Background: In September of 1917 My grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, joined the United States Army. He was assigned to the 20th Engineers whose primary purpose was to mill lumber and build the wooden structures needed by the soldiers. In November he sailed to St. Nazaire, France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A and is now based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France.
From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson
Sunday June 2, 1918– Very warm today. Everyone laying around camp.
Monday June 3– Nothing of interest
Tuesday June 4– Ten years ago today I graduated from P.H.S. Little did I think then of being over here in the army at this time.
Wednesday June 5– Grading and setting sills for regimental hospital which will be located here. Consisting of 5 large tents, five small and two buildings.
Thursday June 6– Went to casino this night. Not much of picture.
Friday June 7– Marines are making a name for themselves. Kaiser BIll will find out that Americans are more than second class troops.
Saturday June 8– Have not received any mail for some time. Must be letters for us somewhere.
Tuesday June 4– Ten years ago today I graduated from P.H.S. Little did I think then of being over here in the army at this time.

Regimental Hospital
Wednesday June 5– Grading and setting sills for regimental hospital which will be located here. Consisting of 5 large tents, five small and two buildings.
In a previous entry (Friday April 26, 1918) Poppa wrote– Started survey for hospital site down the river around the hotel and seminary. Many very interesting things around these places and have met several English speaking people.
Battle of Belleau Wood
Friday June 7– Marines are making a name for themselves. Kaiser Bill will find out that Americans are more than second class troops.
Poppa is likely referring to the fact that the U.S. Marines had some success against the Germans in the Battle of Belleau Wood. Although the Battle started on June 1st and lasted until June 26th, on June 6th the Marines were able to stop the advance of the Germans and turn them back. The courage and tenacity demonstrated by the Marines during this battle helped to build their legacy.

Next Week: We are Given our First Issue Tobacco
Sources:
“Battle of Belleau Wood.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Belleau_Wood. Accessed 2 June 2018.
Great work Chris. Thanks