Sometimes we make unexpected discoveries.
This happened to me at the St. Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiaucourt, France when Norm and I went there to pay our respects to the World War I heroes who are buried there. Ambivalence washes over me when standing among such greatness: sorrow, pride, and humility.
I learned of the heroism hidden behind the gilded cross of 2ndLt. John Hunter Wickersham, Medal of Honor recipient.
John Hunter Wickersham – Photo from ABMC
Mortally wounded by an explosion during the St. Mihiel offensive, John ignored his injuries to attend to those of another. Without medical treatment, he accompanied his platoon in the next advance where he fired his weapon with his left hand as his right hand had been rendered useless. The twenty-eight-year-old soldier collapsed from loss of blood and died on the battlefield.
Though he was a soldier, and died as he would have wanted – with honor, saving the lives of his compatriots – the necessity of his heroism caused me grief.
My heart was saddened further when I learned that this soldier had written to his mother on September 11, 1918 – the night before his death. In his letter he wrote this poem for her – and for all mothers, the ones who bear the heaviest loss during war.
The Raindrops on Your Old Tin Hat
The mist hangs low and quiet on a ragged line of hills.
There’s a whispering of wind across the flat.
You’d be feeling kind of lonesome if it wasn’t for one thing
The patter of the raindrops on your old tin hat.
An’ you just can’t help a-figuring sitting there alone
About this war and hero stuff and that.
And you wonder if they haven’t sort of got things twisted up,
While the rain keeps up its patter on your old tin hat.
When you stop off with the outfit to do your little bit,
You’re simply doing what you’re s’posed to do –
And you don’t take time to figure what you gain or lose –
It’s the spirit of the game that brings you through.
But back at home she’s waiting, writing cheerful little notes,
And every night she offers up a prayer,
And just keeps on a-hoping that her soldier boy is safe –
The Mother of the boy who’s over there.
And fellows, she’s the hero of the great big ugly war,
And her prayer is on the wind across the flat,
And don’t you reckon it’s her tears, and not the rain,
That’s keeping up the patter on your old tin hat?
Words are inadequate to express our gratitude, so all I can offer you is thanks.
Stacy Rambles 
Stacy, I am John Hunter Cooley Jr.. My son is Jason Hunter Cooley . We will be traveling to Metz and Nancy France this year for the 100th Anniversary of WW1 and to visit John Wickershams grave. The documents I have show proof of what a brave fearless man he was. At the same time he was a gallant and brave soldier and loved and honored by every member of his platoon. Rain on your old Tin Hat was sent home to his mother the night before his was killed in action.
It is an honor to make your acquaintance, John. I have no doubt that J. H Wickersham was a fearless, dedicated, beloved man. When you visit his grave, be sure to share anything you know with the keeper of the cemetery. These places are nor only a cemeteries, but repositories of history, and the keepers always welcome any piece of information to add to the stories of those resting there. XO
Dear Stacy,
John Hunter Wickersham was my great uncle. My father and brother are named after him, John Hunter Cooley. My grandmother Ruth Wickersham Cooley greatly effected by the loss of her brother. The American Legion chapter in Denver is also named after him. This May I hope to visit his grave and remember. One last thing, my brother has a small pocket notebook of John Hunter’s where he recorded this poem.
Thank you for your post,
Ralph
Dear Ralph,
Thank you so much for sharing that bit of history with me and my readers. I am happy to honor his memory and his contributions to the world.
Stacy
I’m a descendant of James and had the opportunity to visit his grave site in the late 90’s while stationed in France with the US Air Force. I remember my grandfather telling me about his story when I was younger, so imagine my surprise when prior a trip from France to Germany to pick up equipment, the Stars and Stripes newspaper ran a special on WW I grave sites in Europe. Right there off the highway I was driving was St Mihiel, so I figured i’d stop and take a look. What an awesome visit and such a great job by our graves administration taking care of our war heroes.
Thanks for visiting the grave site and posting this, it’s nice to know others take time to remember those who served so long ago.
Dave Wickersham
I am honored that you took the time to comment on my small tribute to our heroes, and you certainly qualify as one of those, David. It is truly humbling to have been able to stand among such greatness.
Thank you for your service to our country. ❤
Thank You….
Oh, my! Patrick, are you a descendant of John? ❤
I’ve never seen this… Thanks so much for sharing. His story and words hit straight to the heart. Like so many wars, WWI had its own special hells — I don’t know if he was in the trenches, but given the area and his words, he may have been. Just brutal. Most definitely sharing with my (military) family.
I’m glad to share his story with the world. So few people have the opportunity to go to these overseas cemeteries. I feel honored to do so for all the Americans who cannot.
Thanks for spreading his story, FeyGirl. ❤
I was raised on an overseas cemetery from WWII (an island base), and it impacted me greatly… I don’t think Americans stateside can fully comprehend the impact of these sites, and *war* in general — unless they’re personally tied to it. Thanks so much, again.
How incredibly sad and heartbreaking. I can only imagine the grief of this sensitive boy’s Mother and all Mother’s who have lost their brave, young soldier son’s to war. Thank you for sharing this. xx
You’re welcome, Karen. I figure the least I can do is write his story. ❤