Lyle D. Hunkins - U.S. Army Doughboy, World War I

by
Howard W. Gabriel, Ph.D.

During my childhood, I was fascinated with the life of my great uncle, Lyle Dorlan Hunkins, when he was in his last decade. He lived and worked on a farm full of chickens, hogs, dogs, cats, horses and sheep. The inside of his home had ancient photographs, tools, and other possessions attached to the walls and on the floor everywhere. Although there were two other family houses on the farm, he often found me sitting in his favorite old chair. My eyes would be overwhelmed with wonderment.
Many years later, as an adult, I realized that my great uncle’s life was significantly influenced by World War I.
In 1917, at the age of 23, Lyle was trying to sort out his future. He had lived much of his life as a quiet, sheltered country boy. Since 1914, much of the distant world had been at war. Then on May 18, 1917, universal conscription was accomplished by President Wilson. This affected many individuals just like my great uncle. He entered military service on September 20, 1917. The United States’ combat units in first line trenches are documented as early as January 31, 1918. Lyle Hunkins served first with the 361st Infantry of the 91st Division and later with the 321st Infantry of the 83rd Division. He was a Private 1st Class.

Throughout the summer and fall months of 1918, there were countless skirmishes and battles throughout a large part of France and the American troops were involved in most of them. Throughout the remainder of his life, Lyle Hunkins was pretty mum about his combat experiences. Some of his engagements were in the Mere Henry Sector, St. Die Sector, and the Meuse Argonne Offensive. As a youngster I recall hearing family members talk about far away places like Chateau Thierre, Verdun, Meuse/Argonne region and the Black Forest.
Lyle did reveal to my father, his nephew, of the way he crawled along mud among the thick smoke and forest fog with death’s stench everywhere. My uncle vividly recalled encountering machine gun nests and how they would cross fire at the soldiers from different directions.
Perhaps his favorite story was what happened on the last day of the war. On November 11, 1918, Lyle’s group was down to only a few able men and he realized only too well that they were up against it! The end was in sight. Lyle’s thoughts focused on his company’s main machine gun, which had been acting up. Their ammunition was low. They were checking their bayonets for the hand to hand struggle that would ensue once the Germans overwhelmed them. The Germans were nearby just over a particular hill.
Private First Class Hunkins wondered how his life would actually end. How would his last moments really be like? He wondered what his family members were doing on this day. Did they understand what he had gone through? Did anyone care or give a damn for that matter?
Suddenly the Germans were spotted running over the hill. This was it! But the Germans were not shooting their guns. Lyle figured the Germans had simply gone crazy. The Germans were throwing their hands about and yelling “armistice” in their native language. Was this a hoax or a trap?
There had been a false armistice on November 8, though many soldiers crawling in mud and blood may not have heard of it. Once the Germans were close enough to touch, they took out their wallets and showed photos of their family and loved ones. The German soldiers stuck their fingers into the American pockets, insisting to see the American photos. After a while, Lyle realized that it was over! He must have grinned some of the mud away.
Upon his honorable discharge in September of 1919, Lyle D. Hunkins received $96.95. His discharge papers noted that he was a man of excellent character and that he received no wounds or medals. Perhaps one or more military personnel told him that they appreciated his efforts. Let us hope so!
As for receiving no wounds, he did experience ruthless nightmares for much of his life. His last 25 years were spent on a farm off Chalk Hill Road near Healdsburg, California. Family members recalled that anytime some stranger needed help with their car or had some other crisis, Lyle would help them. He kept parts for many cars. He always gave of his time and possessions freely. Helping others, even strangers, gave him much satisfaction. A few people thought he was a fool for never charging anything for his efforts.
I have always missed my great uncle Lyle. I realize that he, like so many of his generation, was a very special and important human being.