Tag Archives: Doughboys

Reader’s Question: “Translating” Burial Locations on GRS Forms into Google Map Speak

May 5, 2016 by Randy
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In mid April, reader “Jean” asked the following question: How can I “translate” the GRS Form 16 from 28 Mar 1919 “Isolated Grave, Exermont, Ardennes, 35 NE 301.5 E 280.9 N to Google map speak to find the location of Charles T. Hoppas’ first burial?  He was killed 26 Sept. 1918 and now lies in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.  GRS Form #114B Shows “Verdun 35NE 280.9N 301.5E.”  This may be where he was buried in between where he was killed and his final placement. This Continue reading →

Books and Movies: Forty-Seven Days: How Pershing’s Warriors Came of age to Defeat the German Army in World War 1 by Mitchell Yockelson

March 3, 2016 by Randy
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  Dissonance arises when an author’s expectation and a reviewer’s expectation of a book differ; and that is the case with “Forty-seven Days: How Pershing’s Warrior Came of Age to Defeat the German Army in World War 1,” the latest book from well-known WW1 military historian Mitchell Yockelson.   Looking at the work from 30,000 feet, the book is a skillful re-telling of the Meuse-Argonne battle, focusing on the key American leaders and heroes and select events during the 47 days of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.  Continue reading →

We Forget Today: Michigan in the World War

January 18, 2016 by Randy
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We forget today just what an impact World War One had on the lives of its participants and their families.  Over the last several years Michigan resident Dennis Skupinski has been creating YouTube videos that tell the story of some of Michigan’s activities during the war and the achievements of its war-time leaders after the war.  A link to one of his videos is provided below: Give the First World War a Second Look:  Michigan’s WW1 Centennial Enjoy!    

Then and Now: Stenay

January 18, 2016 by Randy
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    Caption:  “89th Division Infantry in Stenay Two Minutes Before the Armistice Took Effect.” Location:  The building is at the corner of Rue Pasteur and Place Eugène Martinot in the center of Stenay. Source of Then Photo:  American Armies and Battlefields in Europe, page 305. Source of Now Photo:  The Webmaster.

We Forget Today: The Cost of the War–Lt. Col. Whittlesey, 77th Div., and John Nelson, 1st Div

November 25, 2015 by Randy
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We forget today just what an impact World War One had on the lives of its participants and their families.  During these Centennial years it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of commemorations and plans to visit the battlefields again.  (The Webmaster just marched in NYC’s Veteran’s Day Parade with a group of WW1 Reenactors.)  Yet every now and then–sometime between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, perhaps–it’s a fitting time to reflect on the human cost of the war.  Consider the two well-documented cases below; and remember Continue reading → Continue reading →

Then and Now: Exermont

September 20, 2015 by Randy
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    Caption:  “A Man Who Goes Through Battle Does Not Get Over It.”  A moment after the preceding picture had been taken, the screech of a high explosive shell was heard and the men who had been loitering in the street of Exermont, which they had just captured, scrambled for cover. Location:  On the D142, right by the church. Source of Then Photo:  “Forward March!  Section 2.  The Photographic Record of American in the World War and the Post War Social upheaval.”  Disabled American Continue reading →

Armistice Day Photos: Frank W. Buckles’ Funeral, March 15, 2011

November 11, 2014 by Randy
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Frank W. Buckles, America’s last doughboy, passed away on February 27, 2011 at age 110.  He was buried with full military honors in Plot 34 at Arlington National Cemetery; near the grave of  John J. Pershing, General of the Armies of the United States.  The funeral date was March 15, 2011.  The webmaster was fortunate to be able to attend the funeral service.            

Travel Tips: What can one see of the Meuse-Argonne Battlefield Today?

August 11, 2014 by Randy
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In recent conversations, acquaintances who have some interest in history and/or a relative who fought in the war have asked this question. On the surface, it was asked innocently enough. They had no idea what they could expect to see on the battlefield. So here’s a list of some of the easily-visible sites in the Meuse-Argonne:   Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon Montfaucon American Monument Destroyed Village of Montfaucon Vauquois Hill and Destroyed Village of Vauquois Lost Batallion Site, near Binarville Sgt. York Sites, near Chatel Chéhéry Continue reading →