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Tuesday, June 27, 2017

DOUGHBOYS HIT THE TRENCHES

THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES JOINS THE FIGHT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) One hundred years ago tonight, June 27, 1917, the "advance guard" of the army of the United States of America was in France preparing to join the fight against the Germans.

The American soldiers, trained "on the Mexican border or in Haiti or Santo Domingo," were to be led by one of the newest generals in the Army, Major General William L. Sibert* who would command under General John J. Pershing.

The Chicago Daily Tribune wrote...

"It is practically certain that never before has a military expedition of this size been assembled, conveyed and landed without mishap in so short a time by any nation."

*Major General William Luther Sibert (1860-1935) was born in Gadsden, Alabama & attended the University of Alabama & West Point.  WLS became chief engineer of the 8th Army Corps in 1899 & was a member of the Panama Canal Commission 1907-1914.  During WWI, WLS was commander of the First Division on the Western Front.  He retired from the service in 1920.

SOURCE

"U.S. Army Near Trenches, Gen. Sibert To Lead Our Men into Battle", The Chicago Daily Tribune, June 28, 1917.



Major General William L. Sibert
U.S. War Department Photo