Just starting this terrific new book about the Battle of Cantigny, the first U.S. engagement in WW1 and the one in which my great uncle, John Curry, was killed by a sniper. Matt Davenport has a gift for storytelling. Despite the wealth of information he provides, he makes it easy to keep turning the page. Matt wrote to me about John and I supplied him with copies of some letters John's fellow soldiers sent to the family. Matt actually tracks some of John's movements during the battle—it's amazing to read, like I'm finally understanding what really happened.
John's mother, Sara Curry, visited his grave in France after the war. Below is her story, based on what I learned in John's Army burial file. The photo card is from her trip's ID.