JFK+50: Volume 7, No. 2417
COMMITTEE WILL TRY TO GET COLONEL ROOSEVELT TO SPEAK TO COMMISSION CANDIDATESFort Sheridan, Illinois (JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, August 30, 1917, a committee was named by Colonel James A. Ryan*, commandant here at Fort Sheridan, to secure the services of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt to speak to the candidates for commission at the Second Reserve Officers Training Camp.
Also on this day, the candidates were taught how to assemble and pack their fields kits and haversacks** and given their first lessons in signalling. In addition, they made their first practice march with a pack.
The Chicago Daily Tribune reported that next week they were to be trained in the use of hand grenades and bayonets.
*Col. James A. Ryan graduated from West Point in 1890 & joined the 10th cavalry with its Indian service & also served in Alaska, the Philippines, Cuba & Mexico.
**Haversacks formed the core of the assembled field pack. They held personal effects, extra socks, underwear & rations.
SOURCES
Chicago Commerce, Volume 13, Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, www.books.google.com/
"Roosevelt May Address Men At Fort Sheridan," The Chicago Daily Tribune, August 31, 1917.
"Soldiers' Mail, Letters Home From A Yankee Doughboy, 1916, 1919", www.worldwar1letters.wordpress.com/
Soldier Wearing M-1928 Infantry Haversack
Modified World War I
US Army Photo Album (1941-1945)
