1918 WW1 Letters of Commendation Soldier Influenza Outbreak Camp Zachary Taylor For Sale

1918 WW1 Letters of Commendation Soldier Influenza Outbreak Camp Zachary Taylor
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1918 WW1 Letters of Commendation Soldier Influenza Outbreak Camp Zachary Taylor:
$29.99

Group of four WW1 letters from Military and Medical Brass at Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky to Edward C. Fellowes Director of the American Red Cross: Camp Zachary Taylor. The camp had 47,000 men in training at that date (1918) and was the largest of all of the 16 training camps for soldiers across the U.S.A.; (in its'entirety training at Camp Zachary Taylor exceeded 125,000 men from 1917 until it was closed between 1919-1920). According to all four letters; the deadly influenza outbreak known as the "Spanish flu" was raging at the cantonment, with a tally of 13,000 soldier's in the hospital and 824 dead. Director Fellowes and his staff made sure every sick and infected soldier received the utmost care and comfort during this emergency. The four letters are full of praise for his dedication to the men who were in training to go to war in Europe. The letters are dated Oct. 21, 23, 24, 26, 1918. The first letter dated October 21, 1918 is signed by both Leslie S. Williams: Captain Sanitary Corp., U.S.A. Camp Medical Supply Officer and Zebulan McLeod 2nd. Lieut., Sanitary Corp. Property Officer, Base Hospital. The second letter dated October 23, 1918 is signed by Fred T. Austin: Brigadier General, U.S.A. The third letter dated Oct. 24,1918 is signed by Val. E. Miltonberger, Lieut. Colonel, Medical Corp., U.S.A. Camp Surgeon. The fourth letter dated Oct. 26,1918 is signed by W.L. Pyles: Colonel M.C. Comdg. Hosp.The letters came directly from the estate of E.C. Fellowes late daughter where they remained packed away in his storage trunk since the end of the war. Each letter was backed by another paper and then thicker paper board, neatly adhered with a light glue underneath to preserve the letters and prevent damage 90-100 years ago..for what I assume was for display and permanent framing. The glue is no longer sticky and the letters are loose. (see photos). The letters remain in excellent untouched original condition. All of these interesting letters need further research..I found Fred. T. Austin; Brigadier General on Wikipedia..his military history is long and the flu epidemic is part of his biography. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The rest of the men can be researched by the new buyer if he so chooses. Letters are in original condition. No bends, tears or damage. They will be sent with their original detached backing in a sturdy rigid-unbendable mailer.
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