Synopses & Reviews
When the USA entered World War I in April 1917 her Regular Army counted just 128,000 men and lacked all the necessary equipment and training for modern trench warfare. By the Armistice of November 1918, General John J.Pershing's American Expeditionary Force in France had more than 2 million men and was holding 25 per cent of the Western Front. They had helped smash Ludendorff's brilliant Operation "Michael" in the lines before Paris; had turned onto the offensive themselves at St Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne; and if Germany had not negotiated peace with unexpected speed the US Army would have taken over from their tired Allies an even greater share of the planned 1919 campaign. This concise account of America's first world class army, its organization, uniforms, weapons and character, is illustrated with rare photos and eight full color plates.
Synopsis
During World War I, the US Army grew from a strength of just a few tens of thousands, to almost one-and-a-half million troops by November 1918. This book traces the history of the US forces, through the sharp learning curve that followed their arrival in France in 1917, through to the final advance across the Hindenburg Line.
Synopsis
Short Synopsis Before the mid-1916 National Defense Act the US Army had a few tens of thousands of men, but by November 1918 there were nearly a million and a half American combat troops in France. General Pershing's American Expeditionary Force arrived in 1917 short of weapons, equipment, and experience of modern warfare; but it proved itself in the fighting on the Argonne, and played a major part in stopping Germany's last offensive in spring 1918, and in the final advance through the Hindenburg Line. This book details the organisation, uniforms, equipment and campaigns of the US Army in World War
About the Author
Mark R. Henry is a lifelong student of military history and an experienced re-enactor of many periods. He served in the US Army as a signals officer 1981-90, in Germany, Texas and Korea. He holds a BA degree in History and is studying for his Master's; and currently works in the US Army museum system. His special interest lies in the United States armed forces of the 20th century.