 |
| | COOK CLAUD A. MOMANY
Serial No. 2,017,732
Pipestone, Mich.
In September, 1918, when the Battery was brought up to full strength with the addition of seventy men from the Ammunition Train, the Battery was sorely in need of more cooks and it was not for several days after their assignment was it possible for the Captain to ascertain the training of the new men. It was found that Momany had the experience necessary for the work of a cook. He was immediately detailed and made cook under Sergeant Belbeck. The Ammunition Train being broken up and the men coming to our outfit reunited Momany and his brother, Guy F. Momany, Telephone Corporal, in Headquarters Company. On this account Momany welcomed the change.
The work of the cooks in the Battery was hard through their entire service, and at the front they were exposed to the danger of shell-fire. The Germans regarded the kitchens as very desirable objectives and their airplane men were instructed especially to look for them.
At Pont-a-Mousson he acted as one of the cooks of the brigade preparing dishes for the General and others in the high command.
During the long wait for news of our movement into the forwarding area for home, Momany was our human news bulletin; in fact, a sort of town crier. His brother, Corporal Momany, being connected with regimental headquarters, could pick up information from the wire as to proposed movements and plans for the regiment. This he would impart to his brother confidently, since one in his capacity was not supposed to repeat messages or give information, and he in turn would tell the boys.
Of course, it was usual for the boys to make remarks about the food, in fun and otherwise, so the cooks were used to hearing their work criticized. These never affected Momany—he took it all as a matter of destiny, the inevitable fate of a cook.
He was of medium height, broad-shouldered, well muscled, with vigorous health, which was a prime requisite of a cook in the army.
He had an even temperament and a hopeful disposition. |