America Goes to War

America Goes to War. . , America entered world war one on April 6, 1917, the last of 32 countries to join the conflict that began July 28, 1914. Unequaled in size and casualties, the war rook place in much of Europe as well as in parts of Asia, Africa and South America. world war one introduced the military use of the modern submarine, airplane and tanks, as well as deadly new weapons including the machine gun. While estimates vary widely, approximately 16-20 million soldiers and civilians were killed during the conflict before the signing of a peace agreement on November 11, 1918, ending what was to be "the war to end all wars." , The Doughboy , US troops first arrived in Europe in June of 1917. Known as doughboys,” 2 million US soldiers served abroad during the war. The 302nd Engineers (top) are seen repairing a road over a trench in the Argonne Forest, France, with machine gunners from the 92nd Infantry Division (lower) in 1918. Courtesy Library of Congress, Behind the American lines in Argonne Forest, France . The Battle of the Argonne Forest was one of world war one's largest and bloodiest conflicts, fought from September 26,1918 through November 5, 1918 Courtesy Everett Collection Historical/Alamy Stock Photo , The call for young men to enlist was heard around the nation. Emmitsburg's first six recruits were pictured on the front page of the June 8, 1917 edition of The Weekly Chronicle. First Row (left to right): Joseph Webb Felix George Wagerman Louis H. Stoner Second Row: Benjamin M. Topper Francis X. Elder Joseph Dwen Adelsberger Courtesy, Chronicle Press, Elder family/ Ort family , Francis X. Elder, the first man from Emmitsburg to enlist in the war, wrote this letter to his mother in October 1918 before fighting in the Battle of the Argonne Forest. Elder never returned. He was killed in the Argonne Forest on October 11,1918 and is buried at St. Joseph's Catholic Church cemetery in Emmitsburg. , Dearest Mama, As I am about to enter the big fight for Democracy it is my desire now, whilst I have the opportunity to pencil you a few lines briefly and bid you, Papa and all, a sincere farewell....If the worst happens to me, take the news courageously be brave!, as I am going to try to be.... Farewell, Priv.\Francis X. Elder , In 1927, Emmitsburg erected "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," a reproduction of E.M.Viquesney's popular sculpture, that was also displayed in approximately 130o other US towns. Because of racial discrimination doting that era, the names of African American soldiers and Caucasian soldiers were listed separately on the dedication plaque.