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  3. Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I
Feb 08, 2018 - Jan 05, 2019

Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library’s original exhibit, Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I, explored the experiences of those who served in World War I and the role the United States played in ending the first global conflict. The exhibit featured photographs, maps, posters, rare books, artifacts and footage from the era. An audio tour provided greater context to the war as well as feature readings from the letters and journal entries from soldiers who served. 

Illinois in the War

Learn about the various ways Illinois contributed to the war effort. Learn more

WWI Music

Listen to and learn more about the scores created during the Great War. Listen

Medal of Honor

Learn about some of the men who were awarded the highest award for valor for their actions in WWI. Learn more

Trench Art

Explore trench art from World War I. More

Rare Books

Explore rare books from World War I, from the collections. Explore

Artifacts

Explore artifacts from World War I. More

WWI Collections

Explore the thousands of books, artifacts, and programs about WWI in our collections and learn more about the war in the WWI microsite. Visit the microsite

 

Poem by WWI soldier Joyce Kilmer written in 1918

Lest We Forget

Learn more about the Museum & Library's latest exhibit, Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I.

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On the Step: The 131st U.S. Infantry at Chipilly Ridge

On The Step: The 131st U.S. Infantry at Chipilly Ridge

On August 9, 1918, the 131st United States Infantry’s commanding officer Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn, age 62, led his men to victory at Chipilly Ridge, France, against seasoned German soldiers. 

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Bronze bust of General Joseph Sanborn

Bust of Major General Joseph B. Sanborn

This bust of then Major General Joseph Sanborn is on loan from the Illinois State Military Museum.

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European Royalty ca. 1895

European Royalty ca. 1895

Many monarchs of countries in both alliances were closely related as dependence from either Queen Victoria of England, King Christian IX of Denmark, or both. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Czar Alexander I of Russia, and King George V of England were cousins.

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RMS Lusitania became an effective propaganda tool for Great Britain and the United States.r Great Britain and the United States.

Irishmen Avenge the Lusitania

On May 7, 1915, German submarine, SM U-20 sank the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania off the coast of Ireland.

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The Preparedness Movement began with a series of summer training camps in 1915 including one at Plattsburg, New York and culminated in the National Defense Act of 1916.

The Minute Men of To-Day are Going to Plattsburg

The Preparedness Movement began with a series of summer training camps in 1915 including one at Plattsburg, New York and culminated in the National Defense Act of 1916.

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Telegram from Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador to Mexico, Count Johann von Berstorff.

Zimmermann Telegram

The Zimmermann Telegram refers to a telegram sent by German foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador to Mexico, Count Johann von Bernstorff.

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On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson stood before a special joint session of Congress to deliver a speech asking for a declaration of war against Germany.

President Woodrow Wilson Addressing Congress

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson stood before a special joint session of Congress to deliver a speech asking for a declaration of war against Germany. 

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Created by the Mayor’s Committee for National Defense of New York City, Wake Up America Day was designed to encourage enlistment in the military for World War I.

Wake Up America Day

Created by the Mayor’s Committee for National Defense of New York City, Wake Up America Day was designed to encourage enlistment in the military for World War I. 

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Mask of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Mask of Kaiser Wilhelm II

A mask like this one of Kaiser Wilhelm II might have been worn on a float or during a play as a way to mock the German monarch.

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Standing in front of the tomb, Colonel Charles Stanton famously declared, “Lafayette, we are here!”

Lafayette, We are Here

On July 2, 1917, United States troops made a symbolic march through Paris ending at the grave of the Marquis de Lafayette, who had convinced the French to aid in the American Revolution. 

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General John J. Pershing and Uncle Sam.

Pershing in France: Berlin or Bust 

On May 10, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson appointed General John J. Pershing the Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces. 

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Training Camps

In March 1917, the War Department began building 32 new training camps.

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Graph of troop levels leading up to and during the U.S. involvement in WWI

Troop Levels

Prior to entry into World War I, the United States had a small standing army.

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On the Job for Victory poster by Jonas Lie.

On the Job for Victory

The Emergency Fleet Corporation requisitioned shipyards and ships under construction for the war effort.

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The Ships are Coming poster by James Daugherty.

The Ships are Coming

On April 16, 1917, the United States Shipping Board created the Emergency Fleet Corporation to acquire, maintain, and operate merchant ships to meet commerce needs during World War I. 

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Poster of photographs from the U.S. Navy.

What the Navy is Doing: The Road to France

In June 1917 the United States had only 14,000 service members stationed in France. However, by May 1918, over one million United States service members were stationed in Europe.

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Print of Battleships.

Battleships

Although the United States Navy was not fully prepared for war, the Navy ships on the water at the time of the declaration immediately joined the Allies’ war effort. 

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Downing the Hun Submarine poster.

What the Navy is Doing : Downing the Hun Submarine

German submarines sank more ships in April 1917 than at any other point during World War I. As a result, the United States Navy adopted a convoy system of ships escorted by destroyers. 

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U.S. Navy Recruiting Bureau poster.

What the Navy is Doing: To The Glory of Our Destroyers

When the United States Navy adopted a convoy system in 1917, the Navy focused on destroyers as convoy escorts.

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Destroyers and submarine chasers would drop depth bombs in an attempt to sink submerged submarines.

What the Navy is Doing : Depth Bombs Deal Death to U-Boats

Destroyers and submarine chasers would drop depth bombs in an attempt to sink submerged submarines. 

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First Division poster ca.1918.

First Division: First - Last – and All the Time

The Battle of Cantigny (kahn-tee-nyee) fought May 27 to May 31, 1918, was the first United States battle and offensive of World War I and led by the United States 1st Infantry Division of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

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Page from Ladies' Home Journal of the Battle of Cantigny.

Cantigny : Where the Americans Won their First Laurels

The Battle of Cantigny (kahn-tee-nyee) fought May 27 to May 31, 1918, was the first United States battle and offensive of World War I and was led by the United States 1st Infantry Division of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

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This drawing by Georges Scott depicts the American Marine Brigade in action in Belleau Wood.

The American Marine Brigade

The 2nd Division, which included a brigade of Marines, and the 3rd Division fought alongside the French and British at Belleau Woods in order to stop the German drive towards Paris. 

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A print of American Marines in battle ca. 1918.

American Marines in Battle

The 2nd Division, which included a brigade of Marines, and the 3rd Division fought alongside the French and British at Belleau Woods in order to stop the German drive towards Paris.

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Teufel Hunden poster from ca. 1918.

Teufel Hunden

The Battle of Belleau Woods has become a key component of the United States Marine Corps lore. Legend has it that after the battle the Germans used the term "Teufelshunde" (devil dogs) to refer to the Marines due to their ferocity.

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The Rock of the Marne March sheet music

The Rock of the Marne March

The Second Battle of the Marne (mahrn) was the last major German offensive on the Western Front of World War I. The United States 3rd Infantry Division would earn the nickname “Rock of the Marne” for continuing to hold the line and even counterattacking the overwhelming and advancing German forces.

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Map of the front lines of the 3rd Division ca. 1918.

Front Lines of the 3rd Division

The Second Battle of the Marne (mahrn) was the last major German offensive on the Western Front of World War I.

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Les Vainqueurs de la Marne poster by Eduardo Garcia Benito ca. 1918.

Les Vainqueurs de la Marne

In both the First and Second Battle of the Marne, the Allies managed to halt a German advance towards Paris which changed the momentum of the war. Allied participants in both battles were hailed as the protectors of Paris.

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A complete war map of Western Europe by Russell J. Walrath in 1917.

Complete War Map of Western Europe

The Hundred Days Offensive was a series of successful offensives launched on the Western Front by the Allies against the Central Powers. The offensive not only forced the German army to retreat behind the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line, it also broke through the line in various places.

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Poster of American, French, and British armies in battle.

British-Franco-American Army - August 1918

The Battle of Amiens was the opening battle of the Hundred Days Offensive. The extensive use of tanks in the Battle of Amiens allowed the war to move out of the trenches and once again become mobile.

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Scene from a battle ca. 1918.

Over the Top: Doughboys, Tanks, and Airplanes

The Battle of Amiens was the opening battle of the Hundred Days Offensive. The extensive use of tanks in the Battle of Amiens allowed the war to move out of the trenches and once again become mobile.

 
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29th Engineer Regiment, United States Army map to illustrate the offensive of the St. Mihiel Salient.

Map to Illustrate the Offensive of the St. Mihiel Salient

The Battle of Saint-Mihiel was the first and only offensive carried out solely by the United States. 

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29th Engineer Regiment, United States Army map to illustrate the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Map to Illustrate the Meuse-Argonne Offensive: First, Second, and Last Phases

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive fought between September 26, 1918, and November 11, 1918, was a major drive by the American Expeditionary Forces and the French army during the Hundred Days Offensive on the Western Front. 

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Original oil on canvas by Don Stivers.

The Black Rattlers

Nearly 370,000 black men either volunteered for or were drafted into, the United States Army during the war. 

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Page from Ladies' Home Journal of the "Lost Battalion" in Argonne Forest.

Our Famous "Lost Battalion" in Argonne Forest

Nine companies of the United States 77th Division gained the name the Lost Battalion after being surrounded by Germans forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Poster of the 77th Lost Division.

Welcome 77th : Argonne conquerors

Nine companies of the United States 77th Division gained the name the Lost Battalion after being surrounded by Germans forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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1918 photograph of doughboys at the Saint Quentin Canal.

Doughboys at the Saint Quentin Canal

The Battle of Saint Quentin (săn-kahn-tăn) Canal began on September 29, 1918, as part of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive.

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Victory Liberty Loan poster from 1917.

And They Thought We Couldn't Fight - Victory Liberty Loan

Poster showing a wounded soldier on the battlefield, carrying several German helmets as trophies. On October 5, 1918, the German government sent a message to President Woodrow Wilson to begin the negotiation of terms to end the war.

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"The Doughboy"

The Doughboy

As United States troops entered the trenches in World War I, the Allies referred to them as Yanks or Sammies. Back home they were known as Doughboys and they carried that name with them to the front lines. 

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Illinois in World War I

Illinois played a vital role in the war effort.

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"Over the Top" Illinois! poster for War Savings Stamps from 1917-1918.

“Over the Top” Illinois!

Illinois contributed 351,153 men to the military for service in World War I, third only to New York and Pennsylvania. 

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Roster for Company I 3rd Illinois Infantry.

World War – Roster Company I 3rd Illinois Infantry

The 33rd Infantry Division was the only division comprised solely of men from Illinois.

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First Infantry Chicago Armory

First Infantry Chicago Armory

The 33rd Infantry Division was the only division comprised solely of men from Illinois. 

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Collage of King George V and the 33rd Division.

King George V Visits the 33rd Division

On August 12, 1918, King George V personally awarded four officers and 15 enlisted men various British medals for their actions at Hamel. 

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Award Ceremony, August 12, 1918.

Award Ceremony

On August 12, 1918, King George V personally awarded four officers and 15 enlisted men various British medals for their actions at Hamel.

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Photo of Illinois men signing up for the Illinois National Guard

The 370th Regiment Prepares for War in Chicago

Black troops from Illinois served as the 370th Infantry Regiment in the 93rd Infantry Division.

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Photo of African American troops near Verdun

The 93rd Division During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive

Although the 93rd Infantry Division wore uniforms from the United States, they were otherwise equipped with French supplies. However, by the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, they were issued supplies from the United States.

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Photo of men from the 370th Infantry Regiment after WWI

Troops of the 370th Infantry Post-war

The 370th Infantry Regiment was composed of the men from the 8th Illinois Infantry National Guard, many of whom had served in the Mexican Border War in 1916. 

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Parade grounds at Naval Station Great Lakes

Parade Ground at Naval Station Great Lakes

Naval Station Great Lakes opened in 1911 on 172 acres in Lake County, Illinois just north of Chicago. 

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The Living Flag of the Great War from Ladies' Home Journal.

The Living Flag of the Great War

During the United States’ involvement in World War I, the Navy trained 125,000 sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes. 

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A parade of soldiers on Michigan Ave. in Chicago.

Chicago’s Welcome to Our Heroes

Soldiers from the 33rd Division, as well as those drafted from Illinois, marched through downtown Chicago while thousands of Illinoisans watched from the sidewalks. 

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World War I American Cemeteries in Europe

The eight cemeteries created to inter American soldiers who gave their lives during World War I are scattered throughout France, Belgium, and England.

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Photo courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission

Eight American Graves in the Woods of L'Abrie Roques

The job of exhumation, identification, and relocation temporary graves fell to the Burial Corps of the Quartermaster Department. 

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Photo courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission

Temporary American Cemetery at Pierrefonds

Over the course of World War I, the Graves Registration Service supervised more than 73,000 temporary burials.

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American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne

American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne

The Aisne-Maine cemetery, located next to Belleau Wood in France contains 2,289 graves and is hallowed ground to the Marine Corps.

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William Merritt Moss Headstone

William Merritt Moss Headstone

The Aisne-Marne cemetery, located next to Belleau Wood in France contains 2,289 graves and is hallowed ground to the Marine Corps.

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Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of the United States military dead in Europe.

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Aerial view of the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

Aerial view of the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

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Norman Roberts Headstone

Norman Roberts Headstone

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

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Dedication of the Chapel at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

Dedication of the Chapel at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

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Temporary American Burials at Romagne, France

Temporary American Burials at Romagne, France

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

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Oise-Aisne American Cemetery

Oise-Aisne American Cemetery

The Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in Aisne, France near Chateau-Thierry contains 6,012 United States military dead.

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Original Commissioners at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery

Original Commissioners at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery

The Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in Aisne, France near Chateau-Thierry contains 6,012 United States military dead.

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Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery

Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery

The Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery, located near Thiaucourt, France, contains 4,153 graves.

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Monument in Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery

Monument in Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery

The Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery, located near Thiaucourt, France, contains 4,153 graves.

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Suresnes American Cemetery Chapel

Suresnes American Cemetery

The Suresnes American Cemetery located near Paris, France contains the graves of 1,541 United States service members who died in World War I

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President Woodrow Wilson Decorating graves at Suresnes American Cemetery

President Woodrow Wilson Decorating graves at Suresnes American Cemetery

The Suresnes American Cemetery located near Paris, France contains the graves of 1,541 United States service members who died in World War I.

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Daily scene at the Suresnes American Cemetery

Daily scene at the Suresnes American Cemetery

The Suresnes American Cemetery located near Paris, France contains the graves of 1,541 United States service members who died in World War I.

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Liberty Loan : Become a patriotic bond holder : Subscribe at your bank today.

Liberty Loan–Become a patriotic bond holder : Subscribe at your bank today.

Poster that promoted the first Liberty Loan during World War I.

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Second Liberty Loan poster

"Shall we be more tender with our dollars than with the lives of our sons?" W.G. McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury: Buy a United States government bond of the 2nd Liberty Loan of 1917

Poster that promoted the Second Liberty Loan during World War I.

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Third Liberty Loan poster.

Are you 100% American? Prove it! Buy U.S. government bonds : Third Liberty Loan

Poster that promoted the Third Liberty Loan during World War I.

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Fourth Liberty Loan poster

That liberty shall not perish from the earth – buy liberty bonds: fourth liberty loan

Poster that promoted the Fourth Liberty Loan during World War I.

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Victory Liberty Loan poster

Americans all!: Victory Liberty Loan

Poster that promoted the Victory Liberty Loan during World War I.

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Soldiers in the Trenches

By the time the United States entered World War I, the front lines consisted largely of a maze of trenches.

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Gun crew with a 37mm gun in the Argonne Forest.

American Machine Gunners

The gun crew with a 37mm gun in the Argonne Forest in France. 

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Tank headed to Saint Quentin Canal.

4526 "Griff"

A tank traveling to the Saint Quentin Canal during the Hundred Days Offensive. 

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Photograph of a bomb exploding over soldiers in a trench.

Bombs Bursting Over Head

Artillery fire and bombs were an ever constant threat for World War I soldiers in the trenches. 

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The USS Louisiana after Armistice in 1919.

Bringing the Doughboys Home

The USS Louisiana brought United States servicemembers home from France after the Armistice in 1919. 

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A 14 inch railway gun manned by United States Coastal Artillerymen.

Deafening Roar

A 14-inch railway gun, manned by United States Coastal Artillerymen.

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An officer leads the way over the top, April 7, 1918.

In the Trenches

An officer leads the way over the top amidst bursting German shells.

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Soldiers taking a break in the Argonne Forest.

Mopping Up

These United States, French and British infantrymen were taking a rest from searching for German troops in a recently captured part of the Argonne Forst during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Charles Lamb, 9/17/1918

On the Move

Soldiers marching to join the rest of the Allied forces for the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Soldiers celebrate Armistice.

Peace

Men from Battery D, 105th Field Artillery celebrate Armistice. 

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A United States supply train stuck in mud.

Stuck in the Mud

This United States supply train was on its way to join the rest of the Allied forces for the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Soldiers passing through Varennes-en-Argonne on September 26, 1918.

Destruction of Varennes-en-Argonne

Members of the 110th Infantry Regiment passing through Varennes-en-Argonne, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Members of Ambulance Company #12 administering first aid.

Ambulance Company #12 

These members of Ambulance Company #12 were administering first aid at an advanced dressing station near Lahayville, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Soldiers waiting for orders.

Awaiting Orders

United States soldiers waiting for orders near the French town of Arras. 

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Battle of Cantigny.

Capture of Cantigny

The 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Division took part in the Battle of Cantigny. 

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Soldiers firing a French 75mm howizer.

Field Artillery

These men, firing a French 75mm howitzer, were part of Battery C, 6th Field Artillery Regiment. 

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Field kitchen near Vailly, France.

Field Kitchen 

This field kitchen was located near Vailly, France on the border with Switzerland. 

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A Marine receiving first aid in a trench.

First Aid

This Marine recieved first aid before being sent to a hospital in the rear of the trenches. 

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Soldiers looking for the enemy.

Front Line Trench

These men were watching for the enemy in a front line trench near Verdun, France when this photograph was taken. 

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Wind direction was of prime importance for the use of gas during World War I.

Gas and Flame Attack

Both sides used fire, gas, and smoke to hide their attacks.

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Soldiers of the 33rd Infantry Division hiding behind German camouflage.

German Camoflague

Soldiers in the 33rd Infantry Division hiding behind German camouflage.

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Messengers delivering cease fire message on November 11, 1918.

Messengers

The men pictured here delivered to Lt. Col. Burt the message to cease fire on November 11, 1918, at 11 A.M.

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Photograph of no man's land.

No Man's Land

Soldiers in World War I named the land between their front lines and those of their enemy "no man's land" since it seemed no man could survive there. 

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Soldiers from 166th Infantry Regiment passing through a trench.

Passing Through

Members of the 166th Infantry Regiment (formerly the Ohio National Guard) were passing through this trench on their way to the front lines when this photograph was taken.

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Soldier in a trench operating a signal gun.

Signal Gun

This soldier in a front line trench was operating a signal rocket gun. 

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Aerial view of a trench system.

Trenches on the Western Front 

Both sides created extensive trench systems and networks during World War I. 

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View from a trench near Saint Quentin.

View From a Trench

This trench on the front lines was located near Saint Quentin on the main Amiens Road. 

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Cover of One of the Y.D. (Yankee Division)

One of the Y.D. (Yankee Division)

The Yankee Division, also known as the 26th Infantry Division, was a Massachusetts Army National Guard formation. 

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Cover of A Short History and Illustrated Roster of the 105th Infantry, United States Army, Col. James M. Andrews commanding, 1917.

A Short History and Illustrated Roster of the 105th Infantry, United States Army, Col. James M. Andrews Commanding

The 105th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard fought as part of the 27th Infantry Division during World War I. 

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Cover of The First Battalion, The Story of the 406th Telegraph Battalion, Signal Corps, U.S. Army

The First Battalion, The Story of the 406th Telegraph Battalion, Signal Corps, U.S. Army

Telegraphs were still in use during World War I, especially for long distance communication. 

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Cover of History of the Seventy Seventh Division, August 25th, 1917, November 11th, 1918

History of the Seventy Seventh Division, August 25th, 1917, November 11th, 1918

The 77th Infantry Division was organized from draftees, drawn mostly of men from New York City, and was the first American division of draftees to arrive in France.

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Cover of The Story of the 132d Infantry, A. E.F.

The Story of the 132d Infantry, A.E.F. 

Colonel Abel Davis (later a Brigadier General), A Chicago business leader, commanded the 132nd Infantry Regiment of the 33rd Division during World War I. 

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The 55th Artillery (C.A.C.) in the American Expeditionary Forces, France, 1918

The 55th Artillery of the Coast Artillery Corps was one of the units that served in France, during World War I.  

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Cover of The 88th Division in the World War of 1914-1918

The 88th Division in the World War of 1914-1918

The 88th Infantry Division was activated in Augusut 5, 1917 at Camp Dodge, Iowa. 

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Cover of Army Song Book

Army Song Book

John Tinney McCutcheon (1870 – 1949), a political cartoonist for the Chicago Morning News and the Chicago Tribune, contributed his talents to the war effort with illustrations for the official Army Song Book that was used in the training camps.

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Cover of Ambulance No.10: Personal Letters from the Front

Ambulance No.10: Personal Letters from the Front

Some Americans, like Leslie Buswell, joined the war and war relief efforts in Europe before America’s entry into the war in April 1917.  

 

 
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Cover of With the American Ambulance Field Service in France

With the American Ambulance Field Service in France

Some Americans, like Leslie Buswell, joined the war and war relief efforts in Europe before America’s entry into the war in April 1917.  

 

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Cover of History's Greatest War: A Pictorial Narrative

History's Greatest War: A Pictorial Narrative

History's Greatest War : A Pictorial Narrative by Samuel John Duncan-Clark. 

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Title page of "Mademoiselle Miss": letters from an American girl serving with the rank of lieutenant in a French army hospital at the front

"Mademoiselle Miss": Letters from an American Girl Serving with the Rank of Lieutenant in a French Army Hospital at the Front

"Mademoiselle Miss": Letters from an American Girl Serving with the Rank of Lieutenant in a French Army Hosptial at the Front from 1916. 

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Cover of Ambulancing on the French Front

Ambulancing on the French Front

Ambulancing on the French Front by Edward R. Coyle. 

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Cover of Our Air Force, the Keystone of National Defense

Our Air Force, The Keystone of National Defense

Brigadier General William Lendrum "Billy" Mitchell (1879 – 1936) served as the commander of American air units during World War I.  

 
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Cover of Nursairy Rimes

Nursairy Rimes

World War I is well known for its literature, especially war poetry.

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Cover of Flying for France: with the American Escadrille at Verdun

Flying for France: With the American Escadrille at Verdun

The Lafayette Escadrille, which was also known as the American Escadrille, was named after the Marquis de Lafayette -- a hero of the American and French Revolutions and was composed of American volunteers in the French Air Service, who opted to serve in the war prior to America’s entry into the conflict.  

 
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Cover of New England Aviators 1914-1918; Their Portraits and Their Records

New England Aviators 1914-1918; Their Portraits and Their Records

New England Aviators 1914-1918; Their Portraits and Their Records by Caroline Ticknor. 

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Cover of With the Colors from Aurora, Illinois, U.S., 1917, 1918, 1919

With the Colors from Aurora, Illinois, U.S.A., 1917, 1918, 1919

With the Colors from Aurora, Illinois, U.S.A., 1917, 1918, 1919 by J.W. Greenaway. 

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Cover of Days of Glory; The Sketch Book of a Veteran Correspondent at the Front

Days of Glory; The Sketch Book of a Veteran Correspondent at the Front

Frederic Villiers (1851-1922), a British war artist and war correspondent, documented World War I for British newspapers.

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Cover of All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front

Erich Maria Remarque, who served as a German soldier during the war, wrote All Quiet on the Western Front.  

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America's Part

During World War I (1914-1918), Henry J. Reilly commanded the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd (Rainbow) Division of the United States Army.  

 
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Cover of Americans All: the Rainbow at War: Official History of the 42nd Rainbow Division in the World War

Americans All: The Rainbow at War : Official History of the 42nd Rainbow Division in the World War

During World War I (1914-1918), Henry J. Reilly commanded the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd (Rainbow) Division of the United States Army.  

 

 
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Cover of Lest We Forget, World War Stories

Lest We Forget, World War Stories

This English literature text book for young students was published in 1918. 

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Helmet is likely made of steel, and is an example of a doughboy helmet, also called a Brodie helmet or M1917 Helmet.

Camouflage Painted Doughboy Helmet

This helmet is likely made of steel and is an example of a doughboy helmet, also called a Brodie helmet or M1917 Helmet.

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Boot jacks are used for removing boots. The heel of the boot was placed in the curved (U shaped) end.

Boot Jack

A boot jack was a wooden device used to remove boots without having to bend down or touch them. 

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Metal fork has "US" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side is "WBW," the number "4134," and "1918."

U.S. Army Fork

Metal fork has "US" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side is "WBW" the number "4134" and "1918." 

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Metal spoon has "US" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side is "W.B.D." and the year, "1918."

U.S. Army Spoon

This metal spoon has "US" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side is "W.B.D." and the year, "1918." "WBD" stands for the "William B. Durgin" company which manufactured this spoon.

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Metal knife has "US" and "4B34" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side are "A.C. Co." and "1917" which indicate the manufacturer, American Cutlery Company and the manufacture date, 1917.

U.S. Army Knife

United States soldiers used the M-1910 haversack to carry their essential equipment in the field. Mess gear, rations, toiletries and personal effects were stored inside the haversack, while the entrenching tool, bayonet, shelter half, and blanket were attached to the outside.

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Bacon cans were designed to prevent leakage and augment the function of meat cans in holding rations, thereby allowing meat cans to be used primarily for cooking and eating.

U.S. M-1916 Bacon Can

The M-1916 bacon can was a tinned iron can that held uncooked reserve meat rations.

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This condiment can is made of tinned iron, and was manufactured to hold coffee, sugar, and salt.

U.S. M-1910 Condiment Can

The M-1910 condiment can was a tinned iron can that held rations of coffee, sugar, and salt. 

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Hard bread, a food item similar to hardtack and crackers, was included in the field rations for soldiers from many countries who fought in World War I, including the American Expeditionary Forces.

Hard Bread Package

Hard bread, a food item similar to hardtack and crackers, was included in the field rations for soldiers from many countries who fought in World War I, including the American Expeditionary Forces.

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Collapsible drinking cup with U.S. Seal.

Collapsible Drinking Cup with U.S. Seal

Many of the items, like this collapsible drinking cup, would have been carried in a doughboy’s haversack.

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U.S. M-1910 canteen with cover and cup.

U.S. M-1910 Canteen with Cover and Cup

The M1910 canteen was attached to the soldier’s ammunition belt for easier access.  

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Mess kit with an engraved eagle perched on a branch.

34th Division Mess Kit with Eagle and Castle 

Mess kit with an engraved eagle perched on a branch.

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A leather cigarette box

Leather Cigarette Box

Soldiers rotating out of the front trenches found comfort where they could—by shaving, bathing, playing cards, smoking cigarettes, and reading and writing letters. 

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Metal compass is silver colored and circular. Inside the compass is a slightly rusted blue arrow. On top of the compass it says "U.S."

Metal Compass

A metal compass, carried by a doughboy in WWI.

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This particular pouch may have been used to carry medical equipment, as evidenced by the red cross drawn on the front.

General Purpose Pouch

This particular pouch may have been used to carry medical equipment, as evidenced by the red cross drawn on the front.

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Metal soap dish with soap.

Metal Soap Dish with Soap

Soldiers rotating out of the front trenches found comfort where they could—by shaving, bathing, playing cards, smoking cigarettes, and reading and writing letters. 

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American Red Cross pocket mirror.

American Red Cross Pocket Mirror

Many of the soldiers’ small comforts were sent overseas by loved ones or acquired through the YMCA.

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Metal shaving brush with screw-on handle.

Metal Shaving Brush with Screw-On Handle

This shaving brush was used by soldiers in the trenches to shave during their periods of downtime and boredom.

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This safety razor is called the Laurel, also known as the Laurel Dumb-Bell due to its shape.

Laurel Pocket Safety Razor, Blade, and Dish

This safety razor is called the Laurel, also known as the Laurel Dumb-Bell due to its shape.

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This identification tag has the inscription "James L. Davis PFC USA" and "1297407".

United States Military Idenification Tag from World War I Era [Gruber, Benjamin]

This identification tag has the inscription "James L. Davis PFC USA" and "1297407".

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American playing cards.

American Playing Cards

These American playing cards were used in the trenches to pass the time.

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Waldorf toilet paper packet.

Waldorf Toilet Paper Packet

Waldorf toilet paper packet.

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U.S. Army First Aid packet with pouch.

U.S. Army First Aid Packet with Pouch

U.S. Army First Aid packet with pouch.

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Foot powder.

Foot Powder

Foot powder

 
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Button stick, also known as a button brass or button cleaning guard, is made of dull, discolored brass.

Hinged Brass Button Stick

Soldiers could use a button stick when polishing the brass buttons of their uniform to protect the uniform from damage. 

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There is also a small hard-bristled brush made of wood, a polishing cloth, and a black plastic guard that would be inserted behind and around the button in order to protect the uniform.

Military Button Polishing Kit

This button polishing kit includes a small hard-bristled brush made of wood, a polishing cloth, and a black plastic guard that would be inserted behind and around the button in order to protect the uniform to protect the uniform from damage. 

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Leather kit is fold able and contains thread, a safety pin, a button, and needles.

U.S. Army Sewing Kit

This leather kit is foldable and contains thread, a safety pin, a button, and needles.

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Snuff box for tobacco.

Snuff Box

This snuff box contained tobacco.

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Ohio Matches matchbox.

Ohio Matches Matchbox

Ohio matches box

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Match holder.

Match Holder

Match holder

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Hahway Lighter

Hahway Lighter

Hahway lighter

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Play's Navy Cut cigarettes.

Player's Navy Cut Cigarettes

Player's Navy Cut cigarettes

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Wooden Gas Alarm Rattle

Hand-cranked gas alarms and siren whistles gave soldiers wearing a gas mask the ability to warn other of an oncoming chemical attack.

 

 

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Siren whistle with chain.

United States Siren Whistle with Chain

Siren whistles gave soldiers wearing a gas mask the ability to warn other of an oncoming chemical attack.  

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Anti-dimming stick and cloth in can.

Anti-Dimming Stick and Cloth in Can

Anti-dimming sticks were used to clean and treat insides of a gas mask, to reduce fogging or "dimming" when wearing the mask.

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Anti-dimming composition and cloth in can.

Anti-Dimming Composition and Cloth in Can

This anti-dimming composition and cloth in a can were used to reduce fogging or dimming of gas masks when worn.

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British small box respirator with haversack.

British Small Box Respirator with Haversack

The American Expeditionary Forces used a variety of gas masks and respirators during World War I, including the British Small Box Respirator (SBR).

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World War I Medal of Honor Recipients

Congress awarded 121 Medals of Honor to United States soldiers for actions performed during World War I 

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Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Private Robert L. Blackwell, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient 

Private Robert Blackwell received the Medal of Honor for volunteering to carry a message for reinforcements through heavy shell and machinegun fire.

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Photo courtesy of the United States Air Force

Second Lieutenant Erwin R. Bleckley, U.S. Army Air Service, Medal of Honor Recipient

Second Lieutenant Erwin Bleckley received the Medal of Honor for his mission to deliver supplies while his plane was under heavy enemy fire.

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Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division, American National Red Cross Collection

Lieutenant Joel Thompson Boone, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Lieutenant Joel Thompson Boone received the Medal of Honor for his efforts to provide medical attention to and save the lives of Marines under heavy fire.

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Commander Willis Winter Bradley, Jr., U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Commander Willis Winter Bradley Jr. received the Medal of Honor for placing himself in danger to save the lives of his shipmates after an explosion.

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First Lieutenant Deming Bronson

First Lieutenant Deming Bronson, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

First Lieutenant Bronson received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

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Photo courtesy of the First Division Museum

Sergeant Wilbur E. Colyer, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Wilbur Colyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to secure machinegun nests under enemy fire.

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Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Major Louis Cukela, U.S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

Major Louis Cukela was twice awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I, one from the U.S. Navy and one from the U.S. Army.

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Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, National Photo Company Collection

Sergeant Michael A. Donaldson, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Michael Donaldson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in France in World War I.

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Photo courtesy of the United States Army

Private First Class Parker F. Dunn, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Private First Class Parker Dunn was awarded the Medal of Honor for volunteering for a mission to deliver an intelligence message under artillery and machinegun fire.

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Courtesy of the United States Army

Sergeant Alan Louis Eggers, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Alan Louis Eggers was awarded the Medal of Honor for saved fellow soldiers under enemy fire and holding off the enemy.

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Courtesy of the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States Army

Private First Class Jesse Funk, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

PFC Jesse Funk was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing two wounded officers in No Man's Land.

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Courtesy of the United States Air Force

First Lieutenant Harold Ernest Goettler, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

First Lieutenant Harold Ernest Goettler was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his own life to deliver supplies to his fellow soldiers.

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Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Seaman Ora Graves, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Seaman Ora Graves was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his own life to prevent an explosion on his ship.

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Courtesy of the Special Collections at Virginia Tech

Sergeant Earl D. Gregory, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Earl Gregory was awarded the Medal of Honor for capturing several enemy combatants under fire.

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Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Edouard Victor Michel Izac, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Lieutenant Edouard Victor Michel was awarded the Medal of Honor his escape from a German prisoner of war camp to deliver important intelligence about German submarine movements.

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Courtesy of the United States Marine Corps

Ernest A. Janson,(aka Charles F. Hoffman), U.S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

Gunnery Sergeant Ernest Janson was twice awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I, one from the U.S. Navy and one from the U.S. Army.

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Courtesy of the New York Daily News

(William) Henry Johnson, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Private Henry Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for his actions in thwarting a surprise enemy attack. 

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Courtesy of the United States Marine Corps

Private John Joseph Kelly, U.S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

Private John Joseph Kelly was twice awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to attack an enemy nest and capture of enemy prisoners of war.

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Sergeant John Cridland Latham, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant John Cridland Latham was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for rescuing the crew of an American tank while under enemy fire.

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Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for his attack on the enemy under fire from ground batteries and hostile planes.

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Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Commander James Jonas Madison, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Lieutenant Commander James Jonas Madison was awarded the Medal of Honor for his command of USS Ticonderoga in World War I.

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Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Shipfitter Patrick McGunigal, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Shipfitter First Class Patrick McGunigal was awarded the Medal of Honor for his rescue of a kite balloon pilot in World War I. 

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Sergeant Richard W. O'Neill, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Richard O'Neill was awarded the Medal of Honor for his attack on a detachment of 25 enemy men.

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Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Chief Machinist's Mate Francis Edward Ormsbee, Jr., U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Chief Machinist's Mate Francis Edward Ormsbee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his rescue attempt of the crew of a plane.

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Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Junior Grade Weedon E. Osborne, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Lieutenant Junior Grade Weedon Osborne was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to rescue the wounded at Belleau Wood.

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Courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Harris and Ewing Collection

Second Lieutenant Samuel Parker, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

2LT Samuel Parker was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading his command to victory despite being severely wounded. 

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Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Orlando Henderson Petty, U.S. Navy, Medal of Honor Recipient

Lieutenant Orlando Henderson Petty received the Medal of Honor for evacuating wounded soldiers during the attack in the Boise de Belleau while under heavy fire and at great personal risk to himself.

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Courtesy of the United States Marine Corps

Corporal John Henry Pruitt, U.S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

Corporal Pruitt received the Medal of Honor for single-handedly attacking 2 machineguns and rescuing 40 prisoners at Blanc Mont Ridge. 

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Photo courtesy of the United States Department of Defense

First Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

First Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker was awarded the Medal of Honor for attacking enemy planes.

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Willie Sandlin (Left) and Samuel Woodfill (right) Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Sergeant Willie Sandlin, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Wilie Sandlin was awarded the Medal of Honor advancing alone and securing an enemy machinegun nest.

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Courtesy of the United States Army

Sergeant William Shemin, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant William Shemin was awarded the Medal of Honor for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire to rescue the wounded. 

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Courtesy of the Missouri History Museum

Captain Alexander R. Skinker, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Captain Alexander Skinner was awarded the Medal of Honor for personally leading an attack on an enemy machinegun.

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Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

Ensign Daniel A.J. Sullivan, U.S. Naval Reserve Force, Medal of Honor Recipient

Ensign Daniel Sullivan was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the lives on board USS Christabel.

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Courtesy of the United States Marine Corps

Second Lieutenant Ralph Talbot, U. S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

Second Lieutenant Ralph Talbot was awarded the Medal of Honor air raids into enemy territory.

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Courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Private Michael Valente, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Private Michael Valente was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to disable multiple machineguns and capture enemy soldiers.

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Courtesy of the United States Army

Sergeant Ludovicus M. M. Van Iersel, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Ludovicus M.M. Van Iersel was awarded the Medal of Honor for his reconnaissance mission.

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Courtesy of the College Archives and Special Collections, Williams College

Major Charles Whittlesey, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

Major Charles Whittlesey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions maintaining his division's position surrounded by the enemy.

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Willie Sandlin (Left) and Samuel Woodfill (right) Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

First Lieutenant Samuel Woodfill, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient 

First Lieutenant Samuel Woodfill was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to secure multiple machinegun nests from the enemy.

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Courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Corporal Alvin York, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor Recipient 

Corporal Alvin York was awarded the Medal of Honor for securing a machinegun nest under deadly fire.

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Thank you sponsors

Thank you to the sponsors of Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies, and Doughboys Over There in World War I

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Contributors

Many individuals contributed to the opening of Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I.

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