Nebraska Soldiers & Letters Home

World War I, also known the Great War, began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, on June 28, 1914. Britain, France, and Russian fought as allies against Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary.  The United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917 sending the American Expeditionary Force to France to join the Allies. The war devastated those who fought and altered the European continent.

At the University of Nebraska many students enlisted in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy.  These young men served in battalions and companies, representing Nebraska, in the 4th, 42nd 44th, and 353th, and 355th infantries, among others.  They participated in drives at Argonne, Chateau Thierry, and St. Mihiel. Many began their overseas service in 1917 and 1918, with the majority receiving their discharge after May 1919.

While we can learn about a few story through these letters written by Nebraska soldiers, there are many stories that will be limited to service dates and battalion, division, and company details.  Each story of service during war is significant even as some who served experienced greater challenges than others.

For example, William G. Spahr served in the 125th Infantry, 4th Division. He went overseas on June 22, 1918, escaped within 14 days of being taken prisoner at Chateau Thierry, and received a wound on Aug. 28, 1918. Ralph S. Breitenstein, who servied in Company G of the 4th Infantry received wounds in two separate charges, on July 29 and again Oct. 15, 1918.  (Shucks, 1920, pg. 84).

The second World War began began September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. Considered the biggest military conflict in human history, World War II was fought over six continents and in every ocean, causing an estimated total of 50 million military and civilian deaths. The United States remained neutral until December 7, 1941, when Japanese forces bombed the U.S. naval base Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The United States joined the allied powers, Great Britain and the Soviet Union to fight against the axis powers, Germany, Italy, and Japan. When World War II ended on September 2, 1945, it marked the start of the nuclear era, the creation of the United Nations, and the advent of the Cold War.