World War I

The War to End All Wars

World War I (1914–1918) was the first truly global conflict, reshaping the political map of the world and introducing industrialized warfare on a scale never before imagined. The United States entered the war on April 6, 1917, and over the next nineteen months, more than four million Americans served in uniform. The "Doughboys"—as American soldiers were called—helped turn the tide against Germany and its allies, establishing the United States as a decisive force in world affairs.

American Entry into the War

For nearly three years, the United States maintained neutrality while Europe consumed itself in war. President Woodrow Wilson won reelection in 1916 with the slogan "He kept us out of war." But German unrestricted submarine warfare—including the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915—and the intercepted Zimmermann Telegram proposing a German-Mexican alliance against America turned public opinion. On April 2, 1917, Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war, proclaiming that "the world must be made safe for democracy." Four days later, America was at war.

Mobilization

The United States faced the enormous challenge of transforming a small peacetime army into a force capable of fighting in Europe. The Regular Army numbered only 127,000 men in April 1917. Through the Selective Service Act, over 2.8 million men were drafted, while another 2 million volunteered. Training camps sprang up across the country, and the 37th Division Association honors the citizen-soldiers of the Ohio National Guard who trained at Camp Sheridan before deploying to France. The 1st Cavalry Division Association traces its heritage to units that served during this era of rapid military expansion.

Over There: The Western Front

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), commanded by General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, began arriving in France in June 1917. Pershing insisted that American troops fight as an independent army rather than being parceled out to French and British units. After months of training, the AEF entered combat in force in 1918.

American forces played decisive roles in the war's final campaigns:

At Cantigny (May 28, 1918), the 1st Division launched the first American offensive of the war, capturing and holding the village against German counterattacks.

At Belleau Wood (June 1–26, 1918), U.S. Marines fought one of the bloodiest battles in Corps history, earning the German nickname Teufelshunden—"Devil Dogs." The Fleet Reserve Association honors the naval service tradition exemplified by these Marines.

The Second Battle of the Marne (July 15–August 6, 1918) marked the turning point of the war. American divisions helped halt the last German offensive and launched the counterattack that would continue until the Armistice.

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive (September 26–November 11, 1918) was the largest American military operation in history to that date. Over 1.2 million American troops fought in this 47-day campaign, suffering over 26,000 killed and 95,000 wounded. The offensive broke the Hindenburg Line and forced Germany to seek an armistice.

Birth of American Air Power

World War I saw the emergence of aerial combat. American pilots like Eddie Rickenbacker—who scored 26 victories to become America's "Ace of Aces"—captured the public imagination. The American Fighter Aces Association preserves the legacy of pilots who achieved five or more aerial victories, a tradition that began over the trenches of France.

The Wounded and Fallen

American casualties in World War I were staggering: 116,516 deaths (53,402 in combat, 63,114 from disease—many from the 1918 influenza pandemic) and over 200,000 wounded. The Military Order of the Purple Heart traces its revival to this era; the decoration was reinstated in 1932 specifically to honor those wounded in the Great War and subsequent conflicts.

The Disabled American Veterans, founded in 1920, emerged directly from World War I to advocate for the thousands of veterans who returned with life-altering injuries. The organization continues to serve disabled veterans of all eras.

The American Gold Star Mothers, founded in 1928, began as mothers who lost sons in World War I organized to support one another and honor their children's sacrifice. The gold star tradition—replacing the blue star in service flags for those killed—became a lasting symbol of ultimate sacrifice.

Faith and Service

Military chaplains served alongside soldiers in the trenches, providing spiritual comfort amid unprecedented carnage. The Military Chaplains Association represents the tradition of religious ministry to the armed forces that was tested and proven in the Great War. The Archdiocese for the Military Services continues Catholic ministry to service members that intensified during this period of mass mobilization.

The Forty and Eight

The Forty and Eight (La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux) takes its name from the French railway boxcars that transported American troops to the front—cars marked to carry "40 men or 8 horses." Founded in 1920 as an honor society of The American Legion, the organization commemorates the shared hardships of the Doughboys through charitable work and fellowship.

Birth of The American Legion

The American Legion, founded in Paris in March 1919 by veterans of the AEF, became the nation's largest veterans' organization. Its founding principles—support for veterans, national security, Americanism, and youth programs—continue to guide the organization today. The American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion extend the Legion family across generations.

Reserve and Officer Service

World War I demonstrated the need for trained reserve forces. The Reserve Officers Association (now Reserve Organization of America) was founded in 1922 to advocate for reserve component readiness. The Military Officers Association of America (formerly The Retired Officers Association) advocates for officers of all services, building on traditions established during the war. The Naval Reserve Association supports sailors who served and continue to serve in reserve capacity.

Immigrant and Ethnic Service

World War I saw tremendous contributions from immigrant communities. Approximately 18% of the AEF was foreign-born. The Polish Legion of American Veterans honors the service of Polish Americans, many of whom fought not only for the United States but also hoped to see an independent Poland emerge from the war—which it did.

Support for Service Members and Families

The war created new demands for support services. The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance provides financial support to Coast Guard families, continuing a tradition of mutual aid that grew during wartime. The Foundation for Women Warriors (originally founded in 1920 as the Veterans Welfare Board) began supporting women who served during the Great War. The D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University continues the work of supporting veterans' transition to civilian life.

Preserving the Legacy

The Museum of the American G.I. preserves artifacts and vehicles from World War I through modern conflicts, ensuring that the material culture of American military service remains accessible to future generations.

The Armistice and Aftermath

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—11:00 AM on November 11, 1918—the guns fell silent. The Armistice ended the fighting, though the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June 28, 1919. The war had killed approximately 17 million people worldwide and wounded 20 million more. Four empires—German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian—collapsed. The map of Europe was redrawn, and the seeds of future conflict were sown.

November 11 became Armistice Day, later renamed Veterans Day, honoring all who have served. The Unknown Soldier from World War I was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 1921—a symbol of all who gave their lives.

Tracing World War I Heritage

Over 4.7 million Americans served during World War I:

• United States Army: Approximately 4 million soldiers, including National Guard divisions
• United States Navy: Approximately 600,000 sailors
• United States Marine Corps: Approximately 79,000 Marines
• United States Coast Guard: Approximately 8,800 Coast Guardsmen
• Army Air Service: Approximately 190,000 aviators and support personnel
• Nurses and Medical Personnel: Over 21,000 Army nurses served, plus thousands in support roles

The organizations listed on this page honor the Doughboys who answered their nation's call and helped bring victory in "the war to end all wars."

Key Dates

Major American Battles

• Cantigny (May 28, 1918) — First American offensive victory
• Château-Thierry (May 31–June 4, 1918) — Americans help stop German advance on Paris
• Belleau Wood (June 1–26, 1918) — Marines earn legendary reputation
• Second Battle of the Marne (July 15–August 6, 1918) — Turning point of the war
• Saint-Mihiel (September 12–15, 1918) — First independent American operation
• Meuse-Argonne (September 26–November 11, 1918) — Largest American battle in history to that date

American Casualties

• Total Deaths: 116,516
• Combat Deaths: 53,402
• Non-Combat Deaths: 63,114 (many from influenza pandemic)
• Wounded: 204,002
• Prisoners/Missing: 4,526