Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I

Learn more about the Museum & Library's latest exhibit, Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I.

On August 9, 1918, the 131st United States Infantry’s commanding officer Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn, age 62, led his men to victory at Chipilly Ridge, France, against seasoned German soldiers. 

This bust of then Major General Joseph Sanborn is on loan from the Illinois State Military Museum.

Many monarchs of countries in both alliances were closely related as dependence from either Queen Victoria of England, King Christian IX of Denmark, or both. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Czar Alexander I of Russia, and King George V of England were cousins.

On May 7, 1915, German submarine, SM U-20 sank the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania off the coast of Ireland.

The Preparedness Movement began with a series of summer training camps in 1915 including one at Plattsburg, New York and culminated in the National Defense Act of 1916.

The Zimmermann Telegram refers to a telegram sent by German foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador to Mexico, Count Johann von Bernstorff.

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson stood before a special joint session of Congress to deliver a speech asking for a declaration of war against Germany. 

Created by the Mayor’s Committee for National Defense of New York City, Wake Up America Day was designed to encourage enlistment in the military for World War I. 

A mask like this one of Kaiser Wilhelm II might have been worn on a float or during a play as a way to mock the German monarch.

On July 2, 1917, United States troops made a symbolic march through Paris ending at the grave of the Marquis de Lafayette, who had convinced the French to aid in the American Revolution. 

On May 10, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson appointed General John J. Pershing the Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces. 

In March 1917, the War Department began building 32 new training camps.

Prior to entry into World War I, the United States had a small standing army.

The Emergency Fleet Corporation requisitioned shipyards and ships under construction for the war effort.

On April 16, 1917, the United States Shipping Board created the Emergency Fleet Corporation to acquire, maintain, and operate merchant ships to meet commerce needs during World War I. 

In June 1917 the United States had only 14,000 service members stationed in France. However, by May 1918, over one million United States service members were stationed in Europe.

Although the United States Navy was not fully prepared for war, the Navy ships on the water at the time of the declaration immediately joined the Allies’ war effort. 

German submarines sank more ships in April 1917 than at any other point during World War I. As a result, the United States Navy adopted a convoy system of ships escorted by destroyers. 

When the United States Navy adopted a convoy system in 1917, the Navy focused on destroyers as convoy escorts.

Destroyers and submarine chasers would drop depth bombs in an attempt to sink submerged submarines. 

The Battle of Cantigny (kahn-tee-nyee) fought May 27 to May 31, 1918, was the first United States battle and offensive of World War I and led by the United States 1st Infantry Division of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

The Battle of Cantigny (kahn-tee-nyee) fought May 27 to May 31, 1918, was the first United States battle and offensive of World War I and was led by the United States 1st Infantry Division of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

The 2nd Division, which included a brigade of Marines, and the 3rd Division fought alongside the French and British at Belleau Woods in order to stop the German drive towards Paris. 

The 2nd Division, which included a brigade of Marines, and the 3rd Division fought alongside the French and British at Belleau Woods in order to stop the German drive towards Paris.

The Battle of Belleau Woods has become a key component of the United States Marine Corps lore. Legend has it that after the battle the Germans used the term "Teufelshunde" (devil dogs) to refer to the Marines due to their ferocity.

The Second Battle of the Marne (mahrn) was the last major German offensive on the Western Front of World War I. The United States 3rd Infantry Division would earn the nickname “Rock of the Marne” for continuing to hold the line and even counterattacking the overwhelming and advancing German forces.

The Second Battle of the Marne (mahrn) was the last major German offensive on the Western Front of World War I.

In both the First and Second Battle of the Marne, the Allies managed to halt a German advance towards Paris which changed the momentum of the war. Allied participants in both battles were hailed as the protectors of Paris.

The Hundred Days Offensive was a series of successful offensives launched on the Western Front by the Allies against the Central Powers. The offensive not only forced the German army to retreat behind the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line, it also broke through the line in various places.

The Battle of Amiens was the opening battle of the Hundred Days Offensive. The extensive use of tanks in the Battle of Amiens allowed the war to move out of the trenches and once again become mobile.

The Battle of Amiens was the opening battle of the Hundred Days Offensive. The extensive use of tanks in the Battle of Amiens allowed the war to move out of the trenches and once again become mobile.

The Battle of Saint-Mihiel was the first and only offensive carried out solely by the United States. 

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive fought between September 26, 1918, and November 11, 1918, was a major drive by the American Expeditionary Forces and the French army during the Hundred Days Offensive on the Western Front. 

Nearly 370,000 black men either volunteered for or were drafted into, the United States Army during the war. 

Nine companies of the United States 77th Division gained the name the Lost Battalion after being surrounded by Germans forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

Nine companies of the United States 77th Division gained the name the Lost Battalion after being surrounded by Germans forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

The Battle of Saint Quentin (săn-kahn-tăn) Canal began on September 29, 1918, as part of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive.

Poster showing a wounded soldier on the battlefield, carrying several German helmets as trophies. On October 5, 1918, the German government sent a message to President Woodrow Wilson to begin the negotiation of terms to end the war.

As United States troops entered the trenches in World War I, the Allies referred to them as Yanks or Sammies. Back home they were known as Doughboys and they carried that name with them to the front lines. 

Illinois played a vital role in the war effort.

Illinois contributed 351,153 men to the military for service in World War I, third only to New York and Pennsylvania. 

The 33rd Infantry Division was the only division comprised solely of men from Illinois.

The 33rd Infantry Division was the only division comprised solely of men from Illinois. 

On August 12, 1918, King George V personally awarded four officers and 15 enlisted men various British medals for their actions at Hamel. 

On August 12, 1918, King George V personally awarded four officers and 15 enlisted men various British medals for their actions at Hamel.

Black troops from Illinois served as the 370th Infantry Regiment in the 93rd Infantry Division.

Although the 93rd Infantry Division wore uniforms from the United States, they were otherwise equipped with French supplies. However, by the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, they were issued supplies from the United States.

The 370th Infantry Regiment was composed of the men from the 8th Illinois Infantry National Guard, many of whom had served in the Mexican Border War in 1916. 

Naval Station Great Lakes opened in 1911 on 172 acres in Lake County, Illinois just north of Chicago. 

During the United States’ involvement in World War I, the Navy trained 125,000 sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes. 

Soldiers from the 33rd Division, as well as those drafted from Illinois, marched through downtown Chicago while thousands of Illinoisans watched from the sidewalks. 

The eight cemeteries created to inter American soldiers who gave their lives during World War I are scattered throughout France, Belgium, and England.

The job of exhumation, identification, and relocation temporary graves fell to the Burial Corps of the Quartermaster Department. 

Over the course of World War I, the Graves Registration Service supervised more than 73,000 temporary burials.

The Aisne-Maine cemetery, located next to Belleau Wood in France contains 2,289 graves and is hallowed ground to the Marine Corps.

The Aisne-Marne cemetery, located next to Belleau Wood in France contains 2,289 graves and is hallowed ground to the Marine Corps.

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of the United States military dead in Europe.

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, located outside of Romagne, France, contains the largest number of United States military dead in Europe.

The Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in Aisne, France near Chateau-Thierry contains 6,012 United States military dead.

The Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in Aisne, France near Chateau-Thierry contains 6,012 United States military dead.

The Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery, located near Thiaucourt, France, contains 4,153 graves.

The Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery, located near Thiaucourt, France, contains 4,153 graves.

The Suresnes American Cemetery located near Paris, France contains the graves of 1,541 United States service members who died in World War I

The Suresnes American Cemetery located near Paris, France contains the graves of 1,541 United States service members who died in World War I.

The Suresnes American Cemetery located near Paris, France contains the graves of 1,541 United States service members who died in World War I.

Poster that promoted the first Liberty Loan during World War I.

Poster that promoted the Second Liberty Loan during World War I.

Poster that promoted the Third Liberty Loan during World War I.

Poster that promoted the Fourth Liberty Loan during World War I.

Poster that promoted the Victory Liberty Loan during World War I.

By the time the United States entered World War I, the front lines consisted largely of a maze of trenches.

The gun crew with a 37mm gun in the Argonne Forest in France. 

A tank traveling to the Saint Quentin Canal during the Hundred Days Offensive. 

Artillery fire and bombs were an ever constant threat for World War I soldiers in the trenches. 

The USS Louisiana brought United States servicemembers home from France after the Armistice in 1919. 

A 14-inch railway gun, manned by United States Coastal Artillerymen.

An officer leads the way over the top amidst bursting German shells.

These United States, French and British infantrymen were taking a rest from searching for German troops in a recently captured part of the Argonne Forst during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

Soldiers marching to join the rest of the Allied forces for the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

Men from Battery D, 105th Field Artillery celebrate Armistice. 

This United States supply train was on its way to join the rest of the Allied forces for the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

Members of the 110th Infantry Regiment passing through Varennes-en-Argonne, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

These members of Ambulance Company #12 were administering first aid at an advanced dressing station near Lahayville, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

United States soldiers waiting for orders near the French town of Arras. 

The 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Division took part in the Battle of Cantigny. 

These men, firing a French 75mm howitzer, were part of Battery C, 6th Field Artillery Regiment. 

This field kitchen was located near Vailly, France on the border with Switzerland. 

This Marine recieved first aid before being sent to a hospital in the rear of the trenches. 

These men were watching for the enemy in a front line trench near Verdun, France when this photograph was taken. 

Both sides used fire, gas, and smoke to hide their attacks.

Soldiers in the 33rd Infantry Division hiding behind German camouflage.

The men pictured here delivered to Lt. Col. Burt the message to cease fire on November 11, 1918, at 11 A.M.

Soldiers in World War I named the land between their front lines and those of their enemy "no man's land" since it seemed no man could survive there. 

Members of the 166th Infantry Regiment (formerly the Ohio National Guard) were passing through this trench on their way to the front lines when this photograph was taken.

This soldier in a front line trench was operating a signal rocket gun. 

Both sides created extensive trench systems and networks during World War I. 

This trench on the front lines was located near Saint Quentin on the main Amiens Road. 

The Yankee Division, also known as the 26th Infantry Division, was a Massachusetts Army National Guard formation. 

The 105th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard fought as part of the 27th Infantry Division during World War I. 

Telegraphs were still in use during World War I, especially for long distance communication. 

The 77th Infantry Division was organized from draftees, drawn mostly of men from New York City, and was the first American division of draftees to arrive in France.

Colonel Abel Davis (later a Brigadier General), A Chicago business leader, commanded the 132nd Infantry Regiment of the 33rd Division during World War I. 

The 55th Artillery of the Coast Artillery Corps was one of the units that served in France, during World War I.  

The 88th Infantry Division was activated in Augusut 5, 1917 at Camp Dodge, Iowa. 

John Tinney McCutcheon (1870 – 1949), a political cartoonist for the Chicago Morning News and the Chicago Tribune, contributed his talents to the war effort with illustrations for the official Army Song Book that was used in the training camps.

Some Americans, like Leslie Buswell, joined the war and war relief efforts in Europe before America’s entry into the war in April 1917.  

Some Americans, like Leslie Buswell, joined the war and war relief efforts in Europe before America’s entry into the war in April 1917.  

History's Greatest War : A Pictorial Narrative by Samuel John Duncan-Clark. 

"Mademoiselle Miss": Letters from an American Girl Serving with the Rank of Lieutenant in a French Army Hosptial at the Front from 1916. 

Ambulancing on the French Front by Edward R. Coyle. 

Brigadier General William Lendrum "Billy" Mitchell (1879 – 1936) served as the commander of American air units during World War I.  

World War I is well known for its literature, especially war poetry.

The Lafayette Escadrille, which was also known as the American Escadrille, was named after the Marquis de Lafayette -- a hero of the American and French Revolutions and was composed of American volunteers in the French Air Service, who opted to serve in the war prior to America’s entry into the conflict.  

New England Aviators 1914-1918; Their Portraits and Their Records by Caroline Ticknor. 

With the Colors from Aurora, Illinois, U.S.A., 1917, 1918, 1919 by J.W. Greenaway. 

Frederic Villiers (1851-1922), a British war artist and war correspondent, documented World War I for British newspapers.

Erich Maria Remarque, who served as a German soldier during the war, wrote All Quiet on the Western Front.  

During World War I (1914-1918), Henry J. Reilly commanded the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd (Rainbow) Division of the United States Army.  

During World War I (1914-1918), Henry J. Reilly commanded the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd (Rainbow) Division of the United States Army.  

This English literature text book for young students was published in 1918. 

This helmet is likely made of steel and is an example of a doughboy helmet, also called a Brodie helmet or M1917 Helmet.

A boot jack was a wooden device used to remove boots without having to bend down or touch them. 

Metal fork has "US" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side is "WBW" the number "4134" and "1918." 

This metal spoon has "US" stamped onto the top of the handle. On the reverse side is "W.B.D." and the year, "1918." "WBD" stands for the "William B. Durgin" company which manufactured this spoon.

United States soldiers used the M-1910 haversack to carry their essential equipment in the field. Mess gear, rations, toiletries and personal effects were stored inside the haversack, while the entrenching tool, bayonet, shelter half, and blanket were attached to the outside.

The M-1916 bacon can was a tinned iron can that held uncooked reserve meat rations.

The M-1910 condiment can was a tinned iron can that held rations of coffee, sugar, and salt. 

Hard bread, a food item similar to hardtack and crackers, was included in the field rations for soldiers from many countries who fought in World War I, including the American Expeditionary Forces.

Many of the items, like this collapsible drinking cup, would have been carried in a doughboy’s haversack.

The M1910 canteen was attached to the soldier’s ammunition belt for easier access.  

Mess kit with an engraved eagle perched on a branch.

Soldiers rotating out of the front trenches found comfort where they could—by shaving, bathing, playing cards, smoking cigarettes, and reading and writing letters. 

A metal compass, carried by a doughboy in WWI.

This particular pouch may have been used to carry medical equipment, as evidenced by the red cross drawn on the front.

Soldiers rotating out of the front trenches found comfort where they could—by shaving, bathing, playing cards, smoking cigarettes, and reading and writing letters. 

Many of the soldiers’ small comforts were sent overseas by loved ones or acquired through the YMCA.

This shaving brush was used by soldiers in the trenches to shave during their periods of downtime and boredom.

This safety razor is called the Laurel, also known as the Laurel Dumb-Bell due to its shape.

This identification tag has the inscription "James L. Davis PFC USA" and "1297407".

These American playing cards were used in the trenches to pass the time.

Waldorf toilet paper packet.

U.S. Army First Aid packet with pouch.

Foot powder

Soldiers could use a button stick when polishing the brass buttons of their uniform to protect the uniform from damage. 

This button polishing kit includes a small hard-bristled brush made of wood, a polishing cloth, and a black plastic guard that would be inserted behind and around the button in order to protect the uniform to protect the uniform from damage. 

This leather kit is foldable and contains thread, a safety pin, a button, and needles.

This snuff box contained tobacco.

Ohio matches box

Match holder

Hahway lighter

Player's Navy Cut cigarettes

Hand-cranked gas alarms and siren whistles gave soldiers wearing a gas mask the ability to warn other of an oncoming chemical attack.

Siren whistles gave soldiers wearing a gas mask the ability to warn other of an oncoming chemical attack.  

Anti-dimming sticks were used to clean and treat insides of a gas mask, to reduce fogging or "dimming" when wearing the mask.

This anti-dimming composition and cloth in a can were used to reduce fogging or dimming of gas masks when worn.

The American Expeditionary Forces used a variety of gas masks and respirators during World War I, including the British Small Box Respirator (SBR).

Congress awarded 121 Medals of Honor to United States soldiers for actions performed during World War I 

Private Robert Blackwell received the Medal of Honor for volunteering to carry a message for reinforcements through heavy shell and machinegun fire.

Second Lieutenant Erwin Bleckley received the Medal of Honor for his mission to deliver supplies while his plane was under heavy enemy fire.

Lieutenant Joel Thompson Boone received the Medal of Honor for his efforts to provide medical attention to and save the lives of Marines under heavy fire.

Commander Willis Winter Bradley Jr. received the Medal of Honor for placing himself in danger to save the lives of his shipmates after an explosion.

First Lieutenant Bronson received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

Sergeant Wilbur Colyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to secure machinegun nests under enemy fire.

Major Louis Cukela was twice awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I, one from the U.S. Navy and one from the U.S. Army.

Sergeant Michael Donaldson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in France in World War I.

Private First Class Parker Dunn was awarded the Medal of Honor for volunteering for a mission to deliver an intelligence message under artillery and machinegun fire.

Sergeant Alan Louis Eggers was awarded the Medal of Honor for saved fellow soldiers under enemy fire and holding off the enemy.

PFC Jesse Funk was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing two wounded officers in No Man's Land.

First Lieutenant Harold Ernest Goettler was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his own life to deliver supplies to his fellow soldiers.

Seaman Ora Graves was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his own life to prevent an explosion on his ship.

Sergeant Earl Gregory was awarded the Medal of Honor for capturing several enemy combatants under fire.

Lieutenant Edouard Victor Michel was awarded the Medal of Honor his escape from a German prisoner of war camp to deliver important intelligence about German submarine movements.

Gunnery Sergeant Ernest Janson was twice awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I, one from the U.S. Navy and one from the U.S. Army.

Private Henry Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for his actions in thwarting a surprise enemy attack. 

Private John Joseph Kelly was twice awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to attack an enemy nest and capture of enemy prisoners of war.

Sergeant John Cridland Latham was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for rescuing the crew of an American tank while under enemy fire.

Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for his attack on the enemy under fire from ground batteries and hostile planes.

Lieutenant Commander James Jonas Madison was awarded the Medal of Honor for his command of USS Ticonderoga in World War I.

Shipfitter First Class Patrick McGunigal was awarded the Medal of Honor for his rescue of a kite balloon pilot in World War I. 

Sergeant Richard O'Neill was awarded the Medal of Honor for his attack on a detachment of 25 enemy men.

Chief Machinist's Mate Francis Edward Ormsbee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his rescue attempt of the crew of a plane.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Weedon Osborne was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to rescue the wounded at Belleau Wood.

2LT Samuel Parker was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading his command to victory despite being severely wounded. 

Lieutenant Orlando Henderson Petty received the Medal of Honor for evacuating wounded soldiers during the attack in the Boise de Belleau while under heavy fire and at great personal risk to himself.

Corporal Pruitt received the Medal of Honor for single-handedly attacking 2 machineguns and rescuing 40 prisoners at Blanc Mont Ridge. 

First Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker was awarded the Medal of Honor for attacking enemy planes.

Sergeant Wilie Sandlin was awarded the Medal of Honor advancing alone and securing an enemy machinegun nest.

Sergeant William Shemin was awarded the Medal of Honor for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire to rescue the wounded. 

Captain Alexander Skinner was awarded the Medal of Honor for personally leading an attack on an enemy machinegun.

Ensign Daniel Sullivan was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the lives on board USS Christabel.

Second Lieutenant Ralph Talbot was awarded the Medal of Honor air raids into enemy territory.

Private Michael Valente was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to disable multiple machineguns and capture enemy soldiers.

Sergeant Ludovicus M.M. Van Iersel was awarded the Medal of Honor for his reconnaissance mission.

Major Charles Whittlesey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions maintaining his division's position surrounded by the enemy.

First Lieutenant Samuel Woodfill was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions to secure multiple machinegun nests from the enemy.

Corporal Alvin York was awarded the Medal of Honor for securing a machinegun nest under deadly fire.

Thank you to the sponsors of Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies, and Doughboys Over There in World War I

Many individuals contributed to the opening of Lest We Forget: Sailors, Sammies and Doughboys Over There in World War I.