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Leo Bailey had been on the fence about joining the war, thinking that men should not rush into it. In April of 1917, Leo Bailey had decided to enlist when school ended. He had no worries of what might happen to him, believing he was "The chosen one by the Gods." May 20th, 1917, he enlisted in the war without a word to his mother. When he told people he'd see them later, they all said there might be no return. He had all his faith in the world and believed a bullet couldn't even graze him.
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In November 1917, Leo was wounded by a bullet while diving into his dugout during an artillery attack. This, of course, changed his view on war. He now knew that no matter how bad he wanted to be, no one could be invincible. On 11/22/1917, he wrote a letter to his sister stating, "My twenty-third birthday occurs next week. Despite your two additional years, you may yet outlive me." Now, coming to terms with the truth of war.
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A raid in French trenches took place, killing 70 American men. 500 were attacked. This was the first time any of them had seen a German, some believing that they were Frenchmen coming to help them. The Americans were outnumbered 2-1. The confusion and the gas attacks caused many lives to be lost that otherwise wouldn't've been. A man had shot a German as they threw a grenade, avenging him and his friend before death. Two men from the Red Cross were captured, causing rejoicing.