My Fellow Soldiers
Letters from World War I

Mobilizing

Mobilizing, equipping, recruiting, and training the military stretched over the nineteen months of America’s engagement in the war. Congress declared war on April 6, 1917, and enacted the draft for men one month later. Eventually over four million men and women served in the military during the conflict. Social welfare organizations also expanded to provide essential services.

Postcard of African-American troops at Camp Humphreys
Private Silas Bradshaw, to Lieutenant Graster, June 22, 1918

Private Silas Bradshaw, to Lieutenant Graster, June 22, 1918. "They are not treating me right they have all white officers and no colored."

Learn more About Private Silas Bradshaw, to Lieutenant Graster, June 22, 1918

Unidentified couple bid farewell as soldiers head for training at Camp Wadsworth
Mae Dees to her husband Private Eliga Dees

Mrs. Mae Dees, to her husband Private Eliga Dees, May 9, 1918. "We are going to amount to a lot someday. We can be what we want to be."

Learn more About Mae Dees to her husband Private Eliga Dees

Troops boarding a transport ship, 1917
Sergeant Edwin G. Frick to his mother

Sergeant Edwin G. Frick, to his mother, July 17, 1918. "Don't worry about me, I am happy, safe, and coming back, as soon as the beasts are no more."

Learn more About Sergeant Edwin G. Frick to his mother

Troops boarding a transport ship, 1917
Stewart C. Lockhart (AEF Medical Unit 60) to Mrs. Nellie Bailey

Stewart C. Lockhart (AEF Medical Unit 60), to Mrs. Nellie Bailey, Postmarked upon receipt October 14, 1918. "Well, here I am, safe and sound and feeling mighty fine."

Learn more About Stewart C. Lockhart (AEF Medical Unit 60) to Mrs. Nellie Bailey

Postcard of African-American troops at Camp Humphreys
Lieutenant John H. Purnell to Lieutenant T. Montgomery Gregory

Lieutenant John H. Purnell, to Lieutenant T. Montgomery Gregory, June 22, 1918. "It appears that the Colored soldiers in that camp are not getting the proper treatment."

Learn more About Lieutenant John H. Purnell to Lieutenant T. Montgomery Gregory

Vaccinating troops at Camp Crane, Pennsylvania, 1918
Alfred Robinson (16th Infantry Regiment), to his father, August 19, 1917

Alfred Robinson (16th Infantry Regiment), to his father, August 19, 1917. "I joined because my blood is as red as that of my ancestors who set the stars in Old Glory."

Learn more About Alfred Robinson (16th Infantry Regiment), to his father, August 19, 1917

Julia Stimson, RN
Chief Nurse Julia Stimson, to her family, May 4-6, 1917

Chief Nurse Julia Stimson, to her family, May 4-6, 1917.
"We have less than a week's notice to get ready for mobilization for service in France."

Learn more About Chief Nurse Julia Stimson, to her family, May 4-6, 1917

Pvt. James Edgar Thornton, father of Charles Edgar
Mr. Charles Edgar Thornton, to his father Private James Edgar Thornton, February 19, 1918

Mr. Charles Edgar Thornton, to his father Private James Edgar Thornton, February 19, 1918. "Dear dadie I received your most loveing letter to day."

Learn more About Mr. Charles Edgar Thornton, to his father Private James Edgar Thornton, February 19, 1918

Pvt. James Edgar Thornton, father of Charles Edgar
Private James Edgar Thornton, to his son Charles Edgar, February 15, 1918

Private James Edgar Thornton, to his son Charles Edgar, February 15, 1918. "You all muss be good boys and help mother take care of little sister."

Learn more About Private James Edgar Thornton, to his son Charles Edgar, February 15, 1918

Postcard of African-American troops at Camp Humphreys
Private David Willey to Lieutenant Simmons

Private David Willey, to Lieutenant Simmons, June 21, 1918. "The captain kicked me and called us all kinds of names."

Learn more About Private David Willey to Lieutenant Simmons

Refer to caption
Photo postcard of bayonet practice
Image credit: NPM 0.260305.12.4.2

My Fellow Soldiers