Memorandum from Colonel E. T. Smith

Headquarters, 129th Field Artillery. American Expeditionary Forces. February 35th, 1919. MEMORANDUM: 982. In order that the members of this comman d may clearly under- stand the views of the Regimental Commander on the standard that the Regiment should strive for and in order that the officers and man may intelligently co-operate the following is published: The natural tendency at this stage is to consider that the purpose for which you Came is accomplished, that it is all over but the going home, and that what you do or do not now do does not matter. That question "What's the use, this wont get me anywhere in civil life" is apt to govern one' actions. A Regiment is marked now, by those that see it, as good or poor, not by its performance in action, which they may know nothing at all about, but by the behavior and appearance of the men, their cleanliness, smartness of bearing, discipline and keenness on military courtesy. Men maybe discharged but they will always be connected with the A.E.F. and their Regiment. The reputation of the A.E.F. and of their Regiment oan be made or marred by them. On the other hand all the rest of their,lives the men of this Regiment will be marked by its reputa- tion. Therefore the reputation of the Regiment must be the very highest that can be attained. To accomplish this every officer and man has his part to do. Until the Regiment is disbanded every member. of it is a soldier and by being a soldier to the best of his ability he is not only showing the spirit that made the A.E.F. what it is but he is winning that which will al- ways mark him as one of a "good outfit. Everybody is familiar with that term and with its opposite. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS TO BE STRIVEN FOR Give the utmost interest and attention to instruction. - 3. RECORDIS NATIONAL SERVICE" Be smart and soldierly in bearing, prompt and accurate in saluting, and always salute. Keep equipment clean. Keep clothes clean, wear them as prescribed. Keep shoes clean and oiled. Keep billets olean, and bunks in order. Conduct yourselves quietly and always with the thought in mind that you represent the United States,your State and your Regiment, and that you will not be satisfied with anything but the term "Excellent* for all three. The standard that it is the duty of this Regiment to attain, because it is a military organization, cannot by thi nking as soldiers that we can get the results we be accomplished by thinking as civilians. It is only want. E. T. . SMITH? Colonel, 129th F. A.