World War I

World War I. One year prior to the United States Entry into World War I, Kentucky National Guardsmen were activated into federal service along the border between the United States and Mexico. Residual fighting from the early Mexican Revolution spilled over into border towns in Texas. Along with Guard Units from other states, Kentuckians patrolled the troublesome border., In what was to be know as the first, modern, total World War, the Kentucky National Guard lost some designations and much of its previous state identity. Most Kentucky National Guard personnel began to train in Mississippi's Camp Shelby, named for Kentuckian's first governor Isaac Shelby., In large part these troops marked the incorporation of successive Kentucky National Guard units in the 38th "Cyclone" Division, The 38th Division served in France, Kentucky women also served, working as Army and Red Cross nurses in Europe., Several prominent Kentuckians were among the highest ranks of the American command including seven Major-Generals, nine Brigadier-Generals and 28 Colonels. As the ranking naval officers from Kentucky, Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman of Frankfort commanded the American Fleet at the surrender of the German Naval Command in the North Sea., Of the 88,172 Kentuckians who served World War I, 41,655 saw duty outside the Continental United States, 2418 Kentuckians lost their lives. An additional 300 Kentuckians were decorated by the United States for their military service.