From [and regarding] Private Kenneth Wells (pp.
138-139)
Somewhere in France, June 29, 1918.
"Today a runner came to me and handed me the paper enclosed
in this letter and said: 'An order from General Bullard,'
and, I at once, of course, was a little frightened, as I
never had received a government paper and I thought I had done
something wrong. I hardly dared read it. But when I did, to my
surprise it was a citation. I feel rather honored with it, although
at the time, between May 27-31, 1918, I had no thoughts that
I was winning one of them. I suppose you have all read about
that battle in the papers by this time."
CITATION.
"Private Kenneth Wells, who was killed in action in
France on July 20th, was cited on July 1st for 'displaying great
courage and absolute fearlessness in carrying messages under
heavy shell fire.'"
Kenneth Wells, Co. C, 28th Infantry, son of Dr. and Mrs.
J. N. Wells, of Orfordville, was on our honor roll in the High
School, and a gold star is in its service flag for him.
Following is a tribute written by his friend Mr. Charles
Taylor:
"The belief has been obtained in the minds of many thinking
men and women that in the hereafter, we pursue the calling
or avocation in which we gain proficiency here - thus the
musician pursues his music, the artist his painting, and the
man of letters his writing, and I wonder, if it may not be that
today, speeding on the wings of Light, Kenneth Wells may not
be bearing messages for the King.
"Brother, Sister, have you ever sat in the twilight
or awakened at midnight and heard a voice, from a form unseen
urging
you to a deep patriotism - a more ardent love for country?
Are you certain that the messenger is not a 'Runner,' whose chief
delight while in service here, was the carrying of messages of
encouragement - directing the conflict in the cause of righteousness
and for the uplift of mankind?
"I am not yet ready to subscribe to the doctrine that
is being promulgated by many, that the American soldier - no
matter
what his past life may have been, is entitled to a place
in the Kingdom - though I admit that the Master taught that love
for God was measured by love for fellowman, and again - that
'Greater love hath no man than that a man lay down his life for
his friend,' - but I can scarcely conceive of a young man engaged
in the occupation of war - who attends to the most minute details
in temporal things, neglecting the thing more important than
all - and when I hear of a soldier-boy dying on the field of
battle with the 'Word' close to his heart - I am convinced that
he has formed an acquaintance with the Author of Life and Light,
and am satisfied to leave him with his God.
"So, in coming days as there comes to us suggestions
to be more loyal - more worthy citizens of this greatest of all
of
God's created lands - let us pause and listen - let us peer
into the mists which surround us and perchance we may see the
form of the 'runner' who was cited for unusual bravery still
in the work in which he excelled."