Syracuse Post-Standard, April 20, 1918
J. D. Flynn Wounded
in Hun Attack
Syracuse Boy Severely Hurt
While Fighting With U. S. Army
Another Syracuse man has fallen in France. James D. Flynn, 22, of No. 1211 Avery avenue, was severely wounded April 14. The brief announcement came to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Flynn, here last night from the War Department.

Flynn enlisted in the Twenty-third Infantry here July 25 and was encamped with his regiment at the fair grounds until its departure for the front September 7. The prospect of early action in France pleased the young man mightily for he had often told his people and friends that he would not be contented until he was in the midst of the big show.

Whether it was in the trenches in Northern France while the Hun made his recent dent in the British line that Flynn was wounded is not known. His letters home were brief, briefer in fact than the strict military censorship made necessary. Occasional references to the boys of his regiment who had gone from Syracuse with him were the only details vouchsafed in his communications received here.

Eyes on the “Big Show.”
Optimism rang in every line. He was well treated by his officers. They were fine fellows. Lots of good food served regularly. No complaints. Plenty of pleasant work. Feeling great. Don’t worry. That’s all his letters contained. He had his eyes on the big show then. He was absorbing it every minute. He had to time to fret over trivial matters connected with camp life.

That is what soldiering did for Flynn, since, according to his friends, he had been much the same when he lived among them. His fellow workmen at the Solvay Process Company said the same. They had known him for years. He had come to Syracuse when he was only a baby. He was educated here and had many friends.

The last letter his parents received from him was six weeks ago. It was the same as all the others. It breathed enthusiasm in the new life overseas. His company was right where it wished to be – in the heart of everything worthwhile in the big show. The Hun was always to be seen, either in the trenches or in the air. Many a shot he had taken at the enemy and if he did say it himself, he was getting to be a mighty good shot.

Heart and Soul in Cause.
That meant that Flynn was making good. He had his heart and soul in the cause. He came of good fighting stock and now that he had a worthy cause he knew how to battle for it.

His sister, Marguerite, met The Post-Standard representative at the door last night. There was an anxious note in her voice when she said he had been severely wounded. But it was plain to be seen that she was glowing with pride. She was the only sister of her big brother hero.

Mrs. Flynn held up under her grief bravely. She was confident he would pull through. He was a strong boy, she said, and had lived a clean life out in the open. That’s the kind of men Uncle Sam sent over with the Twenty-third and every other contingent.

Syracuse Post-Standard, October 1918
Flynn Home on Furlough
After Aiding in Loan Drive
James D. Flynn, C Company, Twenty-third Infantry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Flynn of No. 1211 Avery Avenue, arrived home yesterday from Philadelphia, Pa., where he has been aiding in the liberty loan campaign.

Private Flynn returned to Philadelphia after he had been severely wounded in action in France and had spent nearly four months in the hospitals before he had recovered sufficiently for a journey back to the United States.

During an engagement on April 14 he was struck by a one-pound shell known as a “whiz bang.” He had a deep gash in the left side of his head and his right arm was badly hurt, but in spite of these injuries he found a companion who had been blinded by the explosion of the shell and guided him back to the lines. Private Flynn was sent to a base hospital and did not reach the United States until September 1.

Private Flynn has a fourteen-day furlough which he will spend at the home of his parents.