The Lowell Sun published "Letters From Lowell Soldiers" regularly during the Great War. I am reproducing this description and the letter in it's entirety below:
"Capt. Paul E. Kitteredge, whose death in France was announced only last Saturday, was a captain but two days when he was killed by a German shell, according to a letter written from France by Sergt. John T. McDermott of Co. M of the 101st regiment. Sergt. McDermott is a well known Lowell boy and one of the closest friends the galant captain has. He himself has been wounded in the leg and at the time of writing, Nov. 1, was recuperating in a hospital. The wounded soldier is the son of Mr. and Mrs. M.J. McDermott and is one of the oldest members of Co. M. He has seen seven years' service with the unit, having enlisted when he was but 16 years of age. He was one of the best athletes of the old Ninth regiment and captain of the company basketball team for two years. His father and two brothers are former member of the company. Sergt. MdDermott served on the Mexican border and was formerly employed at the Lowell Opera House and the U.S. Cartridge Co. His letter to his parents is as follows:
A.E. Forces, Nov. 1, 1918
Dear Parents: - I received your welcome letter all right and was glad to hear that all at home are well. I am in the hospital as I got wounded in the leg.My best friend, Paul Kittredge was killed by a shell. He had been a captain only two days when he got his. He was one white boy. I tell you the company boys will miss him.
Well, I am on my cot while I am writing this but am wishing to get back to the boys. I was going to the officers' training school on the first of November, as I was next in line, but luck went against me and it will be some time before I get the chance again. I should worry, as I am just as well off, a sergeant. I am thankful to God that I came out with my life.
Hoping all the boys are well, and love to all,
JOHN T. McDERMOTT"
The Lowell Sun, November 27, 1918, p.11.
Kittredge Park at the junction of Andover and Nesmith Streets in the Belvidere section of Lowell is named in Paul Kittredge's honor. He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in France.
