you thru all discretion to the wind in an endeavor to get them. The Amex. are showing the world what real fighting is. I just received your letters 3 of them and I want you to thank Jim for me and I'll write him myself when I get time. I hope Kathryn is better. I also got a paper with my letter published and I'm glad they gave me a send off but you know mother some of those people will think I'm showing off and I'm not keen for notoriety. I'm glad crops are promising. You know Mother Gen. Perishing said (Heaven, Hell or Hoboken by Xmas) the way we're going I guess he told the truth. Well mother I guess I'll close with love to you and regards to all.
    I remain as ever
    Your Loving Son
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128 Inf
    Amer. E.F. A.P.O. 734
    Mother this paper and envelope has been under Fire so it's a real souvenir. Your prayers are carrying me thru fine and dandy Mother.

The losses — killed, wounded, and missing in action — suffered by the Thirty- Second Division from July 31 to this point totaled 4,187, including 777 killed. Because of this, on August 7, 1918, following the Battle of Fismes, General de Mondesir, commander of the Thirty-Eighth French Corps, referred to the Thirty-Second Division as Les Terribles, following the battle at Fismes. The name stuck, and the commanding general of the Tenth French Army, General Mangin, officially incorporated it in the French government's commendation expressing gratitude for the division's "terrific punch at Juvigny."³⁷

France Aug. 8, 1918

Dear Bro: -
    I am still O.K. altho I went thru a little bit of Hell and I stood the grind just fine and dandy. I suppose you've read about the drive that started in July. The Ames are showing 'em what real fighting is. A French officer attached to us said he never saw anything so wonderful as the way we advanced and fought. Believe me, Jim, a sight I'll never forget was when we were advancing and I happened to be in the 1st wave and we were on a hill and I looked to both sides and behind me and all the boys stepping forward fixed bayonets and smiling faces just as far as I could see. It was great. We drove 'em so fast that they couldn't take care of their dead and wounded. We see some awful sights Jim but the toughest of all is when your pals fall. There isn't enough Germans in the world to pay for 'em either. But we're going to do the next best. No Kamerad stuff [censored] and all the towns are nothing but piles of rocks and rubbish its a shame the way they burn and destroy stuff. Beautiful Homes with mirrors and carpets pianos destroyed and churches the altars hacked up and vestments and robes torn and destroyed. Watch for the doings of the good old [censored]. Went thru [censored] coming up here. We were on the [censored] front but it was a quiet sector compared with this. How is Kathryn by this time? How is Jule and Jimmy?³⁸ Our Div. was the 1st Amer. Div on German soil in [censored]. We got some real German beer up there. Well Jim I havent much time but I will write as often as possible. As I said before my address is lost in the scramble and I feel very lucky. You know Jim when a fellow gets into the big noise he ain't half as nervous as when he is on his way up maybe 50 or 60 miles behind. I tho't that when I'd get into it I'd be scared stiff but I wasn't in fact I didn't have time to. The worst strain is when you in reserve waiting to go in. Mother wrote and told me what you did for me and I want to thank you very much now and will show my appreciation more by actions when I come home. Well Jim Best regards to all and write soon to your Bro,
    Pvt. Frank C. Burns
    Co. E. 128 Inf
    Amer. E.F. A.P.O. 734
    France
    PS Don't publish my letters. I hear there is a ban on publishing letters and it will get me in bad.

In letters written a few days later to his mother, Frank says nothing about the combat.

This map shows the battlefields of Chateau Thierry, Fismes, Siossons, and Juvigny.

Published in The 32nd Division in the World War (Milwaukie: Wisconsin Print, 1920)

France, Aug 12 1918

Dear Mother:-
    I received your letter last night. My mail has been coming very good lately so I'm happy. Am glad business and crops are good. Is Galeese back at Barkers. Harvesting will do Jimmie good altho I hate to see him out of the store. I don't want you to worry about me mother for your prayers will carry me thru. At present am way back of the line and you wont have to worry for quite a while. Ive been well all along and they made me corporal the other day so thats 4 dollars more a month for the treasury. I had a nice letter from Miss Blais last night. I guess Gilliam County is void of young fellows. How does ... dodge the draft. In your next letter tell me whether you got my Insurance Policy, My allotment and also the $25.00 I sent thru the Y.M. I'm glad you got the pillow top. I heard thru Miss Blais that John Dunn is in a Hospital here. Who is going to teach in the High School this fall. Hammack wanted Miss Blais to go to Vale with him. Well Mother I will close with love to all.
    Your Loving Son
    Corpl Frank C. Burns
    Co E 128 Inf
    Amer E F APO 734
    France
    P.S. Dear Mother I just sent $25 more thru the Y.M. So let me know if you get it. that makes $50.00. Pay Jim for what he sent me.

France Aug 17 1918

Dear Mother:-
    I received your letter of June 3rd with the $5 PO order in it. I thank you very much for it. I dont need any more money.... I guess my allotment will start pretty soon and that will keep my insurance up. We had open air Mass this morning and I went to Confession and Communion. We have a young Chaplain attached to our regiment. His name is Fr Shanahan. I just wished you could have attended services here today. The altar was a table set upon an ammunition box. We all crowded around and knelt on the ground. In the distance we could her the anti-aircraft guns banging away. Well mother things are going smoothly and I am feeling fine. Well Best regards to all and love to you. I remain as ever
    Your Loving Son
    Corp. Frank C. Burns
    Co E. 128 Inf
    Amer E F APO 734
    France

Frank's last letter home was to his brother Jim.

France Aug 19, 1918

Dear Brother:-
    Just a line to let you know I am O.K. We are at present doing a little work back of the line. I am a corporal now which means $4 more per month. Went over saw where Roosevelt's son fell and was killed.³⁹ Lot of the boys cut souvenirs off from his plane. We tried a Boche machine gun and lot of ammunition that we found in the woods. I sure wished It were possible to send trophys home but It aint. You see an Infantryman carries his possessions on his back so we dont gather up souvenirs. We had an open air mass yesterday and I went to con. and com. so tell mother. Jim I've sent $50 home to mother so you take out what you sent me and then I'll try and keep evened up. My allotment ought to start soon and that will keep up that investment policy of mine. How is business and crops. Oh say also take out for that requisition I sent to mother. Well Jim I haven't much news this time so I will close with regards to you.
    Your Brother
    Corp Frank C. Burns
    Co. E. 128 Inf
    Amer. E.F. APO 734
    France

OFFICIAL LETTERS TO THE FAMILY

On August 28, the 128th moved to a new sector, north of Soissons, and, on August 29, an attack was ordered in an attempt to capture the town of Juvigny.⁴⁰ One month later, the Burns family received their next communication — a telegram from the War Department:

Washington, D.C., 29 Sept.

Mrs. Anna Burns, Condon, Ore.
Deeply regret to inform you that Corporal Frank C Burns, Inf is officially reported As killed in action, August thirtieth.
/s/ Harris Actg for Adj. Gen'l

This was followed by a note from the Secretary of the Interior, reading, in part "I know that this brave soldier would not have you grieve for him but rather rejoice that he had so glorious an ending. For what can be finer than to die in an effort to save the lives and make happier the lot of others?"⁴¹ Later that month, the family received the first of three letters providing personal details about Frank's last hours.

France
30 October, 1918
Mrs. Anna Burns
Condon, Ore.

Dear Madam:
    Your letter of inquiry concerning your son's death reached me to–day. I am at liberty, I believe, to tell you the following. Your son was wounded in action and hurried to the dressing station. I attended him while the doctors dressed his wounds. He died shortly after he had received the Sacrament of Penance. I was impressed with the simple faith of your son and know that you will be consoled not a little in knowing that good care was given him and he died God's friend. Before burying him the next morning, I removed his personal effects and sent them to the office which handles these things. In due time they will be sent to you. His grave is marked and the location registered with the government. Nothing can be done about removing the remains during the war. After the war you can take the matter up with the government and I am sure it will be handled in a satisfactory manner. Offering you my sincerest sympathy in your bereavement and assuring you that your son died unselfishly and nobly, a true citizen of this country and a friend of his God, I remain
    Respectfully yours,
    John J. Shanahan

Company "E". 128th. Infantry
American E. F., Dierdorf, Germany
January 14th. 1919.

Mrs. Anna Burns.
Condon Oregon.

My Dear Mrs. Burns-
    I have received your letter of Nov. 21st. and although I was not with this Company at the time of the death of Corporal Frank Burns I have been able to find two men of the few remaining who have supplied the following information which I gladly send. I regret that I cannot send More.
    Corporal Burns won his promotion as a result of his faithful service to duty in the fight at Chateau Thiery, where the 128th Infantry had been engaged near St. Gilles.
    On August 29th, the Regiment was attacking toward Juvigny North of Soissons and this Battalion was in support position, The Battalion in the front line had been badly cut up and retreated thru our Battalion making it the front line. They re-ported that the Germans were Counter attacking and this company was making hurried preparations to check them. Lieutenant Watson who was in command sent forward two men to get a light German machine gun that had been captured. Five men were operating the gun from behind a railroad fill, shells were dropping dangerously close. Sergeant Book warned the men of the danger and cautioned them to spread out and away from the gun. One man heeded the warning and had not got more than 25 ft. from the gun when a shell made a direct hit on the Machine gun instantly killing three men and wounding Corporal Burns seriously. The shell was of the high explosive type and shattered Cpl. Burns hips. He did not loose consiousness he said "I am not going to live" His friends tried to give him encouragement but he said "I know what I am talking about" He was placed on a stretcher and taken to the dressing station which was some two kilometers in the rear of our position. He died about 5 AM the next morning.
    I have no positive information as to the place of burial but our casualties were heavy and in all probalities his remains lie with many others close to the dressing station which is near Buixey, France. All the graves are marked and bear their identification tag worn by all soldiers for that purpose. Corporal Burns though small was a splendid soldier and faithful to his duty, he had acted as a runner but two days before had most unselfishly volunteered to assist in rendering aid to the wounded. His services were of such high character that I understand he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
    He was respected by all that knew him and he has given his life for a cause that is an honor to die for. I send you these facts knowing that they are what my Mother would desire to know and with them I send profound sympathy.
    Hoping that these few lines give you some consolation.
    I am Yours Truly
    Robert D. Christie
    Capt. 128th. Infantry
    Comdg. Co. "E".

More than two months later, there was another letter from Father Shanahan.

Frank's temporary grave in France

#734, Gladbach bei Neuwied, Germany
21 Jan., '19

Mr. Jas. D. Burns
Condon, Oregon

My dear Sir:
    Your letter of 19 December reached me to-day. I can well imagine how any news from Europe concerning those lost in the field is eagerly sought by those at home, and I invariably hasten to forward what information I can obtain.
    The battle in which your brother Frank was lost, is known as the battle of Juvigny. Before I became acquainted with the meaning of war I had often read of the taking of a farm or village, and had cast the paper aside without further thought. I shall never do so again. Juvigny was but a village. It lay about ten miles or so north (directly) of Soissons and was a very strong point in the German line between Soissons and Noyon. A railroad ran north and south about a half-mile west of the village. The cut was about eight feet deep and bristled with machine guns. It was, of course, strongly supported by artillery. The approach to the track was down a long hill about fifty feet high, a very difficult approach. The French had tried fourteen times to take the position and had always failed. They called on the Americans for aid and the 32nd Division was the one sent to join the Tenth French Army.
    Our Brigade (64th) attacked the morning of 28 August in unison with French tanks. The men carried the position, but had to pay a heavy price. Your brother was brought into the first aid station fully conscious early in the evening of the 28th, I believe, of August.⁴² He had been wounded by shell fragments in the legs and in the abdomen. Knowing that his condition was serious, I prepared him for death. I expected, however, to learn some day that he had fully recovered. We carried him outside on the stretcher and snugly wrapped in blankets. There were a number of men with him, some in even worse condition. I was called back into the station and on returning to the road, found that Frank had passed away. I buried him in a little cemetery plot of our own near the cave on what is known as Valprieg Farm, just west of Juvigny. One identification disk was buried with him and one nailed to the cross marking his grave.
    I do not recall just what effects he had on his person. We gather everything that is possible to send home and forward it to the Division burial officer. They then pass through the Q. M. Department and are sent to the nearest of kin. The volume of business is so immense that I imagine it will take some time for them to reach home. I do recall that he had a little folder with a crucifix and a scapular medal. They were forwarded with other things we had.
    Let me offer you my sympathy in your bereavement. But trying as a loss of this kind is, there must come to you no little solace in knowing your brother died so nobly and uncomplainingly as a soldier and a Catholic. I shall always remember him, one of the first Catholic men I attended as a chaplain in the field.
    After leaving Juvigny I was assigned to the 126th Infantry of the same Division. The life has been a hard one, but the good I could those brave men proved more than adequate compensation. We are now beyond the Rhine and the Lord only knows how long we shall stay here. We hope not too long.
    With very best wishes, I am
    Father John J. Shanahan

Frank's cousin, Lt. John J. Dunne, wrote to Frank's mother from a military hospital in Allerey, France, on November 29, 1918.

Dear Aunt Annie:
    I have seen in the casualty list, Frank's name. I know that it sounds rather hollow to & and write about it but when I saw the name I took steps to locate some boys from his division and to talk with them. When I get home Aunt Annie I will be able to talk to you & to tell you better than I can write it. However, as you know Frank was a corporal & that says more than anything as to his standing in his company. The boys whom I talked to in his outfit had nothing but praise & admiration for him as a soldier under fire. I remember one of them said "Frank Burns was a soldier." That is the highest compliment that can be paid a man in the service. The only thing that counted for much over here was how can a man face fire & you can rest assured he always faced it with his head up & going forward. Also remember that many a Boche paid for that bullet that got him & now we are taking the supreme revenge by invading the barbarians country.
    I have been wounded & gassed and expect to be home soon & then will come & see you.
    Much love & sympathy.
    Your nephew,
    Johnnie
    Lt.John D. Dunn
    Base Hospital 26
    A.P.O. 785
    A.P.O. 714

On receiving the telegram from the War Department on September 29, Jim Burns closed the store, borrowed some automobiles from Shelley's Garage in Condon, and then gathered up all the devastated family and drove them twenty miles southeast to the tall pine woods of Lost Valley, where they could mourn away the day in the solitude of the forest. His mother later received the crucifix and scapular medal to which Father Shanahan referred as well as a letter she had written to Frank on August 28, which was with him when he fell.⁴³

In compensation for Frank's loss in the war, the State of Oregon paid Anna Burns a Dependant's Bonus in the sum of seventy-five dollars in 1923, and the United States Veteran Bureau paid her fifteen dollars per month from June 7, 1924, until her death on September 7, 1925. The United States Veterans Bureau also advised Frank's brother Jim that an insurance award in the amount of $57.50 per month in his favor was effective for the period from October 1, 1925, to August 13, 1938. Finally, on January 14, 1926, seven and one-half years following his combat death, a letter to Jim advised that, if he could provide receipts for either expenses incurred in the care of Frank's mother during her final illness or her burial, he could collect $131.65 in accrued compensation and insurance that had been held for her.⁴⁴

In recognition of Frank being Condon's first son to fall in France, the American Legion established the Frank Burns Post No. 25 in his honor on August 28, 1919. It has endured through the years as the only memorial to him.⁴⁵

On July 25, 1919, the War Department wrote Frank's mother:

Application for the Distinguished Service Cross should be made to the Adjutant General of the U. S. Army, Washington, D.C. Be sure to forward him the facts concerning it, given in Captain Christie's letter, and name your informant.⁴⁶

Frank's family never made application for the Distinguished Service Cross. They said that a medal was not going to bring him home.

NOTES

^1.� Frank's three eldest siblings were born in different towns: John W. ("Will") Burns in Crossingville, Pennsylvania, in 1878; James Dunn Burns in Midland, Michigan, in 1880; and Gerald Thomas Burns in Bay City, Michigan, in 1882. Frank W. Burns was a mortician for several years in Bay City, Michigan, with the firm of Piersol and Burns. On moving to Condon in 1910, he re-entered that business.

^2.� Gilliam County was established by legislative act effective February 15, 1885.

^3.� Selling everything from groceries, clothing and shoes to farm machinery, furniture, and barbed wire, Dunn Brothers operated continuously on Condon's three-block Main Street until the death of James O. Burns (the author's brother) in July 1986.

^4.� Will Burns followed his father as Condon's mortician in 1916 until his retirement in 1944. Gerald Burns was, for 39 years a partner with his brother Jim in the Dunn Brothers store. Loretta married Malachi Kelly, the brother of Condon's parish priest, and moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1907.

^5.� Author's interview with Julia [Burns] Racette. August 1971.

^6.�The Condon Times, September 23, 1910.

^7.� Miriam C. Thouvenel, assisted by Lovena S. Palmer, History of Gilliam County (selfpublished, 1952), 20–21.

^8.� Racette interview.

^9.� Ibid.

^10.� See Oregonian, January 20, 1952, and September 5, 1974. A post card Ralph Gruman sent to Frank from Vallejo, California, on September 3, 1914, has been preserved. He speaks of his upcoming fight on September 11 with Eddie Kelly and states he "will win for sure." Ralph Gruman died in Portland on April 16, 1977.

^11.�Condon Globe, October 10, 1918; and Condon Times, October 5, 1918.

^12.� Racette interview.

^13.� See his letter to his mother dated March 4, 1918, while on a troop train "heading east," in which he states: "... a month ago tomorrow [I] started to Camp Lewis."

^14.�Condon Globe, October 14, 1918.

^15.�Condon Times, October 5, 1918.

^16.� Space limitations do not allow for all of the letters to be reprinted here; however, all of them have been donated to the Research Library at the Oregon Historical Society, Portland [hereafter OHS Research Library].

^17.� All of Frank's letters are exactly reproduced here, without editorial corrections for spelling or punctuation.

^18.� Alex "Eck" Hardie and his brother Bill "Will" Hardie of Condon were close friends of Frank's.

^19.� His mother, worried that Army clothing would not be warm enough, was knitting him a sweater.

^20.� His sister Bess had just given birth to her first child, Donna. Kathryn, the wife of his brother Gerald, was in poor health and would die in 1919.

^21.� The letterhead reads "On Active Service with American Expeditionary Force."

^22.� This letter is the first one censored by a military officer, as are all subsequent ones.

^23.� Called the "Sunset Division," the 41st was formed in 1917 with Oregon National Guard infantry, field artillery, and cavalry units being combined with other National Guard units from northwestern states. It departed for France in 1917 but never saw combat as a unit. See www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army41in-bde.htm (accessed July 2007). On April 30, Frank was transferred to the 32nd Division, which had been organized on July 17, 1917, from National Guard troops in Wisconsin and Michigan. See April 30, 1918, letter from Frank to his mother; and The joint war history commissions of Michigan and Wisconsin, The 32nd Division in the World War (Milwaukie: Wisconsin Print, 1920), 27, 41.

^24.� He also sent his mother a postcard for Mother's Day containing a hanky embroidered with the words: "To my dear Mother."

^25.� Jimmie Racette ("Jimie"), the husband of Frank's sister Julia ("Jule"), had just gone to work at Dunn Brothers.

^26.� Garvin Wilkes was his father's prize stallion, a harness racer reputed in family lore to be the fastest on the Pacific Coast. See also Frank Burns to his father, June 23, 1918.

^27.� Joint War History Commissions, The 32nd Division, 41, 43.

^28.� Mildred "Milly" Dunn Ciimmiyotti, Frank's first cousin, and her husband John were Condon area ranchers.

^29.� Joint War History Commissions, The 32nd Division, 51.

^30.� He is referring to the terminal illness of Gerald's wife Kathryn.

^31.� The "other place" refers to the S.B. Barker Company.

^32.� He is referring to his friend James O'Rourke, a cousin of Mary O'Rourke, who also worked at Dunn Brothers; in 1921, Jim Burns (the author's father) married Mary O'Rourke (the author's mother).

^33.� Joint War History Commissions, The 32nd Division, 53.

^34.� When Frank passed through Paris, he sent his Mother a post card, which, in the custom of the day, had an embroidered minihanky on the front inscribed "From Your Loving Son." His message to her read: "Dear Mother:- Just a line from Sunny France. Passed thru Paris and its some berg. Frank"

^35.� Joint War History Commissions, The 32nd Division, 54–67.

^36.� Indicates censorship by the U.S. Army.

^37.� Joint War History Commissions, The 32nd Division, 70 and 158.

^38.� Jule was his sister Julia. Her husband Jimmy ("Jimie") Racette worked at Dunn Brothers.

^39.� Quentin Roosevelt, son President Theodore Roosevelt, was killed in an air battle with a German pilot over Cambrai, France, on July 14, 1918.

^40.� Joint War History Commissions, The 32nd Division, 81.

^41.� Secretary of Interior to Anna Burns, October 8, 1918, archived at OHS Research Library.

^42.� Captain Christie's date of August 29 was correct.

^43.� That letter has also been donated to the OHS Research Library. Memorial services for Frank were held at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Condon on Thursday, October 10, 1918, at which three priests officiated. See Condon Times, October 18 and 11, 1918. After the war, Frank's remains were returned to the United States and, on January 14, 1921, he was buried at River View Cemetery in Portland in a plot where his parents were to join him. Registry of River View Cemetery, 0300 SW Taylor's Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97219. Anna Burns died on September 7, 1925. Frank W. Burns died on May 7, 1934.

^44.� State of Oregon World War Veterans State Aid Commission to Anna Burns, January 30, 1923; "Award of Compensation" from United States Veterans Bureau, June 26, 1925 ; United States Veteran's Bureau to Anna Burns, January 14, 1926; and United States Veterans Bureau to James Burns, October 2, 1925, OHS Research Library.

^45.� The temporary charter was issued on August 28, 1919, and the permanent charter was issued September 13, 1920. JoEllen Gazvoda, American Legion National Archives, Library Division, e-mail message to author, July 30, 2007.

^46.� Memorandum to Anna Burns from Chief, Effects Bureau, War Department, July 25, 1919, OHS Research Library.

Frank Burns's first Communion in Toledo, Ohio, on July 6, 1906.

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