Letters of a Soldier (1920) by Kenneth Gow is a collection of the wartime correspondence of Lt. Kenneth Gow of the 107th Infantry Regiment, who served with the 27th Division during the First World War. The letters were published after his death in action on October 17, 1918, providing a moving tribute to a young American officer whose life was cut short near the end of the war.
The book follows Gow's military journey from his initial training in the United States through his deployment with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Written to family and friends, his letters capture the transformation of an ordinary civilian into a capable and respected combat officer, revealing his growing confidence, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to his men.
As his service progresses, Gow describes the routines of camp life, the anticipation of entering combat, and the realities of serving on the Western Front. His correspondence reflects the hardships of military life, the strong bonds formed among soldiers, and the determination required to endure the constant dangers of trench warfare. While he occasionally mentions the violence of battle, his letters are equally notable for their warmth, optimism, and concern for those waiting for him at home.
The collection culminates with the knowledge of Gow's death during the final Allied offensives of 1918, lending profound poignancy to his observations and personal reflections. Together, the letters form both a firsthand account of an American officer's wartime experiences and a memorial to a promising young life lost just weeks before the end of the conflict.
For collectors of World War I literature, Letters of a Soldier is a desirable volume because it preserves the authentic voice of a fallen American officer through his own correspondence. It combines personal insight, historical significance, and emotional depth, making it a valuable addition to collections devoted to the American Expeditionary Forces and firsthand WWI memoirs.