Company D, 313 Ammunition Train,

Pont du Chateau, France

October 2, 1918

Dear Sir:

I regret to have to be situated so that this letter has occasion to be written. Doubtless, long before it reaches you, you have been informed by the government of the death of your son, Otto. A week ago yesterday he was taken with the grippe and was confined to quarters for three days when he was around and well. Saturday night last, he was not feeling quite so well and on Saturday morning the doctor examined him and had him sent to the hospital for treatment. When he left the company barracks, he was laughing and joking about his going to the hospital and promising to come back in a few days. All the while he had been sick with the grippe, he made light of it and was cheery all the time. He was a big help to the rest of the men of the company who were sick at the time by his cheerful disposition. Yesterday morning I received word from the hospital that he had died at 11 o'clock the night before, or on Monday night, September 30, 1918. The funeral was held this afternoon and a detachment of men from his own company attended and acted as pallbearers, escort, etc. They also constituted the firing squad. He was buried with full military honors and taps were sounded over his grave by the buglers. The company bough a large quantity of flowers and they were laid on the coffin. He is buried in the American cemetery just out side of the city of Clermont-Ferrand in the province of Puy de Dome. It is a very pretty spot and in a very pretty country. There are also buried there several other American boys, who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country. It was a great shock to all of us to have him go so suddenly and unexpectedly and I wish to extend to you and his mother my heartfelt sympathy. His personal belonging will doubtless reach you through military channels in due time.

Very truly,
Lucius Miller, Captain.
F.A. Co D, 313 Am. Tn.