>From the Daily Telegram, 20 February 1942: Poem, 'Am I A Soldier?' Written by Eau Claire Corporal at Camp The following poem, "Am I a Soldier?" was written by Corp. Lyman E. Werner, Co. B. 135th Medical regiment, Camp Shelby, MS. Corp. Werner, formerly a salesman for the Eau Claire Book and Stationery company, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Werner, 508 Babcock street, this city. The poem was originally published in "The Bull Sheet", enlisted men's publication at Camp Shelby. I've been in the Army about a year, I've tasted its joy, its hate, its fear. I've marched, I've drilled, I've sweat and swore. I've shovelled coal 'til my back was sore. I've walked guard in asteady beat. And stood at attention at retreat. I've been on K.P. with its pots and pans, It's scrambled eggs and frying hams. I've slept on a cot, I've slept on the ground, Some friends I've forgot, others I've found. I've eaten hash; I've eaten stew. And every day there's something new. I've bounced along in a dusty truck. My pay that day was a lousy buck. I've ridden blackouts in the dead of night. And I thought a soldier was supposed to fight. I've been in the heat of a blistering sun And worked from dawn till day was done. I've been in the rain, in wind and cold. I've heard Captains praise and heard them scold. I've worn a helmet and carried a pack Till my poor head ached; so did my back. I've put on splints and bandaged a shoulder, Now tell me, friend, "AM I A SOLDIER?" -- Nance Sampson ECCMLO mailto:[email protected]