They fought for their country

Dear Editor,

April 6 marks the anniversary of the “Great War”, also known as “World War I”. It was the “War to end all wars”. The War would change America for all time. Though, America did not enter the conflict that started in July of 1914 until the April date, sparked by outrage over the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke and his wife by a Bosnian Serb nationalist, and the world responded.

America declared war on Germany. During the war over 37 million men, women and children were killed or injured. For America’s part, the first shot was fired on April 7 by a Marine aboard the U.S.S. Supply. 

The first U.S. killed in action were Navy. Five sailors aboard the oil carrier VACUM were lost off the coast of Scotland when the carrier was sunk by a German sub. 

On Sept. 5, the first Americans were killed in France. The last American killed in action was an Army Pvt. Henry Gunther. 

So many lives lost. Killed in Action of the Americans were 53,513. Wounded in Action numbered over 204,000. The “Doughboys” fought with valor with the Infantry suffering the greatest losses. 

At home in the United States, great changes in the government were also taking place, The Draft or the Selective Service Act was passed on May 19, 1917. The Women gained the right to vote. Other civil rights laws were also enacted. The country was changing, becoming more socially, military, industrial and economically powerful. 

In all, 2,171,560 American military, known as the “Doughboys” served in Europe. The Armistice of Nov. 11, 1918, signed at the 11th hour, ended the war. The last American soldier killed in action was struck one minute after. 

The war changed the way the world viewed America. The country grew to become the most powerful country in the world. The people of the United States had much to be thankful for. They had so very much to be proud of. 

We of this great nation, continue to remember the men who died serving our country. We continue to honor their valor, courage and compassion for the people of Europe. They fought for their country. They endured.

We remember.

Sincerely,
Danielle Ingram

United States Veteran